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Originally Posted by MOMMYOF2ALMOST3
Hi Blessed BY Bug
That clears it up for us also. Our sibling group DS and DD have no aboriginal heritage however for our 3rd we are willing to look at this. So it sounds like if the BIRTH MOM is reigistered with a band than the Birthchild is also. I should review our updated HS as the private agency knows we would look at aboriginal heritage however Child Family Services may not becuase their section states Racial Origin and we have stated mixed race Do you think that would cover it?
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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!!!