On Wednesday, Nov. 14, the Utah Native American Legislative Liaison Committee met in Salt Lake City to review the proposed Utah Indian Family Preservation Act.
Tamra Borchardt-Slayton, PITU Family Advocate Coordinator and Indian Peaks Band chair, was at a water panel meeting in California at the time but joined the meeting at the Utah Capitol remotely to speak on behalf of the Paiute Indian Tribe of Utah in favor of the legislation, which can be viewed here.
Tamra’s full statement, as read to the committee, follows below.
“My name is Tamra Borchardt-Slayton, I am the Family Advocate Coordinator and Tribal Council member the for the Paiute Indian Tribe of Utah.
I thank Representative Romero for taking the important step of bringing forward this legislation, the Utah Indian Family Preservation Act.
As many on the Committee are aware, this is not the first time this type of legislation has been introduced, but we are hopeful that the Utah Legislature move to enact this important law. Importantly, the previous iteration of this legislation was supported by the executive branch and judicial branch of the Utah state government. Additionally, a significant portion of the legislature was in support as well. We hope that this continues and this bill moves forward and is enacted into law.
The Utah Indian Family Preservation Act seeks to strengthen family bonds, empower local communities, and promote culturally aligned solutions for Utah’s Native children and their families. Effective family preservation efforts at an early stage benefits everyone in the State. It also requires active state participation and collaboration with Tribes.
Utah has a long and active history of engagement with Indian tribes. This is evidenced by the very existence of this committee as well as strong support of Utah state leadership in Tribal matters.
We ask that the Utah Native American Legislative Liaison Committee support Indian family preservation and the proposed bill.”
Following brief discussion, the committee voted unanimously to give the legislation a favorable recommendation, which will move it forward to the 2025 Utah Legislature, which convenes in January.
Watch for a more detailed report on this and other legislation pertinent to indigenous communities that will include statements from Hope Silvas and legislation sponsor Rep. Angela Romero.