American Indian Culture and Research Journal

The Tlingits' changing perception of the composition of the family has altered the role of the clan in Tlingli society, thereby necessitating many changes in their adoption practices. The majority of contemporary Tlingits would find it neither feasible nor desirable to revitalize the traditional clan system for adoption; however, they would find those aspects of the clan system which strengthen ties of commitment between relatives, worthy of incorporation into their lives. The traditional clan system for adoption benefited both the children and their clans. As the welfare of the individual and the clan was mutually intertwined, the clan invested in its future well-being, socially and economically, by ensuring that parentless children remained in the clan. The Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA) grants contemporary Tlingits the right to intervene in state court proceedings, and allows tribes to establish their own courts. Native youth involuntarily separated from their parents by court order thus have a greater likelihood of remaining in the native community, and preferably are placed with extended family relatives. Like the clan system tor adoption, the implementation of ICWA has the potential of being beneficial for all Tlingit youth as well as the tribe itself. This study identifies obstacles the Tlingit community must overcome in order to utilize best the authority allowed them under ICWA.