“American Indians/Alaskan Natives (AI/AN) have historically been forcefully integrated into the child welfare system. Their relationship began before a formal child welfare system was established in the United States and continues to the present. It is critical to examine AI/AN history and the child welfare system in the United States to fully understand their difficult and often damaging interactions. This paper will review the literature on this topic in an effort to highlight the intersectionality of AI/ AN children and families, and the policies and practices of the American child welfare system.”