Beyond Black and White: Native American Representation in Mainstream Media

Abstract

The media has the ability to shape public opinion and influence policy direction. The case of Adoptive Couple v. Baby Girl gained national attention as the ‘Baby Veronica’ case. The outcome of this particular custodial case involving the Indian Child Welfare Act (‘ICWA’) surprised many experts on the ICWA as well as those possessing general knowledge of Federal Indian Law. The purpose of this study is to examine whether a relationship exists between media representation of Native American issues and court opinions that shape Federal Indian Law. If so, what information can be learned to aid tribes and tribal advocates. Five dominant themes were identified in the analysis of 25 articles from five different sources: 1) The ICWA is a raced based law; 2) Dusten Brown’s termination of parental rights; 3) adoptive couple’s rights; 4) best interest of the child; and 5) The ICWA’s congressional intent. These themes were then discussed in relation to the Supreme Court’s opinion. This study does not attempt to prove causation. Instead it is assessed for ways in which engagement with the media can be beneficial to tribes and tribal advocates.