Tribal Relations

Tribal Relations

The Department works closely with Tribes to ensure that the rights of American Indian Children are protected, ensuring their best interests and to promote the stability and security of American Indian tribes and families according to the Indian Child Welfare Act.

Learn more about the Indian Child Welfare Act: https://dcs.az.gov/resources/faq/question-indian-child-welfare-act-icwa

For more information, please visit Bureau of Indian Affairs.

Help us keep traditions alive, and strengthen the culture of all native tribes, by becoming a foster parent:

Native American family smiling

There are 22 federally recognized Tribes in Arizona. Here is a map of Arizona American Indian Reservations:

Arizona state map with locations of tribes

Here are links to our latest Tribal Consultation reports:

Prior reports found here: https://dcs.az.gov/reports

DCS has Tribal Relations documents with various Arizona Tribes.

View the current list:

Timareeann Thurston, DCS Intergovernmental Tribal Liaison

The DCS Tribal Liaison acts as the DCS contact person with American Indians and other tribal entities and assists in building a positive relationship between the Department and American Indian Tribes in Arizona. The Tribal Relations Liaison serves as a point of contact for information and issues concerning health care policy that affects American Indian AHCCCS members.

If you have a question regarding Tribal Relations as it relates to DCS, please contact Timareeann and her team here: [email protected]

 

Kasaundra Gooden, Qualified Expert Witness Coordinator

In accordance with the federal mandates of the Indian Child Welfare Act, the QEW review’s the department's active cases subject to the ICWA. Additionally, the QEW provides testimony on: the risk of harm, court ordered removals, active efforts, foster care placement, dependency actions and termination of parental rights.

 

Lisa Cadman, Indian Child Welfare Specialist

The Indian Child Welfare (ICWA) Specialist provides consultation and support to DCS staff regarding ICWA compliance and follow through with the respective tribes when American Indian children are concerned. The ICWA Specialist also supports the Tribes of Arizona by ensuring their inclusion and notification on all aspects of DCS cases regarding American Indian children, as outlined in the Indian Child Welfare Act. Lisa is also an enrolled member of the Blackfeet/Peigan tribe.

 

Please view our comprehensive list of Arizona Tribal Contacts