CramerKevinJamestown (CSi) Betty Jo Krenz of Woodworth is expected to testify Tuesday, June 24, 2014, at a congressional subcommittee oversight hearing, in Washington, D.C.

Republican U.S. Representative, Kevin Cramer of North Dakota announced that the U.S. House Natural Resources Subcommittee on Indian and Alaska Native Affairs hearing, will concern child protection and the justice system on the North Dakota’s Spirit Lake Indian Reservation.

On Monday’s Wayne Byers Show on CSi Cable 2, Ms. Krenz said she plans to tell the congressional subcommittee about her experiences of working with at-risk children on the Reservation.

She had worked as a case manager for Spirit Lake Tribal Social Services.

She said she was terminated in June 2011, after bringing problems of child abuse to light on the reservation.

Since that time, she has been an advocate for Native American children.

The Natural Resources Committee said the hearing will, “examine the current status of child welfare and protection services on the reservation that is publicly unknown because relevant federal and tribal agencies lack transparency.”

She said she will have five minutes to present her testimony, followed by questions from the panel.

She added that members of the Bureau of Indian Affairs will also be given the opportunity to present testimony at the hearing.

Cramer called the current situation unacceptable, and “failing our children.”

The goal of this hearing is to shine a light on the situation and promote a dialogue about solutions between local, state, tribal and federal government.

Ms Krenz added, her testimony will be “The first time kids will be heard,” she said. “They will hear from judges and people working with the kids.”

There have been two child deaths in the past year at Spirit Lake.

Almost three years old, Laurynn Whiteshield, was killed on June 12, 2013, as her step-grandmother, Hope Whiteshield pleaded guilty of felony child abuse, along with witness tampering in the case. She was sentenced to 30 years in prison.

The death of an infant on April 25 remains under investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

A news release from the committee said, “The hearing could lead to congressional action concerning child welfare and justice system on the reservation.”

The hearing is scheduled for 2 p.m. EDT on June 24, 2014, at the 1334 Hearing Room of the Longworth House Office Building in Washington, D.C.

Ms Krenz pointed out that she is looking to bring to Washington, DC with her, an as yet to be determined number of “aged out” individuals, previously involved in cases with the social services.

She is looking to raise funds for them to go on the trip.

More information by visiting on line: www.gofundme.com

and the search  save the children of spiritlake nation. http://www.gofundme.com/a88sbs

She also has a Face Book page, BettyJoKrenz.