Commissioner of Indian Affairs Morris Thompson expressed his support of a national effort to protect the rights of foster children in a statement issued May 19.
In a ceremony in Washington, D. C., the Commissioner formally endorsed a Bill of Rights for Foster Children.
The week of May 18-24 had been designated as National Action for Foster Children Week by the committee which drafted the Bill of Rights in 1973. One of the objectives of the Week is to gain the support of Governors, Mayors and other governmental leaders.
Commissioner Thompson, in his endorsement, said: "I note with pride that a signatory to the original document was Mrs. Marie Cox of the Comanche Tribe, and in the years since, this document has been endorsed by many Indian tribes and organizations. I look forward to the day when the principles set forth in this Bill of Rights are a reality for Indian children, and for all children who will be reared by persons other than their own friends and family."
The National Action for Foster Children Committee, established in 1972 by HEW, is made up of representatives of various national organizations. Mrs. Cox, for example, represents the North American Indian Women's Association.
