In what year did New Mexico enact the Indian Child Welfare Act?

The Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA) was enacted in 1978. This federal law was designed to protect the best interests of Native American children and to promote the stability and security of Native American tribes and families. It was established in response to the high number of Native American children being removed from their families and placed into non-Native American homes, which disrupted their cultural identities and familial connections.

The significance of the ICWA is that it recognizes the importance of tribal sovereignty and the unique cultural needs of Native American children. By requiring that child custody proceedings involving Native American children be carried out in a way that considers the child's cultural background, the law emphasizes the importance of maintaining the child's connection to their tribe and heritage.

The law was a response to the historical injustices faced by Native American families and aimed to address the systemic issues that led to the disconnection of many Native American children from their culture and community. This enactment was a critical step towards honoring and preserving Native American cultures and promoting the rights of Indigenous families in child welfare matters.