adoption of native children?

If the birthmom is registed, the child CAN also be, but doesn't have to be. It is your choice. We chose to because it was important to Roo's first mom that he is. And it is important to us that we preserve and celebrate his aboriginal heritage. If I were you, I would MAKE SURE that CFS knows you are interested and willing to consider placement of a child with aboriginal heritage. This was a very specific part of the conversation in both our home studies. Even though we stated we were interested in mixed ethnicity, they specifically asked us about aboriginal history because it does have implication especially if the child is of full heritage. There are things to consider regarding band/tribal involvement that you need to be fully aware of. Although we were interested in contact with first family, we have many concerns about the band's interest in our child. From what we understand, some bands have great interest in how a child from their community is raised in all areas. We did not want to have to consult them regarding our parenting choices, esp when it comes to faith and education. I would make sure you have a specific conversation with your SW or someone who deals with these situations. But usually, children available for adoption to non-aboriginal families are ones that do not have a strong connection to the band. But it is definitely a question to be clarified. Are you looking at a specific child??? If so, then you should be able to get some clear answers. Do they have a band number? What band are they with? Etc. If you are initerested in general, you can state you are interested in a "non-status Indian" which means that they most generally do not have band contact. That is what my DD is considered as her first mom has not been associated with her band since toddlerhood. HTH... I tend to go on and on, sorry... that's just me! Hope it works out for you!!!

Hi Blessedbybug,I'm new to all of this but just had a question about registration and your choice to register Roo. You decided to register Roo and have contact with the first family but not the band. How did you know that this would work out? Was this band one of those that doesn't tend to get too involved? Did you determine ahead of time whether the band had a history of taking an interest in adoptions of band members children? If so how did you determine this? If you had determined that they might want to be involved in raising your child would you have waited until Roo was eighteen to register him? Sorry for the long string of questions, just trying to make some difficult decisions but would like to do what is best for the child while trying to keep a connection to her culture. Thanks. Lookingforward

Tammy - I'm just curious because when I placed my son in 2000 I had to sign an affidavit stating that I was not native, had no native blood, etc etc etc. I was so scared that if I did somehow have native blood that the "band" would make decisions for my child and where he would go. So, did Roo's first mom have to inform the band of her decision to place him in a non-native home?

LOL now Tammy...I know I either had to sign the affidavit (I can't find it either in all the paperwork) or swear before the lawyer that I didn't have native blood. I know though I was questioned as to if I had native blood or not and that it was a criminal offense if I didn't tell the truth. I remember it being a big deal though.

In Alberta both the Adoption Summary and the Affidavit of the Birth Mother (and BDad) are supposed to have a statement on them regarding the child's ethnic heritage and if Aboriginal heritage is indicated then if the birth parent is registered with a band we are supposed to include that information. If the birth parents are registered but do not wish to consult with the band (as in Roo's case) then a statement to that fact is usually added to the Affidavit as well. (Can you tell I have had to draw up a bunch of these?! LOL) :coffee: Carrie

Now I'm going to get Roo's paperwork to see EXACTLY what it says... all you guys are making me curiouser and curiouser... ;)

Although they both are of mixed heritage, our profiles would not have been shown to their first parents had we not been open to aboriginal heritage. We were told that there were much fewer families willing to consider children of aboriginal heritage. ...

Odd because = here in Ontario and more specifically they CAS where i live - we were told that we would not be considered for Aboriginal children because neither of us have status. I have aboriginal family on my dad's side (still trying to figure out how far back) and my husband does as well ( SIL is constantly being asked by CAS re her daughters child who is in her care - what band she is with - She looks cree but we cannot get ANY information about heritage because her Grandma denies any connection - she has a very shady past.) Either way i think it is very frustrating that there is not a national standard for these things. Not fair that AB and Maritimes have wonderfull programs and even advertising promoting adoption and in Ontario we aren;t even back burner - we fell behind the stove !

Odd because = here in Ontario and more specifically they CAS where i live - we were told that we would not be considered for Aboriginal children because neither of us have status. I have aboriginal family on my dad's side (still trying to figure out how far back) and my husband does as well ( SIL is constantly being asked by CAS re her daughters child who is in her care - what band she is with - She looks cree but we cannot get ANY information about heritage because her Grandma denies any connection - she has a very shady past.) Either way i think it is very frustrating that there is not a national standard for these things. Not fair that AB and Maritimes have wonderfull programs and even advertising promoting adoption and in Ontario we aren;t even back burner - we fell behind the stove !