The future of Indian Tribes and Nations depends upon the success of our future generations. An important role of Indian Tribes is to ensure that the Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA) is properly implemented by State Courts. The Circle Law Groups' Founder Michelle LaPena has represented many California Indian tribes to establish ICWA policies and forms, to establish tribal standards for placement of tribal children and to enforce tribal placement preferences in State Courts. As a representative on the Governor's Children's Justice Act Task Force, Michelle advocates for tribal court funding and development of protocols between tribal and local governments to implement the ICWA more effectively.