2025 Session Last amended: 2024 session

§ 260.835 — American Indian Child Welfare Advisory Council

Plain-Language Summary

This section creates the American Indian Child Welfare Advisory Council, appointed by the commissioner to help formulate policies and procedures for Indian child welfare services and to make recommendations on approving grants under section 260.785, subdivisions 1, 2, and 3. The council has 17 members: a representative authorized by tribal resolution from each of the 11 Minnesota reservations, one representative from the Duluth Urban Indian Community, three from the Minneapolis Urban Indian Community, and two from the St. Paul Urban Indian Community. The urban Indian community representatives are chosen through an open appointments process, and member terms, compensation, and removal follow section 15.059.

Practical Notes
The council is a fixed 17-member body with guaranteed seats for all 11 reservations plus the Duluth, Minneapolis, and St. Paul urban Indian communities. Beyond advising on policy, it also recommends which Indian child welfare grants should be approved.