MURKOWSKI, SCHATZ LEAD HEARING TO EXAMINE DRAFT LEGISLATION TO STRENGTHEN JUSTICE AND SAFETY FOR NATIVE CHILDREN

U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska), Chairman of the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs, and U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawaiʻi), Vice Chairman held a legislative hearing titled: "Justice and Safety for Native Children: Examining Title II of the Draft Native Children's Commission Implementation Act."

"Native children deserve systems that are responsive, coordinated, and grounded in the strength of Tribal values so that they can thrive," said Chairman Murkowski. "This discussion draft reflects years of work and listening by the Committee and is rooted in the recommendations of the Alyce Spotted Bear and Walter Soboleff Native Children's Commission. Today's hearing showcased the improved outcomes when Tribes have the authority and flexibility to develop culturally grounded services, which this legislation will support for more Native families and communities."

"Doing everything we can to ensure public safety in Indian Country is just one of our trust and treaty obligations," said Vice Chairman Schatz. "I'm glad bipartisan Committee staff worked together to listen and learn from Native communities from across the country, including Hawaii, on how Chair Murkowski's draft legislation may support their unique public safety needs, particularly for children and families."

The hearing examined Title II of the draft Native Children's Commission Implementation Act, authored by Chairman Murkowski, which focuses on improving justice, safety, and support for Native children, youth, and families. It establishes a Tribal Advisory Committee on juvenile justice, mandates a DOJ and BIA study on missing AI/AN children, codifies programs like the Alaska native Victim services program, and support domestic violence prevention, victim services, and family centered interventions.

The following witnesses participated in the Legislative Hearing:

• The Honorable Lonna Street, Chairwoman, Spirit Lake Tribal Council, Fort Totten, ND
• The Honorable Joan Johnson, Council Member representing Gros Ventre At Large, Fort Belknap Indian Community, Harlem, MT
• Ms. Anita Fineday, Former Commissioner, Native Children's Commission, Brainerd, MN
• Ms. Lori Jump, Executive Director, StrongHearts Native Helpline, Sault Ste. Marie, MI
• Mr. Mark Patterson, Chair, Hawaii Correctional System Oversight Commission; Former Administrator, Hawaii Youth Correctional Facility /Kawailoa Youth and Family Wellness Center, Honolulu, HI

In addition to the hearing, Senator Murkowski hosted a roundtable titled "The Alyce Spotted Bear and Walter Soboleff Commission on Native Children: Examining Draft Legislation Related to The Way Forward Report." Committee staff for Senators Murkowski and Schatz have also conducted numerous meetings, calls, and listening sessions with Tribal leaders and stakeholders to inform the discussion draft.

Video of the hearing can be found here. The Committee will continue to accept written testimony on the discussion draft through February 11, 2026. Testimony may be submitted to [email protected].