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