1.25.010 Purpose

Children are the most important asset of the Bad River Tribe. In them lie the Tribe's future, and in their retention of Chippewa culture lies the preservation of the Tribe's past. Their health, safety, and welfare are paramount to the Tribe. It is the policy of the Tribe to strengthen family structures, to prevent family breakups, and to foster conditions favorable to the growth, spirit, culture, and individuality of each child. A child without knowledge of the past is directionless in the path forward; a child without a nurturing present is denied the strengths that lead to the future. It is the Tribe's policy to favor preventive action over belated reaction, mediation over confrontation, counseling over lecturing, conciliation over punishment - but in all decisions made under this code the welfare of the child shall be the ultimate touchstone.