[TFigueroa]

Seeking participants for an adoption-related project. The only requirement is to be born of a federally-recognized tribe, although the focus is on the Cherokee Nation.

This project is a modern day study of personal histories of the effects of adoption and subsequent assimilation on American Indian identity and the legal use of the Indian Child Welfare Act of 1978 in ascertaining origins and attaining tribal eligibility. The intent of the study is the exposure of the personal experiences of adopted persons who have suffered a loss of their American Indian identity due to adoption and their experiences in challenging the federal legal system for tribal eligibility using the Indian Child Welfare Act of 1978. In the past, the assimilation of the American Indian was a priority in the civilization policies of the United States of America; however, this mindset continues to infiltrate modern society, affecting closed record adoption policies by withholding tribal citizenship from eligible individuals based on their circumstance of birth.

There is a release form involved, and a written interview questionnaire, although an oral interview is possible, if preferred. Privacy of name, if desired, is guaranteed.

The purpose is a compilation of histories for publication and, quite likely, a future dissertation.

If anyone is interested, please contact me at historymutt@gmail.com using Subject Line: Study, with a brief summary of your interest in participation, and I will provide you with either the questionnaire or set up a time for a phone interview, or face-to-face if logistics make that a possibility.

Please share this with any individuals you feel may be interested in participating.

Tammy Figueroa
historymutt@gmail.com