How things have changed. We adopted two sons of First Nations ancestry many years ago. The first one moved into our home in 1990. At that time things were handled differently. We still had a home study done, but there was a very limited adoption education program (not like the one MCFD now provides to adoptive parents) and when we adopted our son of First Nations ancestry there was no culture plan created. In fact we received very limited information about his birth mother's home community in northern BC. When we adopted his birth sibling a few years later there was still no culture plan, but we did receive a letter supporting the adoption from their community and a band newsletter.
Now adoptions of children of First Nations ancestry to non First Nations homes are more rare. And those that do take place do so with a culture plan.
It's not perfect but it's a step in the right direction.
Would I do things differently for my sons if I were adopting them now? You bet. But I can't turn back the clock. And I did what I could with the resources and knowledge I had. We all need to do that.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
We have been told that if you are not Aboriginal you can no longer adopt a child with any Aboriginal or Metis heritage. Do you think that is a step in the right direction? I feel like it is a good policy choice, but it still places children in long-term foster care and the possibility of never having a forever family.
ReplyDeleteAs far as I know Adopting a child of Aboriginal heritage by a non aboriginal heritage persons is still possible and I am proof of that. I do not agree that it should not happen just as long as the proper steps are taken to preserve the childs culture and heritage. And this seems o be the case in making a cultural plan and promise before you adopt your child.
ReplyDeletewishing you luck in your process!