Raleigh Rep. Michael H. Wray has been appointed to a study committee that will examine issues related to the preservation of the culture and customs among Indian children.
“North Carolina has a rich Indian history that we should do our best to preserve,” Rep. Wray said. “I’m happy to have this chance to study some of the legal issues involving these children and to see how our state laws compare to federal law in this area.”
Rep. Michael Wray
The thirteen-member House Study Committee to Preserve the Culture and Customs of Indian Children has been given authority to study current state laws concerning family-related legal proceedings and their impact on retention of the cultural heritage of child members of Indian tribes; guidelines for local social service agencies in their work with Indian children; and the creation of a state council or commission to recommend policies and procedures to the General Assembly.
The study committee has also been given permission to study any other matter relevant to promoting the preservation of the customs and culture of Indian children who are the subject of legal proceedings in state courts. A final report from the committee is expected to come during the 2010 session of the General Assembly.
Rep. Wray is a small business owner in his third term representing Northampton, Vance and Warren counties. He is chairman of the Insurance Committee and vice chairman of the Wildlife Resources Committee and the Appropriations Subcommittee on Natural and Economic Resources. He is also a member of the Agriculture; Appropriations; Transportation; and Commerce, Small Business and Entrepreneurship committees.