For Native American adoptees, ICWA crucial to heritage

ICWA: An Adoptee’s Perspective from nativeadoptionsaz on Vimeo.

Sandy White Hawk and Carolyn Matter grew up away from their tribes. Unable to connect with their Native American heritage, the two experienced difficulties reconnecting with their cultures. They say the Indian Child Welfare Act helps preserve the culture they were denied as children. Video and story by Harrison Mantas.

ICWA and Adoptive Families

Native American Foster Care from nativeadoptionsaz on Vimeo.

The Indian Child Welfare Act requires agencies to consider the “best interests” of the children in foster care. Although ICWA prioritizes the adoptive children’s families and tribes, reunification isn’t always possible. Reporter Lindsay Walker interviews Elisia Manuel and Mimi Condon, two adoptive mothers of Native American children.

Manuel, founder of non-profit Three Precious Miracles, said she has no issue with non-Native families adopting Native children — as long as they keep them connected to their culture. Condon, a non-Native foster mom with three adopted Native children, has taken that advice to heart.

A non-native foster mom discusses her experience adopting three Native American children and keeping them connected to their Native roots.