When my two sons of First Nations ancestry were adopted there were no culture plans as there are now. With both of them, there was a discussion of the fact that they had a different heritage, and that we should work at ways to include this in our parenting and our lives. Their Aboriginal community sent a letter saying that they couldn't offer anything in terms of resources, but that they did support the adoptions. Things are different now. Not just in regards to culture plans, but in all adoptions done in our province. When we first applied to adopt there was no "Adoption Education Program" as there is today. Most learning accomplished by adoptive parents was done on their own time, and was self directed. Whether your child was a newborn, or was 12, you received essentially the same preparation, and this also applied whether your child was caucasion, First Nations or had any other ancestry.
It's good that times have changed.
I have learned a lot in the time I've been parenting. Like lots of parents, some days I wish I could go back and do it again knowing what I know now. But I can't. We can all learn from the mistakes of the past. Having the requirement to have a culture plan for children joining a family with a different heritage is a good thing.
Sunday, November 29, 2009
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
Culture Plans Part 1
Culture plans are created for children of Aboriginal ancestry placed for adoption to ensure that the child's cultural identity is preserved. A sample Culture Plan can be found in the Practice Standards for Adoption which can be viewed (or printed) from the MCFD website. Culture plans involve the child's Aboriginal community, and the adoptive parents in developing a way in which this will happen. The culture plan may include information about the Aboriginal community and it's: traditional foods, language, cultural ceremonies, family memberships and genealogy and teachings.
The adoptive family must be willing to partner with the Aboriginal community and commit to following through on whatever has been agreed upon will be the best ways to preserve the child's cultural identity. This may include spending time in the child's community, having contact with Elders or others, and learning as much as they can about the child's cultural identity and ancestry.
There are a range of ways that this can be accomplished. A variety of factors may impact on the planning and implementation such as safety issues and geographic location of the Aboriginal community.
Bottom line is that the culture plan is a very important piece of the child's life. It is a document that threads them to their past, and to their future. Their ancestry is part of who they are. They need to know where they came from. If a child has never had that connection, then there is no time like the present to build it. If they've already had it, then it must be maintained and grown.
The adoptive family must be willing to partner with the Aboriginal community and commit to following through on whatever has been agreed upon will be the best ways to preserve the child's cultural identity. This may include spending time in the child's community, having contact with Elders or others, and learning as much as they can about the child's cultural identity and ancestry.
There are a range of ways that this can be accomplished. A variety of factors may impact on the planning and implementation such as safety issues and geographic location of the Aboriginal community.
Bottom line is that the culture plan is a very important piece of the child's life. It is a document that threads them to their past, and to their future. Their ancestry is part of who they are. They need to know where they came from. If a child has never had that connection, then there is no time like the present to build it. If they've already had it, then it must be maintained and grown.
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
Transracial Parenting Workshop comes to Victoria
You are invited to the following event:
Building Skills for Transracial Parenting Workshop ONE-VICTORIA January 16 2010
Date:
Saturday, January 16, 2010 from 10:00 AM - 3:30 PM (PT)
Location:
Quality Inn - Victoria
850 Blanshard Street
Victoria, V8W 2H2
Canada
$55 AFA BC member, $65 non-member
check out the AFA BC website to register online with eventbrite
Building Skills for Transracial Parenting Workshop ONE-VICTORIA January 16 2010
Date:
Saturday, January 16, 2010 from 10:00 AM - 3:30 PM (PT)
Location:
Quality Inn - Victoria
850 Blanshard Street
Victoria, V8W 2H2
Canada
$55 AFA BC member, $65 non-member
check out the AFA BC website to register online with eventbrite
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
Stó:lõ Nation Embrace Adoptive Family
Stó:lõ Nation Embrace Adoptive Family
by Siobhan Rowe
I was fortunate to attend a wonderful event in May. AFABC members and adoptive parents Jacqueline and Steve Janssen of the Peace River area, and their nine children, attended a ceremony at the Stó:lõ Nation in Chilliwack. Jacqueline and Steve were about to adopt an 18-month-old baby, the youngest sibling of three of their children. All three children are Stó:lõ.
The Janssens were invited by the Stó:lõ Elders Advisory Council. The Council is usually the first step in child welfare issues involving Stó:lõ children. Once the elders became aware that the baby was Stó:lõ, and that three of his siblings had already joined the Janssen family, they became involved in deciding on the best plan for the little boy. After careful consideration, they decided that he should join his siblings. This decision was significant and could be precedent setting — as one of the elders said, “We do not ever allow children out of our territory if we have control of that.”
The elders invited the family to an honouring ceremony. This event was just as important as the formal decision around the adoption.
In a relaxed atmosphere the elders met with, and spoke to, all the Janssen family, including Steve’s mother, the children and her husband. They spoke about their nation, its history, and their experience as parents. This was not a meeting where people spoke loudly, argued, made speeches or produced a strategic plan; yet, much was achieved. Everyone was welcome to contribute, and out of this coming together it was clear that a bond between the family and the Stó:lõ had been formed. Steve told the elders that he believed that his family had entered into a covenant with the Stó:lõ to raise these children respecting and embracing Stó:lõ traditions and culture. He said that he hoped that on this day he had, in some way, become part of the Nation. The elders nodded in agreement. That moment seemed to cement the understanding between the elders and the Janssens. The elders then honoured the family and the baby’s foster mom with a blanketing ceremony, which represents the embrace of the entire Stó:lõ Nation.
Participants also enjoyed a tour of Stó:lõ premises, including a fascinating display of Stó:lõ history and cultural artifacts. The morning was rounded off by lunch and traditional Stó:lõ songs and music.
Parents Honoured
by Jacqueline Janssen
Though I have First Nations’ heritage, I was adopted into a non-aboriginal home and was never involved in any cultural events.
When we entered a large room filled with the smiling faces of the Elders Advisory Council we immediately felt welcome. They showed great interest in our family.
Each of our children was given an opportunity to speak. The only child who remained silent was the one that most identifies her self as First Nations. Thankfully, as she became more comfortable in the welcoming atmosphere of the room, she was able to speak. She said she was happy to be there, that she is happy in our family and why she needed to be adopted. It was so brave of her.
We felt very honoured by the blanketing ceremony and the songs and prayers of blessing. We were given beautiful books on Stó:lõ history and culture, and we presented the elders with a book about our home, the Peace River Region.
Six of our 10 children are adopted, and we have a wonderful multi-cultural family. With each adoption we have signed a cultural plan and, though we have taken them all seriously, this time it was different. When you look into the eyes of the people of the Stó:lõ and say, “I promise,” it’s a powerful thing. Especially when those eyes looking back at you are saying, “Please, don’t disappoint us: our children are our future. We have lost so many already; we entrust these four to you.”
As my husband said, we are now in a covenant with the Stó:lõ Nation. We take this seriously and, in a time when words can be worth little, our intention is to do the best that we can to honour our children’s roots. We feel supported by the Stó:lõ elders in doing this.
After we left, we all talked about the day and the entire family was deeply impacted.
I honour the Stó:lõ for opening their hearts and giving us the chance to care for these precious children.
reprinted from AFA BC magazine
by Siobhan Rowe
I was fortunate to attend a wonderful event in May. AFABC members and adoptive parents Jacqueline and Steve Janssen of the Peace River area, and their nine children, attended a ceremony at the Stó:lõ Nation in Chilliwack. Jacqueline and Steve were about to adopt an 18-month-old baby, the youngest sibling of three of their children. All three children are Stó:lõ.
The Janssens were invited by the Stó:lõ Elders Advisory Council. The Council is usually the first step in child welfare issues involving Stó:lõ children. Once the elders became aware that the baby was Stó:lõ, and that three of his siblings had already joined the Janssen family, they became involved in deciding on the best plan for the little boy. After careful consideration, they decided that he should join his siblings. This decision was significant and could be precedent setting — as one of the elders said, “We do not ever allow children out of our territory if we have control of that.”
The elders invited the family to an honouring ceremony. This event was just as important as the formal decision around the adoption.
In a relaxed atmosphere the elders met with, and spoke to, all the Janssen family, including Steve’s mother, the children and her husband. They spoke about their nation, its history, and their experience as parents. This was not a meeting where people spoke loudly, argued, made speeches or produced a strategic plan; yet, much was achieved. Everyone was welcome to contribute, and out of this coming together it was clear that a bond between the family and the Stó:lõ had been formed. Steve told the elders that he believed that his family had entered into a covenant with the Stó:lõ to raise these children respecting and embracing Stó:lõ traditions and culture. He said that he hoped that on this day he had, in some way, become part of the Nation. The elders nodded in agreement. That moment seemed to cement the understanding between the elders and the Janssens. The elders then honoured the family and the baby’s foster mom with a blanketing ceremony, which represents the embrace of the entire Stó:lõ Nation.
Participants also enjoyed a tour of Stó:lõ premises, including a fascinating display of Stó:lõ history and cultural artifacts. The morning was rounded off by lunch and traditional Stó:lõ songs and music.
Parents Honoured
by Jacqueline Janssen
Though I have First Nations’ heritage, I was adopted into a non-aboriginal home and was never involved in any cultural events.
When we entered a large room filled with the smiling faces of the Elders Advisory Council we immediately felt welcome. They showed great interest in our family.
Each of our children was given an opportunity to speak. The only child who remained silent was the one that most identifies her self as First Nations. Thankfully, as she became more comfortable in the welcoming atmosphere of the room, she was able to speak. She said she was happy to be there, that she is happy in our family and why she needed to be adopted. It was so brave of her.
We felt very honoured by the blanketing ceremony and the songs and prayers of blessing. We were given beautiful books on Stó:lõ history and culture, and we presented the elders with a book about our home, the Peace River Region.
Six of our 10 children are adopted, and we have a wonderful multi-cultural family. With each adoption we have signed a cultural plan and, though we have taken them all seriously, this time it was different. When you look into the eyes of the people of the Stó:lõ and say, “I promise,” it’s a powerful thing. Especially when those eyes looking back at you are saying, “Please, don’t disappoint us: our children are our future. We have lost so many already; we entrust these four to you.”
As my husband said, we are now in a covenant with the Stó:lõ Nation. We take this seriously and, in a time when words can be worth little, our intention is to do the best that we can to honour our children’s roots. We feel supported by the Stó:lõ elders in doing this.
After we left, we all talked about the day and the entire family was deeply impacted.
I honour the Stó:lõ for opening their hearts and giving us the chance to care for these precious children.
reprinted from AFA BC magazine
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
Custom Adoption
From the BC MCFD Adoption site:
Custom Adoption Fact Sheet
Introduction
Custom adoption is an open process that has been recognised in British Columbia's Adoption Act. The Ministry of Children and Family Development (MCFD) supports the desire of First Nations and Aboriginal Communities to ensure Aboriginal children in care are raised with Aboriginal families whenever possible keeping them connected with their extended family and community.
Custom adoption provides greater choice when considering permanency options for Aboriginal children in continuing care. It enables Aboriginal families, organizations and communities to use a culturally appropriate way of sharing in the permanency planning for Aboriginal children.
What is custom adoption?
Custom adoption is a term that is recognised as meaning the cultural practices of Aboriginal peoples to raise a child, by a person who is not the child's parent, according to the custom of the First Nations and/or Aboriginal community of the child.
Custom adoption is an extension of custom care (which provides temporary or alternate care for Aboriginal children whose parents are not able to care for them) and ensures Aboriginal children maintain their cultural, linguistic and spiritual identity.
Custom adoption facts:
Custom adoption is an open process that involves many people in a child's life, including birth parents, extended family, the Aboriginal community and those with a significant relationship to the child.
Custom adoption has the same effect of an adoption order under the Adoption Act when the court makes this declaration pursuant to an application under section 46 of the Adoption Act.
Custom adoption is a permanency option that can be explored with birth parents voluntarily planning adoption under the Adoption Act.
Custom adoption of a child in continuing custody proceeds when custody of the child is transferred to prospective adoptive parents, under section 54.1 of the Child, Family and Community Service Act (CFCSA), if eligibility criteria are met.
Financial assistance may be available to eligible families who have had custody of a child transferred to them under section 54.1 of the CFCSA.
An adoption order under the Adoption Act, or the recognition of a custom adoption by a court does not affect any rights a child may have as an Aboriginal person.
The court has identified criteria that must be met before it will declare that a custom adoption has occurred.
Prospective adoptive parents of a child placed for adoption by birth parents, or guardians of a child whose custody is transferred from the director under section 54.1 CFCSA, work directly with the Band, First Nations or Aboriginal communities to meet the requirements of the court.
Legal advice/assistance:
It is suggested prospective adoptive parents and person(s) with custody of a child(ren) retain a lawyer to help them in their application to have a custom adoption recognized. It is the responsibility of the court to provide guidance about what criteria is required by the court to person(s) making application to the court to have a custom adoption recognized under section 46 of the Adoption Act.
What criteria does the court require?
The court has identified factors to consider when it is being asked to declare, under section 46 of the Adoption Act, that a custom adoption has occurred. Based on what the court has identified the "Practice Standards and Guidelines for Adoption" lists possible criteria that could be expected by the court.
Possible criteria include:
consent of the birth and adopting parent(s);
child has been voluntarily placed with the adopting parent(s);
adopting parent(s) are indeed native or entitled to rely on native custom;
rationale for native custom adoptions is present; and,
the relationship created by custom must be understood to create fundamentally the same relationship as that resulting from an adoption order under Part 3 of the Adoption Act.
How does the court determine the cultural practices of a First Nation or Aboriginal community?
First Nations and Aboriginal communities outline their own cultural practice of Aboriginal peoples raising a child by a person who is not the child's parent.
Status under the Indian Act, trust funds and inheritance:
If there are questions or concerns about a person's status under the Indian Act, trust funds and/or inheritance, contact:
Indian and Northern Affairs Canada
British Columbia Region
1138 Melville Street
PO Box: Suite 600
Vancouver, British Columbia
V6E 4S3
http://www.ainc-inac.gc.ca/index-eng.asp
For further information about custom adoption of a child in continuing care, contact:
The Deputy Director of Adoption in your region ~ call Inquiry BC @ 1-800-663-7867 for regional contact information.
Although ministry-arranged adoption, transfer of custody and custom adoption (when recognised by the court under section 46 of the Adoption Act) look very similar in many respects, they are separate legal processes that have significant differences.
Custom Adoption Fact Sheet
Introduction
Custom adoption is an open process that has been recognised in British Columbia's Adoption Act. The Ministry of Children and Family Development (MCFD) supports the desire of First Nations and Aboriginal Communities to ensure Aboriginal children in care are raised with Aboriginal families whenever possible keeping them connected with their extended family and community.
Custom adoption provides greater choice when considering permanency options for Aboriginal children in continuing care. It enables Aboriginal families, organizations and communities to use a culturally appropriate way of sharing in the permanency planning for Aboriginal children.
What is custom adoption?
Custom adoption is a term that is recognised as meaning the cultural practices of Aboriginal peoples to raise a child, by a person who is not the child's parent, according to the custom of the First Nations and/or Aboriginal community of the child.
Custom adoption is an extension of custom care (which provides temporary or alternate care for Aboriginal children whose parents are not able to care for them) and ensures Aboriginal children maintain their cultural, linguistic and spiritual identity.
Custom adoption facts:
Custom adoption is an open process that involves many people in a child's life, including birth parents, extended family, the Aboriginal community and those with a significant relationship to the child.
Custom adoption has the same effect of an adoption order under the Adoption Act when the court makes this declaration pursuant to an application under section 46 of the Adoption Act.
Custom adoption is a permanency option that can be explored with birth parents voluntarily planning adoption under the Adoption Act.
Custom adoption of a child in continuing custody proceeds when custody of the child is transferred to prospective adoptive parents, under section 54.1 of the Child, Family and Community Service Act (CFCSA), if eligibility criteria are met.
Financial assistance may be available to eligible families who have had custody of a child transferred to them under section 54.1 of the CFCSA.
An adoption order under the Adoption Act, or the recognition of a custom adoption by a court does not affect any rights a child may have as an Aboriginal person.
The court has identified criteria that must be met before it will declare that a custom adoption has occurred.
Prospective adoptive parents of a child placed for adoption by birth parents, or guardians of a child whose custody is transferred from the director under section 54.1 CFCSA, work directly with the Band, First Nations or Aboriginal communities to meet the requirements of the court.
Legal advice/assistance:
It is suggested prospective adoptive parents and person(s) with custody of a child(ren) retain a lawyer to help them in their application to have a custom adoption recognized. It is the responsibility of the court to provide guidance about what criteria is required by the court to person(s) making application to the court to have a custom adoption recognized under section 46 of the Adoption Act.
What criteria does the court require?
The court has identified factors to consider when it is being asked to declare, under section 46 of the Adoption Act, that a custom adoption has occurred. Based on what the court has identified the "Practice Standards and Guidelines for Adoption" lists possible criteria that could be expected by the court.
Possible criteria include:
consent of the birth and adopting parent(s);
child has been voluntarily placed with the adopting parent(s);
adopting parent(s) are indeed native or entitled to rely on native custom;
rationale for native custom adoptions is present; and,
the relationship created by custom must be understood to create fundamentally the same relationship as that resulting from an adoption order under Part 3 of the Adoption Act.
How does the court determine the cultural practices of a First Nation or Aboriginal community?
First Nations and Aboriginal communities outline their own cultural practice of Aboriginal peoples raising a child by a person who is not the child's parent.
Status under the Indian Act, trust funds and inheritance:
If there are questions or concerns about a person's status under the Indian Act, trust funds and/or inheritance, contact:
Indian and Northern Affairs Canada
British Columbia Region
1138 Melville Street
PO Box: Suite 600
Vancouver, British Columbia
V6E 4S3
http://www.ainc-inac.gc.ca/index-eng.asp
For further information about custom adoption of a child in continuing care, contact:
The Deputy Director of Adoption in your region ~ call Inquiry BC @ 1-800-663-7867 for regional contact information.
Although ministry-arranged adoption, transfer of custody and custom adoption (when recognised by the court under section 46 of the Adoption Act) look very similar in many respects, they are separate legal processes that have significant differences.
Monday, September 14, 2009
People Colours
Have you ever asked your child to make a picture of themselves only to discover that the crayons don't reflect what their actual skin colour is? Nothing like a "flesh" toned crayon that isn't your child's actual flesh tone. When I worked in daycare and preschool we found a great resource for both multi-ethnic/multi-cultural dolls, and people coloured crayons. I'm sure there are other places you can find these but here is one. It's called Wintergreen Learning Materials and you can find them at Wintergreen.ca (or probably you'll find it if you just google Wintergreen Learning Materials if I have part of that address wrong). You can buy sets of jumbo crayons suitable for toddlers, or regular crayons in a rich variety of people colours, and reasonably enough, that's what they are called "People Colors" in their catalogue. You can order online, call it in, or print out an order form and fax it in. The dolls can be bought individually or as a set and they have different kinds suitable for different ages (soft, cuddly ones, or hard plastic ones).
I find that these kinds of resources are typically not available for your child at school or daycare so you could offer to provide some if they don't have any already (or perhaps they will order some if you suggest it). It's great for kids to see themselves reflected in things around them; be it toys, art supplies and posters for the walls (although these can be harder to find). Any suggestions for Aboriginal resources - please feel free to share!
I find that these kinds of resources are typically not available for your child at school or daycare so you could offer to provide some if they don't have any already (or perhaps they will order some if you suggest it). It's great for kids to see themselves reflected in things around them; be it toys, art supplies and posters for the walls (although these can be harder to find). Any suggestions for Aboriginal resources - please feel free to share!
Friday, September 11, 2009
Cross-Cultural and Transracial Parenting Workshops
If you are thinking of adopting an Aboriginal child, or have done so already, the Adoptive Families Association workshops on Transracial or Cross-Cultural Adoption may be helpful to you. Here's some info on upcoming workshops:
Cross-Cultural Adoption
If you are planning to adopt a child of different race or culture, locally or internationally, with an Agency or MCFD, this workshop is for you.
Burnaby: Sept 12 ~ Oct 24 ~ Dec 5
Time: 9am to 4pm
Cost Per Person : $75 AFABC Members / $85 Non-members
Transracial Parenting
If you are parenting a child of different race/culture or you are considering transracial adoption, these Saturday workshops are just for you. Series of 2 workshops can be taken individually or together, in/out of order. “Colourful Lives” Video is featured.
Burnaby: Workshops: ONE: Oct 17/TWO: Nov 28
Time: 9am to 3pm
Abbotsford: Workshops: ONE: Oct 10/TWO: Nov 21
Time: 10am to 4pm
Kamloops: Workshops: ONE: Sept 12/TWO: Oct 3
Time: 10am to 4pm
Victoria: Workshops: ONE: TBA /TWO: TBA
Time: 10am to 4pm
Cost Per Person / Per Workshop:
$55 AFABC Members / $65 Non-members
To register for these go to the AFA BC website at www.bcadopt.com
Cross-Cultural Adoption
If you are planning to adopt a child of different race or culture, locally or internationally, with an Agency or MCFD, this workshop is for you.
Burnaby: Sept 12 ~ Oct 24 ~ Dec 5
Time: 9am to 4pm
Cost Per Person : $75 AFABC Members / $85 Non-members
Transracial Parenting
If you are parenting a child of different race/culture or you are considering transracial adoption, these Saturday workshops are just for you. Series of 2 workshops can be taken individually or together, in/out of order. “Colourful Lives” Video is featured.
Burnaby: Workshops: ONE: Oct 17/TWO: Nov 28
Time: 9am to 3pm
Abbotsford: Workshops: ONE: Oct 10/TWO: Nov 21
Time: 10am to 4pm
Kamloops: Workshops: ONE: Sept 12/TWO: Oct 3
Time: 10am to 4pm
Victoria: Workshops: ONE: TBA /TWO: TBA
Time: 10am to 4pm
Cost Per Person / Per Workshop:
$55 AFABC Members / $65 Non-members
To register for these go to the AFA BC website at www.bcadopt.com
Thursday, September 10, 2009
The Aboriginal Infant Development Programs of BC
The Aboriginal Infant Development Programs of BC offer support to families parenting children under three who are of Aboriginal ancestry. Some programs include children to age six. The head office for the program is located in Victoria: www.aidp.bc.ca is the website; the phone number is 250-388-5593. Their website has a list of Aboriginal Infant Development Programs, or you can call and one of the staff will help you to find out if there is a program in your area. Depending on the program where you live, the AIDP consultant(s) may offer:
Home visits, playgroups, parent education opportunities, parent support groups, parent to parent connections,assist the family in planning activities that will encourage the optimum development of their child,resource library of books and toys that is available on loan to families,screening and assessment that is culturally sensitive and meaningful.
Parents do not have to be Aboriginal to access the program (although the child does), and it is offered on and off-reserve where such programs exist. Families can self refer, and the Aboriginal Infant Development Program is family centred as well as accessible and flexible.
The AIDP Policy and Procedure Manual states that the criteria for eligibility for the program is as follows:
Aboriginal Infant Development Programs will accept children onto an active caseload and will provide regular home visits, and other specified services if the following criteria for eligibility are met:
• infant is birth to three years old (or up to 5 years of age in some programs)
• infant is delayed in one or more skill areas or infant is at risk for developmental delay
• family is in need of support or education to enhance parenting skills and capacity
• family agrees to participate
• AIDP is the most appropriate service available
• family lives within the geographic boundaries or catchment area of the program for regular home visits (exceptions may be made in certain circumstances)
For more information give them a call or look at their website. They are another great resource for families.
Home visits, playgroups, parent education opportunities, parent support groups, parent to parent connections,assist the family in planning activities that will encourage the optimum development of their child,resource library of books and toys that is available on loan to families,screening and assessment that is culturally sensitive and meaningful.
Parents do not have to be Aboriginal to access the program (although the child does), and it is offered on and off-reserve where such programs exist. Families can self refer, and the Aboriginal Infant Development Program is family centred as well as accessible and flexible.
The AIDP Policy and Procedure Manual states that the criteria for eligibility for the program is as follows:
Aboriginal Infant Development Programs will accept children onto an active caseload and will provide regular home visits, and other specified services if the following criteria for eligibility are met:
• infant is birth to three years old (or up to 5 years of age in some programs)
• infant is delayed in one or more skill areas or infant is at risk for developmental delay
• family is in need of support or education to enhance parenting skills and capacity
• family agrees to participate
• AIDP is the most appropriate service available
• family lives within the geographic boundaries or catchment area of the program for regular home visits (exceptions may be made in certain circumstances)
For more information give them a call or look at their website. They are another great resource for families.
Wednesday, September 9, 2009
Big Sisters
Resources, resources. Today's resource is: The Big Sisters of BC Lower Mainland. They can be reached at 604-873-4525 and extension 300 is where you can reach the friendly Jordana who told me about some of their programs.
Their website www.bigsisters.bc.ca has lots of details about becoming a Big Sister, and also about Little Sisters. It was news to me that to be a Little Sister, the family does not have to be headed by a single parent. Little Sisters may be able to be matched with a Sister of similar heritage, but this is not always possible. However, there are First Nations activities for Big and Little Sisters that they can participate in.
Their website states:
Big Sisters' Initiatives
The First Nations Initiative celebrates First Nations culture and encourages awareness, understanding and appreciation of our First Nations culture amonst our Big & Little Sisters. Past First Nations activities have included: bannock making, canoeing, First Nations role model panels, workshops on how to make medicine pouches and mini button blankets, and drumming circles. We also welcome First Nations women to become mentors in our Big & Little Sister Program or our Study Buddy Program.
to become a Big Sister, or to ask about your child becoming a Little Sister, you can email them at: info@bigsisters.bc.ca
Their website www.bigsisters.bc.ca has lots of details about becoming a Big Sister, and also about Little Sisters. It was news to me that to be a Little Sister, the family does not have to be headed by a single parent. Little Sisters may be able to be matched with a Sister of similar heritage, but this is not always possible. However, there are First Nations activities for Big and Little Sisters that they can participate in.
Their website states:
Big Sisters' Initiatives
The First Nations Initiative celebrates First Nations culture and encourages awareness, understanding and appreciation of our First Nations culture amonst our Big & Little Sisters. Past First Nations activities have included: bannock making, canoeing, First Nations role model panels, workshops on how to make medicine pouches and mini button blankets, and drumming circles. We also welcome First Nations women to become mentors in our Big & Little Sister Program or our Study Buddy Program.
to become a Big Sister, or to ask about your child becoming a Little Sister, you can email them at: info@bigsisters.bc.ca
Tuesday, September 8, 2009
First Post
This is the first post of this blog. I am hoping this site will be an opportunity for those of us who are parenting, or will in the future be parenting children of aboriginal ancestry and do not share that same ancestry with our child or children. While the primary focus will be for those who are non-aboriginal parents, there may also be parents who are aboriginal but not from the same community as their children and who may need information and support for some of the same reasons.
So if you are a parent, a member or resource of an aboriginal community, and would like to be involved in this blog please let me know. There's a question section off to the right of this post, and you can also leave a comment with contact information.
Hay ch qu
So if you are a parent, a member or resource of an aboriginal community, and would like to be involved in this blog please let me know. There's a question section off to the right of this post, and you can also leave a comment with contact information.
Hay ch qu
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