Adoption & Foster Care

Presentation to Phase Three of the Commission of Inquiry into the Circumstances Surrounding the Death of Phoenix Sinclair. Inquiry looked into how the Manitoba child welfare system had failed to protect the five-year-old girl.

Paper submitted to the Ontario's Children and Youth Services voicing concerns and changes needed the Child and Family Services Act that would improve outcomes for families.

Métis Elder shares life lessons and stories of origin. Duration: 48:44.

Examines experiences of moving and the impact on health and acceptance. Also recommends resources for services to aid in the transition.

Creative non-fiction piece in which the Indigenous author reflects on the process of becoming a member of their white adoptive family.

Director of documentary about four siblings separated through adoption during the infamous "Sixties Scoop" answers questions from audience. Duration: 23:06.

Thesis (Ph.D.)--Arizona State University, 2010.

Looks at data obtained from questionnaire given to Aboriginal foster parents. Information will be used in targeted recruitment and retention.

Ada Ladu was born on the Mistawasis Reserve, worked for wages in the 1930s, married and mother of five. Beatrice Nightraveller, daughter of Josie Cuthand, was born on the Little Pine Reserve, Saskatchewan, worked for wages in the 1930s, also married with five children.They share: a story of a white baby girl abducted and raised by Indians in the Prince Albert, Saskatchewan district; accounts of the Riel Rebellion (1885), especially the aftermath in the North Battleford district; philosophies of child-rearing; loss of portions of Little Pine Reserve and the death of Little Pine.

Mrs. Nicolas, nee Fleury, was born in Duck Lake in 1887. After a brief period in the U.S. where she attended school she returned to the Duck Lake area where she has lived ever since. She shares her experiences of raising her family of ten plus three foster children, her childhood, schooling and life on a mixed farm including the Depression years. She also gives an account of the Frog Lake Massacre as told by her grandfather, and of relatives who fought in WWI, WWII and the Korean war.

Consists of an interview where she gives general reminiscences of her life. She also describes the Hamatsa dance ceremony.

Consists of an interview with Mrs. Lucinda Froman, who is a Mohawk Indian originally from the Six Nations Reserve, Ontario. She gives an account of migration from the United States to Canada. She also talks of encounters with evil spirits and how to ward them off.

Of 100 case files examined, 60 involved Aboriginal children.

Describes the inaugural National Sorry Day held in a suburban Sydney, Australia community. This event was held one year after the Bringing Them Home inquiry chronicled the Stolen Generation of child removed from Aboriginal families.

Describes first phase of an implementation project, which involved developing and putting into practice a documented policy, practice and procedure manual.

Argues that the past approaches of assimilation, combined with funding squabbles, have been responsible for the existing child welfare problems.

Article advocates that reservation children should be residing on reservation lands in order to maintain their Indian heritage.

Presents a case that discusses the Adoption Act and whether or not non-Aboriginal parents may adopt an Aboriginal child.

Reports findings from inquiry into Aboriginal Infant Development Program (AIDPs) in British Columbia.

Discusses the Indian Child Welfare Act and suggests how to be culturally responsive in child welfare practices.

Excellent resource for providing an overview of a broad range of topics such as treaties, residential schools, Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, the Sixties Scoop, traditional cultural teachings and protocols.

Based on the work of five focus groups located in Saskatoon, Regina, North Battleford, Prince Albert, and La Ronge.

"A Response to TRC's Call-To-Action 93".

Focuses on news paper coverage of Aboriginal issues specifically child welfare matters and control over land and resources.

Compares coverage of the deaths of two children, one Aboriginal and one non-Aboriginal. Four newspapers were surveyed: Globe and Mail, National Post, Winnipeg Free Press and Telegram (St. John's).

Looks at present child assessment practices that are based on western child rearing views and the differences with Aboriginal culture. References the Blackfoot in Alberta.

Argues that child and protective service assessments do not take into account cultural beliefs and world views.

Examines the issue of Aboriginal children from Manitoba being placed for adoption in non-Aboriginal homes in other provinces and the United States. Part 2.

Examines the issue of Aboriginal children from Manitoba being placed for adoption in non-Aboriginal homes in other provinces and the United States. Part 1.

Report looks into the death of Evander Lee Daniels while in the care of the Ministry of Social Services.

Chronicles the history and resulting mistrust that has resulted from past relations with child welfare agencies. Explores a more collaborative approach which can produce a more positive outcome.

Law Thesis (D.Jur.)--York University, 2001.

A response to Brendan Nelson's apology to the Stolen Generations of Aboriginal Australians criticizing him for ignoring Aboriginal concepts of the time and perpetuating the attitudes and discourses that led to the forced removal of Aboriginal children from their families in the first place.

Considers the sociological factors in the high incidence of adoption among the Inuit.

Looks at the social work policies and practices with Aboriginal children and families and explores ways to develop better social work services for Aboriginal communities that would affirm and support traditional ways.

Discusses an over reliance on child welfare agencies.

Social Welfare Thesis (Ph.D.)--University of Wisconsin-Madison, 2003

Reports on responses to 13 questions about experiences of Indigenous girls, consultations with community members about what is happening, and what is needs to be done, and concludes with four recommendations based on research.

Originally published by Talonbooks, 1998.

Recommendations fall within nine areas identified in original report: co-operation between Manitoba Family Services and First Nations and Metis Child and Family Services authorities, devolution, funding, education and training of child welfare workers, supporting the transition to adulthood, children’s advocate, prevention based on children’s rights, building community capacity, and early childhood intervention.

Comments on the Act which was enacted in 1978 after four plus years of hearings, deliberation and debate.

Objectives of document were to provide: awareness of the history of colonization in child welfare, an understanding of the requirements for working with families and communities, and competency to fulfill obligations under Ontario's Child and Family Services Act. 2nd edition.

Two reviews of the film: Our Children Are Our Future produced/directed by Tony Snowsill.

eTextbook is a multi-media resource developed in collaboration with Indigenous peoples from across Canada. Covers both historical and contemporary topics. Can be downloaded as iBook, ePub, or PDF.

eTextbook is a multi-media resource developed in collaboration with Indigenous peoples from across Canada. Covers both historical and contemporary topics. Can be downloaded as iBook, ePub, or PDF.

Executive Director of the Council for Aboriginal Alcohol Program Services (CAAPS) in Darwin, Australia relates the factors that led to the creation of the program.

Purpose of the project was to: gain understanding of key issues and concerns; identify repatriation models being implemented; review successful approaches and determine applicability in Ontario; develop a demographic profile of adoptees and foster children; consult with service providers, individuals, and Elders; and recommend a repatriation model for Aboriginal people in Ontario.

Case involved a three-year-old who suffered physical and emotional abuse and neglect at the hands of her grandparents. She had initially been under the care of British Columbia's Ministry of Children and Family Development, but subsequently became the responsibility of a First Nations agency and the Saskatchewan Dept. of Social Services.