On Feb. 17, the Muckleshoot Tribal Council gathered in chambers to present a 100,000-dollar donation to the National Indian Child Welfare Association. While the moment was marked with a ceremonial check, the meaning behind it reaches far beyond a single day.

For generations, Native children were removed from their homes through boarding schools, adoption systems, and policies designed to separate them from their identity, language, and culture. The impacts of those actions are still felt in our communities today. Protecting Native children is not simply a social issue. It is a sovereignty issue. It is about the survival and strength of our Nations.

The National Indian Child Welfare Association works at the national level to defend the rights of Native children and families, support Tribal child welfare programs, and advocate for the full implementation of the Indian Child Welfare Act. Their work ensures that Native children remain connected to their families, their culture, and their Tribal communities. When Native children grow up knowing who they are and where they come from, our Nations remain strong.

Muckleshoot understands that our responsibility does not stop on our own reservation. As Tribal Nations, we are connected. When one Tribe invests in the protection of Native children, we all benefit. This contribution reflects our commitment to intertribal solidarity and to the future of Indigenous families across the country.

This is about more than funding. It is about standing up for Native children at a time when federal protections continue to face scrutiny and when strong Tribal advocacy remains essential. It is about ensuring that Native families have the resources and support they need to keep children safe, connected, and rooted in culture.

At Muckleshoot, we believe our children are sacred. Investing in their protection is an investment in our future.