Guillotine Effect of Adoption and Nazi Party

"Neither Here Nor There...": "The 'Guillotine' Effect of Adoption" by Myst: The "Guillotine" effect of Adoption by Myst, who blogs at: " Living in the Shadows"  

Excerpt:

"Thus, the Guillotine. The child experiences this (besides other experiences) by way of his or her family tree being brutally cut off and all those who went before her or him, all those who existed in her/his family for generations stretching back in time, wiped away. By law, adopted persons are magically grafted into their adoptive families' heritage... negating the fact they have another family, another heritage - one that flows through their veins, shows in their personalities, in their being. The guillotine of adoption law wipes it all out."

Many adoptees who I talk with say this brutal cut-off and severing of our connection to family and tribe makes it hard to fathom WHO could write such brutal laws and insist today they are still right and good. Who did this? Who made these laws - church leaders? politicians? Who could be so cruel and barbaric to cut-off any chance of adoptees contacting their natural parents and tribal families? 
Every single closed adoption law needs to be overturned and erased forever ... Write your state governments and tell them your story - why adoption laws need to change - tell them about our history as American Indian adoptees...  Trace, an adoptee for life.....



Read more about the Guillotine:

The death room at Plötzensee - The guillotine can be seen in the foreground, and the gallows in the background.

FYI: http://www.newworldencyclopedia.org/entry/Guillotine

The Nazi Party employed it extensively—twenty guillotines were in use in Germany which, from 1938, included Austria. In Nazi Germany, beheading by guillotine was the usual method of executing convicted criminals as opposed to political enemies, who were usually either hanged or shot. An exception was made for the six members of the White Rose anti-Nazi resistance organization, who were beheaded in 1943. The Nazis have been estimated to have guillotined some 40,000 people in Germany and Austria—possibly more than were beheaded during the French Revolution.^[3]

Guillotine Effect of Adoption and Nazi Party

"Neither Here Nor There...": "The 'Guillotine' Effect of Adoption" by Myst: The "Guillotine" effect of Adoption by Myst, who blogs at: " Living in the Shadows"  



Excerpt:

"Thus, the Guillotine. The child experiences this (besides other experiences) by
way of his or her family tree being brutally cut off and all those who went
before her or him, all those who existed in her/his family for generations
stretching back in time, wiped away. By law, adopted persons are magically
grafted into their adoptive families' heritage... negating the fact they have
another family, another heritage - one that flows through their veins, shows in
their personalities, in their being. The guillotine of adoption law wipes it all
out."

Many adoptees who I talk with say this brutal cut-off and severing of our connection to family and tribe makes it hard to fathom WHO could write such brutal laws and insist today they are still right and good. Who did this? Who made these laws - church leaders? politicians? Who could be so cruel and barbaric to cut-off any chance of adoptees contacting their natural parents and tribal families? 

Every single closed adoption law needs to be overturned and erased forever ... Write your state governments and tell them your story - why adoption laws need to change - tell them about our history as American Indian adoptees...  Trace, an adoptee for life.....







Read more about the Guillotine:

The death room at Plötzensee - The guillotine can be seen in the foreground, and the gallows in the background.

FYI: http://www.newworldencyclopedia.org/entry/Guillotine



The Nazi Party employed it extensively—twenty guillotines were in use in Germany which, from 1938, included Austria. In Nazi Germany, beheading by guillotine was the usual method of executing convicted criminals as opposed to political enemies, who were usually either hanged or shot. An exception was made for the six members of the White Rose anti-Nazi resistance organization, who were beheaded in 1943. The Nazis have been estimated to have guillotined some 40,000 people in Germany and Austria—possibly more than were beheaded during the French Revolution.^[3]

Guillotine Effect of Adoption and Nazi Party

"Neither Here Nor There...": "The 'Guillotine' Effect of Adoption" by Myst: The "Guillotine" effect of Adoption by Myst, who blogs at: " Living in the Shadows"  

Excerpt:

"Thus, the Guillotine. The child experiences this (besides other experiences) by way of his or her family tree being brutally cut off and all those who went before her or him, all those who existed in her/his family for generations stretching back in time, wiped away. By law, adopted persons are magically grafted into their adoptive families' heritage... negating the fact they have another family, another heritage - one that flows through their veins, shows in their personalities, in their being. The guillotine of adoption law wipes it all out."

Many adoptees who I talk with say this brutal cut-off and severing of our connection to family and tribe makes it hard to fathom WHO could write such brutal laws and insist today they are still right and good. Who did this? Who made these laws - church leaders? politicians? Who could be so cruel and barbaric to cut-off any chance of adoptees contacting their natural parents and tribal families? 
Every single closed adoption law needs to be overturned and erased forever ... Write your state governments and tell them your story - why adoption laws need to change - tell them about our history as American Indian adoptees...  Trace, an adoptee for life.....



Read more about the Guillotine:

The death room at Plötzensee - The guillotine can be seen in the foreground, and the gallows in the background.

FYI: http://www.newworldencyclopedia.org/entry/Guillotine

The Nazi Party employed it extensively—twenty guillotines were in use in Germany which, from 1938, included Austria. In Nazi Germany, beheading by guillotine was the usual method of executing convicted criminals as opposed to political enemies, who were usually either hanged or shot. An exception was made for the six members of the White Rose anti-Nazi resistance organization, who were beheaded in 1943. The Nazis have been estimated to have guillotined some 40,000 people in Germany and Austria—possibly more than were beheaded during the French Revolution.^[3]

Guillotine Effect of Adoption

"Neither Here Nor There...": "The 'Guillotine' Effect of Adoption" by Myst: The "Guillotine" effect of Adoption by Myst, who blogs at: " Living in the Shadows"   

Excerpt:

"Thus, the Guillotine. The child experiences this (besides other experiences) by way of his or her family tree being brutally cut off and all those who went before her or him, all those who existed in her/his family for generations stretching back in time, wiped away. By law, adopted persons are magically grafted into their adoptive families' heritage... negating the fact they have another family, another heritage - one that flows through their veins, shows in their personalities, in their being. The guillotine of adoption law wipes it all out."

Many adoptees who I talk with say this brutal cut-off and severing of our connection to family and tribe makes it hard to fathom WHO could write such brutal laws and insist today they are still right and good. Who did this? Who made these laws - church leaders? politicians? Who could be so cruel and barbaric to cut-off any chance of adoptees contacting their natural parents and tribal families? 
Every single closed adoption law needs to be overturned and erased forever ... Write your state governments and tell them your story - why adoption laws need to change - tell them about our history as American Indian adoptees...  Trace, an adoptee for life.....






Read more about the Guillotine:

The death room at Plötzensee - The guillotine can be seen in the foreground, and the gallows in the background.

FYI: http://www.newworldencyclopedia.org/entry/Guillotine

The Nazi Party employed it extensively—twenty guillotines were in use in Germany which, from 1938, included Austria. In Nazi Germany, beheading by guillotine was the usual method of executing convicted criminals as opposed to political enemies, who were usually either hanged or shot. An exception was made for the six members of the White Rose anti-Nazi resistance organization, who were beheaded in 1943. The Nazis have been estimated to have guillotined some 40,000 people in Germany and Austria—possibly more than were beheaded during the French Revolution.^[3]

Guillotine Effect of Adoption

"Neither Here Nor There...": "The 'Guillotine' Effect of Adoption" by Myst: The "Guillotine" effect of Adoption by Myst, who blogs at: " Living in the Shadows"   

Excerpt:

"Thus, the Guillotine. The child experiences this (besides other experiences) by way of his or her family tree being brutally cut off and all those who went before her or him, all those who existed in her/his family for generations stretching back in time, wiped away. By law, adopted persons are magically grafted into their adoptive families' heritage... negating the fact they have another family, another heritage - one that flows through their veins, shows in their personalities, in their being. The guillotine of adoption law wipes it all out."

Many adoptees who I talk with say this brutal cut-off and severing of our connection to family and tribe makes it hard to fathom WHO could write such brutal laws and insist today they are still right and good. Who did this? Who made these laws - church leaders? politicians? Who could be so cruel and barbaric to cut-off any chance of adoptees contacting their natural parents and tribal families? 
Every single closed adoption law needs to be overturned and erased forever ... Write your state governments and tell them your story - why adoption laws need to change - tell them about our history as American Indian adoptees...  Trace, an adoptee for life.....






Read more about the Guillotine:

The death room at Plötzensee - The guillotine can be seen in the foreground, and the gallows in the background.

FYI: http://www.newworldencyclopedia.org/entry/Guillotine

The Nazi Party employed it extensively—twenty guillotines were in use in Germany which, from 1938, included Austria. In Nazi Germany, beheading by guillotine was the usual method of executing convicted criminals as opposed to political enemies, who were usually either hanged or shot. An exception was made for the six members of the White Rose anti-Nazi resistance organization, who were beheaded in 1943. The Nazis have been estimated to have guillotined some 40,000 people in Germany and Austria—possibly more than were beheaded during the French Revolution.^[3]

Guillotine Effect of Adoption

"Neither Here Nor There...": "The 'Guillotine' Effect of Adoption" by Myst: The "Guillotine" effect of Adoption by Myst, who blogs at: " Living in the Shadows"   

Excerpt:

"Thus, the Guillotine. The child experiences this (besides other experiences) by way of his or her family tree being brutally cut off and all those who went before her or him, all those who existed in her/his family for generations stretching back in time, wiped away. By law, adopted persons are magically grafted into their adoptive families' heritage... negating the fact they have another family, another heritage - one that flows through their veins, shows in their personalities, in their being. The guillotine of adoption law wipes it all out."

Many adoptees who I talk with say this brutal cut-off and severing of our connection to family and tribe makes it hard to fathom WHO could write such brutal laws and insist today they are still right and good. Who did this? Who made these laws - church leaders? politicians? Who could be so cruel and barbaric to cut-off any chance of adoptees contacting their natural parents and tribal families? 
Every single closed adoption law needs to be overturned and erased forever ... Write your state governments and tell them your story - why adoption laws need to change - tell them about our history as American Indian adoptees...  Trace, an adoptee for life.....






Read more about the Guillotine:

The death room at Plötzensee - The guillotine can be seen in the foreground, and the gallows in the background.

FYI: http://www.newworldencyclopedia.org/entry/Guillotine

The Nazi Party employed it extensively—twenty guillotines were in use in Germany which, from 1938, included Austria. In Nazi Germany, beheading by guillotine was the usual method of executing convicted criminals as opposed to political enemies, who were usually either hanged or shot. An exception was made for the six members of the White Rose anti-Nazi resistance organization, who were beheaded in 1943. The Nazis have been estimated to have guillotined some 40,000 people in Germany and Austria—possibly more than were beheaded during the French Revolution.^[3]

Guillotine Effect of Adoption

"Neither Here Nor There...": "The 'Guillotine' Effect of Adoption" by Myst: The "Guillotine" effect of Adoption by Myst, who blogs at: " Living in the Shadows"   

Excerpt:

"Thus, the Guillotine. The child experiences this (besides other experiences) by way of his or her family tree being brutally cut off and all those who went before her or him, all those who existed in her/his family for generations stretching back in time, wiped away. By law, adopted persons are magically grafted into their adoptive families' heritage... negating the fact they have another family, another heritage - one that flows through their veins, shows in their personalities, in their being. The guillotine of adoption law wipes it all out."

Many adoptees who I talk with say this brutal cut-off and severing of our connection to family and tribe makes it hard to fathom WHO could write such brutal laws and insist today they are still right and good. Who did this? Who made these laws - church leaders? politicians? Who could be so cruel and barbaric to cut-off any chance of adoptees contacting their natural parents and tribal families? 
Every single closed adoption law needs to be overturned and erased forever ... Write your state governments and tell them your story - why adoption laws need to change - tell them about our history as American Indian adoptees...  Trace, an adoptee for life.....






Read more about the Guillotine:

The death room at Plötzensee - The guillotine can be seen in the foreground, and the gallows in the background.

FYI: http://www.newworldencyclopedia.org/entry/Guillotine

The Nazi Party employed it extensively—twenty guillotines were in use in Germany which, from 1938, included Austria. In Nazi Germany, beheading by guillotine was the usual method of executing convicted criminals as opposed to political enemies, who were usually either hanged or shot. An exception was made for the six members of the White Rose anti-Nazi resistance organization, who were beheaded in 1943. The Nazis have been estimated to have guillotined some 40,000 people in Germany and Austria—possibly more than were beheaded during the French Revolution.^[3]

Guillotine Effect of Adoption

"Neither Here Nor There...": "The 'Guillotine' Effect of Adoption" by Myst: The "Guillotine" effect of Adoption by Myst, who blogs at: " Living in the Shadows"   

Excerpt:

"Thus, the Guillotine. The child experiences this (besides other experiences) by way of his or her family tree being brutally cut off and all those who went before her or him, all those who existed in her/his family for generations stretching back in time, wiped away. By law, adopted persons are magically grafted into their adoptive families' heritage... negating the fact they have another family, another heritage - one that flows through their veins, shows in their personalities, in their being. The guillotine of adoption law wipes it all out."

Many adoptees who I talk with say this brutal cut-off and severing of our connection to family and tribe makes it hard to fathom WHO could write such brutal laws and insist today they are still right and good. Who did this? Who made these laws - church leaders? politicians? Who could be so cruel and barbaric to cut-off any chance of adoptees contacting their natural parents and tribal families? 
Every single closed adoption law needs to be overturned and erased forever ... Write your state governments and tell them your story - why adoption laws need to change - tell them about our history as American Indian adoptees...  Trace, an adoptee for life.....






Read more about the Guillotine:

The death room at Plötzensee - The guillotine can be seen in the foreground, and the gallows in the background.

FYI: http://www.newworldencyclopedia.org/entry/Guillotine

The Nazi Party employed it extensively—twenty guillotines were in use in Germany which, from 1938, included Austria. In Nazi Germany, beheading by guillotine was the usual method of executing convicted criminals as opposed to political enemies, who were usually either hanged or shot. An exception was made for the six members of the White Rose anti-Nazi resistance organization, who were beheaded in 1943. The Nazis have been estimated to have guillotined some 40,000 people in Germany and Austria—possibly more than were beheaded during the French Revolution.^[3]

NICWA Conference Addresses Challenges of the Indian Child Welfare Act

NICWA Conference Addresses Challenges of the Indian Child Welfare Act


Excerpt:

"Increasing national and state compliance with the ICWA law includes getting accurate information out to the public about the real story of the act and how it impacts Indian children and families, said NICWA Executive Director Terry Cross. To that end, much of the conference focused on strategies in working with the media.

“The media plays a crucial role in telling this story,” Cross said. “Typically the mainstream press picks up a story regarding ICWA only when a non-Indian family has somehow been injured.”

Conference attendees were encouraged to work with the press and alert the NICWA office about local stories involving the ICWA law. “We are finding that it’s possible to defuse an explosive situation by simply getting factual information out to the press,” Cross said...."


Read more:http://indiancountrytodaymedianetwork.com/2012/04/27/nicwa-conference-addresses-challenges-of-the-indian-child-welfare-act-110270 http://indiancountrytodaymedianetwork.com/2012/04/27/nicwa-conference-addresses-challenges-of-the-indian-child-welfare-act-110270#ixzz1tG1Xblya



Mary Annette Pember did a fantastic job reporting on this conference!! Trace

NICWA Conference Addresses Challenges of the Indian Child Welfare Act

NICWA Conference Addresses Challenges of the Indian Child Welfare Act

Excerpt:
"Increasing national and state compliance with the ICWA law includes getting accurate information out to the public about the real story of the act and how it impacts Indian children and families, said NICWA Executive Director Terry Cross. To that end, much of the conference focused on strategies in working with the media.
“The media plays a crucial role in telling this story,” Cross said. “Typically the mainstream press picks up a story regarding ICWA only when a non-Indian family has somehow been injured.”
Conference attendees were encouraged to work with the press and alert the NICWA office about local stories involving the ICWA law. “We are finding that it’s possible to defuse an explosive situation by simply getting factual information out to the press,” Cross said...."

Read more:http://indiancountrytodaymedianetwork.com/2012/04/27/nicwa-conference-addresses-challenges-of-the-indian-child-welfare-act-110270 http://indiancountrytodaymedianetwork.com/2012/04/27/nicwa-conference-addresses-challenges-of-the-indian-child-welfare-act-110270#ixzz1tG1Xblya

Mary Annette Pember did a fantastic job reporting on this conference!! Trace

NICWA Conference Addresses Challenges of the Indian Child Welfare Act

NICWA Conference Addresses Challenges of the Indian Child Welfare Act

Excerpt:
"Increasing national and state compliance with the ICWA law includes getting accurate information out to the public about the real story of the act and how it impacts Indian children and families, said NICWA Executive Director Terry Cross. To that end, much of the conference focused on strategies in working with the media.
“The media plays a crucial role in telling this story,” Cross said. “Typically the mainstream press picks up a story regarding ICWA only when a non-Indian family has somehow been injured.”
Conference attendees were encouraged to work with the press and alert the NICWA office about local stories involving the ICWA law. “We are finding that it’s possible to defuse an explosive situation by simply getting factual information out to the press,” Cross said...."

Read more:http://indiancountrytodaymedianetwork.com/2012/04/27/nicwa-conference-addresses-challenges-of-the-indian-child-welfare-act-110270 http://indiancountrytodaymedianetwork.com/2012/04/27/nicwa-conference-addresses-challenges-of-the-indian-child-welfare-act-110270#ixzz1tG1Xblya

Mary Annette Pember did a fantastic job reporting on this conference!! Trace

NICWA Conference Addresses Challenges of the Indian Child Welfare Act

NICWA Conference Addresses Challenges of the Indian Child Welfare Act

Excerpt:
"Increasing national and state compliance with the ICWA law includes getting accurate information out to the public about the real story of the act and how it impacts Indian children and families, said NICWA Executive Director Terry Cross. To that end, much of the conference focused on strategies in working with the media.
“The media plays a crucial role in telling this story,” Cross said. “Typically the mainstream press picks up a story regarding ICWA only when a non-Indian family has somehow been injured.”
Conference attendees were encouraged to work with the press and alert the NICWA office about local stories involving the ICWA law. “We are finding that it’s possible to defuse an explosive situation by simply getting factual information out to the press,” Cross said...."

Read more:http://indiancountrytodaymedianetwork.com/2012/04/27/nicwa-conference-addresses-challenges-of-the-indian-child-welfare-act-110270 http://indiancountrytodaymedianetwork.com/2012/04/27/nicwa-conference-addresses-challenges-of-the-indian-child-welfare-act-110270#ixzz1tG1Xblya

Mary Annette Pember did a fantastic job reporting on this conference!! Trace

NICWA Conference Addresses Challenges of the Indian Child Welfare Act

NICWA Conference Addresses Challenges of the Indian Child Welfare Act

Excerpt:
"Increasing national and state compliance with the ICWA law includes getting accurate information out to the public about the real story of the act and how it impacts Indian children and families, said NICWA Executive Director Terry Cross. To that end, much of the conference focused on strategies in working with the media.
“The media plays a crucial role in telling this story,” Cross said. “Typically the mainstream press picks up a story regarding ICWA only when a non-Indian family has somehow been injured.”
Conference attendees were encouraged to work with the press and alert the NICWA office about local stories involving the ICWA law. “We are finding that it’s possible to defuse an explosive situation by simply getting factual information out to the press,” Cross said...."

Read more:http://indiancountrytodaymedianetwork.com/2012/04/27/nicwa-conference-addresses-challenges-of-the-indian-child-welfare-act-110270 http://indiancountrytodaymedianetwork.com/2012/04/27/nicwa-conference-addresses-challenges-of-the-indian-child-welfare-act-110270#ixzz1tG1Xblya

Mary Annette Pember did a fantastic job reporting on this conference!! Trace

NICWA Conference Addresses Challenges of the Indian Child Welfare Act

NICWA Conference Addresses Challenges of the Indian Child Welfare Act

Excerpt:
"Increasing national and state compliance with the ICWA law includes getting accurate information out to the public about the real story of the act and how it impacts Indian children and families, said NICWA Executive Director Terry Cross. To that end, much of the conference focused on strategies in working with the media.
“The media plays a crucial role in telling this story,” Cross said. “Typically the mainstream press picks up a story regarding ICWA only when a non-Indian family has somehow been injured.”
Conference attendees were encouraged to work with the press and alert the NICWA office about local stories involving the ICWA law. “We are finding that it’s possible to defuse an explosive situation by simply getting factual information out to the press,” Cross said...."

Read more:http://indiancountrytodaymedianetwork.com/2012/04/27/nicwa-conference-addresses-challenges-of-the-indian-child-welfare-act-110270 http://indiancountrytodaymedianetwork.com/2012/04/27/nicwa-conference-addresses-challenges-of-the-indian-child-welfare-act-110270#ixzz1tG1Xblya

Mary Annette Pember did a fantastic job reporting on this conference!! Trace

Using the Indian Child Welfare Act to petition court

A friend sent this and I wanted to share!  If you are thinking of opening your adoption and know the state you were born, the INDIAN CHILD WELFARE ACT can be used to petition the courts and judge to get your tribal information:



Excerpt:



One section of the ICWA is of particular interest to adoptees. Section 1951b states "Upon the request of the
adopted Indian child over the age of eighteen, the adoptive or foster parents of
an Indian child, or an Indian tribe, the Secretary shall disclose such
information as may be necessary for the enrollment of an Indian child in the
tribe in which the child may be eligible for enrollment or for determining any
rights or benefits associated with that membership. Where the documents relating
to such child contain an affidavit from the biological parent or parents
requesting anonymity, the Secretary shall certify to the Indian child's tribe,
where the information warrants, that the child's parentage and other
circumstances of birth entitle the child to enrollment under the criteria
established by such tribe."



Essentially this section directs the State to give adult adoptees of Native
American heritage who request it, their birth information, so that they may
enroll in their tribes. The section does allow for birthparents to file a veto,
but even then the adoptee is entitled to tribal notification so that they may
process their tribal rights and privileges. You can read the entire
ICWA on the Web (use google search).



There are a few problem areas with using the ICWA.  Many adoptees are of
enough Native American blood to qualify for enrollment in their tribes, but
there is nothing documented that verifies that information.  Before a judge will
open a file under ICWA s/he will often demand some sort of proof that the
adoptee is NA at all, proof that most adoptees will simply not have. But in
other instances, the agency that handled the adoption, or the court file itself,
will contain notations that you, the adoptee, do have NA ancestry.



If you have
received non-ID from a source that states this, include a copy with your court
petition. You will also need to include a copy of the ICWA in order to make the
judge's work easier and predispose him/her to wanting to help you. If you have
any information at all that you are even the smallest bit Native American, you
should use the ICWA in your petition. Include affidavits from family members
(adoptive and birth) who have told you that you have Native American blood, as
well as any 'official' agency or other documents to support your claims.
Remember that most tribes have small blood quantum requirements, and you should
not feel guilty about using the ICWA. The intent of this law is to ensure that
those of us who are entitled to tribal membership by birthright, have the
*choice* to join our Native American communities.





[ADOPTEES: please contact the adoption agency, if you know who it was, or ask your adoptive parents what they were told and ask them to request the entire adoption record in the state you were adopted. WHY?? Since your adoptive parents signed papers to adopt you - they have a right to request a copy of your file and adoption records.  If you are 18, you are an adult and can petition the courts. The Indian Adoption Projects was a secretive measure to assimilate children and change us - but it doesn't work - you are still Indian, no matter where you were raised... Indian Blood is loud... Contact me if you need to know the laws in your state and contact NICWA and request all the information they have to help adoptees... Trace]

National Indian Child Welfare Association (NICWA)

5100 SW Macadam Avenue, Suite 300

Portland, Oregon 97239

Telephone: (503) 222-4044

Fax: (503) 222-4007

Hours: Monday—Friday, 9 a.m.–5 p.m.

Using the Indian Child Welfare Act to petition court

A friend sent this and I wanted to share!  If you are thinking of opening your adoption and know the state you were born, the INDIAN CHILD WELFARE ACT can be used to petition the courts and judge to get your tribal information:

Excerpt:

One section of the ICWA is of particular interest to adoptees. Section 1951b states "Upon the request of the adopted Indian child over the age of eighteen, the adoptive or foster parents of an Indian child, or an Indian tribe, the Secretary shall disclose such information as may be necessary for the enrollment of an Indian child in the tribe in which the child may be eligible for enrollment or for determining any rights or benefits associated with that membership. Where the documents relating to such child contain an affidavit from the biological parent or parents requesting anonymity, the Secretary shall certify to the Indian child's tribe, where the information warrants, that the child's parentage and other circumstances of birth entitle the child to enrollment under the criteria established by such tribe."

Essentially this section directs the State to give adult adoptees of Native American heritage who request it, their birth information, so that they may enroll in their tribes. The section does allow for birthparents to file a veto, but even then the adoptee is entitled to tribal notification so that they may process their tribal rights and privileges. You can read the entire ICWA on the Web (use google search).

There are a few problem areas with using the ICWA.  Many adoptees are of enough Native American blood to qualify for enrollment in their tribes, but there is nothing documented that verifies that information.  Before a judge will open a file under ICWA s/he will often demand some sort of proof that the adoptee is NA at all, proof that most adoptees will simply not have. But in other instances, the agency that handled the adoption, or the court file itself, will contain notations that you, the adoptee, do have NA ancestry.

If you have received non-ID from a source that states this, include a copy with your court petition. You will also need to include a copy of the ICWA in order to make the judge's work easier and predispose him/her to wanting to help you. If you have any information at all that you are even the smallest bit Native American, you should use the ICWA in your petition. Include affidavits from family members (adoptive and birth) who have told you that you have Native American blood, as well as any 'official' agency or other documents to support your claims. Remember that most tribes have small blood quantum requirements, and you should not feel guilty about using the ICWA. The intent of this law is to ensure that those of us who are entitled to tribal membership by birthright, have the *choice* to join our Native American communities.


[ADOPTEES: please contact the adoption agency, if you know who it was, or ask your adoptive parents what they were told and ask them to request the entire adoption record in the state you were adopted. WHY?? Since your adoptive parents signed papers to adopt you - they have a right to request a copy of your file and adoption records.  If you are 18, you are an adult and can petition the courts. The Indian Adoption Projects was a secretive measure to assimilate children and change us - but it doesn't work - you are still Indian, no matter where you were raised... Indian Blood is loud... Contact me if you need to know the laws in your state and contact NICWA and request all the information they have to help adoptees... Trace]

National Indian Child Welfare Association (NICWA)

5100 SW Macadam Avenue, Suite 300
Portland, Oregon 97239
Telephone: (503) 222-4044
Fax: (503) 222-4007

Hours: Monday—Friday, 9 a.m.–5 p.m.

Using the Indian Child Welfare Act to petition court

A friend sent this and I wanted to share!  If you are thinking of opening your adoption and know the state you were born, the INDIAN CHILD WELFARE ACT can be used to petition the courts and judge to get your tribal information:

Excerpt:

One section of the ICWA is of particular interest to adoptees. Section 1951b states "Upon the request of the adopted Indian child over the age of eighteen, the adoptive or foster parents of an Indian child, or an Indian tribe, the Secretary shall disclose such information as may be necessary for the enrollment of an Indian child in the tribe in which the child may be eligible for enrollment or for determining any rights or benefits associated with that membership. Where the documents relating to such child contain an affidavit from the biological parent or parents requesting anonymity, the Secretary shall certify to the Indian child's tribe, where the information warrants, that the child's parentage and other circumstances of birth entitle the child to enrollment under the criteria established by such tribe."

Essentially this section directs the State to give adult adoptees of Native American heritage who request it, their birth information, so that they may enroll in their tribes. The section does allow for birthparents to file a veto, but even then the adoptee is entitled to tribal notification so that they may process their tribal rights and privileges. You can read the entire ICWA on the Web (use google search).

There are a few problem areas with using the ICWA.  Many adoptees are of enough Native American blood to qualify for enrollment in their tribes, but there is nothing documented that verifies that information.  Before a judge will open a file under ICWA s/he will often demand some sort of proof that the adoptee is NA at all, proof that most adoptees will simply not have. But in other instances, the agency that handled the adoption, or the court file itself, will contain notations that you, the adoptee, do have NA ancestry.

If you have received non-ID from a source that states this, include a copy with your court petition. You will also need to include a copy of the ICWA in order to make the judge's work easier and predispose him/her to wanting to help you. If you have any information at all that you are even the smallest bit Native American, you should use the ICWA in your petition. Include affidavits from family members (adoptive and birth) who have told you that you have Native American blood, as well as any 'official' agency or other documents to support your claims. Remember that most tribes have small blood quantum requirements, and you should not feel guilty about using the ICWA. The intent of this law is to ensure that those of us who are entitled to tribal membership by birthright, have the *choice* to join our Native American communities.


[ADOPTEES: please contact the adoption agency, if you know who it was, or ask your adoptive parents what they were told and ask them to request the entire adoption record in the state you were adopted. WHY?? Since your adoptive parents signed papers to adopt you - they have a right to request a copy of your file and adoption records.  If you are 18, you are an adult and can petition the courts. The Indian Adoption Projects was a secretive measure to assimilate children and change us - but it doesn't work - you are still Indian, no matter where you were raised... Indian Blood is loud... Contact me if you need to know the laws in your state and contact NICWA and request all the information they have to help adoptees... Trace]

National Indian Child Welfare Association (NICWA)

5100 SW Macadam Avenue, Suite 300
Portland, Oregon 97239
Telephone: (503) 222-4044
Fax: (503) 222-4007

Hours: Monday—Friday, 9 a.m.–5 p.m.

Using the Indian Child Welfare Act to petition court

A friend sent this and I wanted to share!  If you are thinking of opening your adoption and know the state you were born, the INDIAN CHILD WELFARE ACT can be used to petition the courts and judge to get your tribal information:

Excerpt:

One section of the ICWA is of particular interest to adoptees. Section 1951b states "Upon the request of the adopted Indian child over the age of eighteen, the adoptive or foster parents of an Indian child, or an Indian tribe, the Secretary shall disclose such information as may be necessary for the enrollment of an Indian child in the tribe in which the child may be eligible for enrollment or for determining any rights or benefits associated with that membership. Where the documents relating to such child contain an affidavit from the biological parent or parents requesting anonymity, the Secretary shall certify to the Indian child's tribe, where the information warrants, that the child's parentage and other circumstances of birth entitle the child to enrollment under the criteria established by such tribe."

Essentially this section directs the State to give adult adoptees of Native American heritage who request it, their birth information, so that they may enroll in their tribes. The section does allow for birthparents to file a veto, but even then the adoptee is entitled to tribal notification so that they may process their tribal rights and privileges. You can read the entire ICWA on the Web (use google search).

There are a few problem areas with using the ICWA.  Many adoptees are of enough Native American blood to qualify for enrollment in their tribes, but there is nothing documented that verifies that information.  Before a judge will open a file under ICWA s/he will often demand some sort of proof that the adoptee is NA at all, proof that most adoptees will simply not have. But in other instances, the agency that handled the adoption, or the court file itself, will contain notations that you, the adoptee, do have NA ancestry.

If you have received non-ID from a source that states this, include a copy with your court petition. You will also need to include a copy of the ICWA in order to make the judge's work easier and predispose him/her to wanting to help you. If you have any information at all that you are even the smallest bit Native American, you should use the ICWA in your petition. Include affidavits from family members (adoptive and birth) who have told you that you have Native American blood, as well as any 'official' agency or other documents to support your claims. Remember that most tribes have small blood quantum requirements, and you should not feel guilty about using the ICWA. The intent of this law is to ensure that those of us who are entitled to tribal membership by birthright, have the *choice* to join our Native American communities.


[ADOPTEES: please contact the adoption agency, if you know who it was, or ask your adoptive parents what they were told and ask them to request the entire adoption record in the state you were adopted. WHY?? Since your adoptive parents signed papers to adopt you - they have a right to request a copy of your file and adoption records.  If you are 18, you are an adult and can petition the courts. The Indian Adoption Projects was a secretive measure to assimilate children and change us - but it doesn't work - you are still Indian, no matter where you were raised... Indian Blood is loud... Contact me if you need to know the laws in your state and contact NICWA and request all the information they have to help adoptees... Trace]

National Indian Child Welfare Association (NICWA)

5100 SW Macadam Avenue, Suite 300
Portland, Oregon 97239
Telephone: (503) 222-4044
Fax: (503) 222-4007

Hours: Monday—Friday, 9 a.m.–5 p.m.

Using the Indian Child Welfare Act to petition court

A friend sent this and I wanted to share!  If you are thinking of opening your adoption and know the state you were born, the INDIAN CHILD WELFARE ACT can be used to petition the courts and judge to get your tribal information:

Excerpt:

One section of the ICWA is of particular interest to adoptees. Section 1951b states "Upon the request of the adopted Indian child over the age of eighteen, the adoptive or foster parents of an Indian child, or an Indian tribe, the Secretary shall disclose such information as may be necessary for the enrollment of an Indian child in the tribe in which the child may be eligible for enrollment or for determining any rights or benefits associated with that membership. Where the documents relating to such child contain an affidavit from the biological parent or parents requesting anonymity, the Secretary shall certify to the Indian child's tribe, where the information warrants, that the child's parentage and other circumstances of birth entitle the child to enrollment under the criteria established by such tribe."

Essentially this section directs the State to give adult adoptees of Native American heritage who request it, their birth information, so that they may enroll in their tribes. The section does allow for birthparents to file a veto, but even then the adoptee is entitled to tribal notification so that they may process their tribal rights and privileges. You can read the entire ICWA on the Web (use google search).

There are a few problem areas with using the ICWA.  Many adoptees are of enough Native American blood to qualify for enrollment in their tribes, but there is nothing documented that verifies that information.  Before a judge will open a file under ICWA s/he will often demand some sort of proof that the adoptee is NA at all, proof that most adoptees will simply not have. But in other instances, the agency that handled the adoption, or the court file itself, will contain notations that you, the adoptee, do have NA ancestry.

If you have received non-ID from a source that states this, include a copy with your court petition. You will also need to include a copy of the ICWA in order to make the judge's work easier and predispose him/her to wanting to help you. If you have any information at all that you are even the smallest bit Native American, you should use the ICWA in your petition. Include affidavits from family members (adoptive and birth) who have told you that you have Native American blood, as well as any 'official' agency or other documents to support your claims. Remember that most tribes have small blood quantum requirements, and you should not feel guilty about using the ICWA. The intent of this law is to ensure that those of us who are entitled to tribal membership by birthright, have the *choice* to join our Native American communities.


[ADOPTEES: please contact the adoption agency, if you know who it was, or ask your adoptive parents what they were told and ask them to request the entire adoption record in the state you were adopted. WHY?? Since your adoptive parents signed papers to adopt you - they have a right to request a copy of your file and adoption records.  If you are 18, you are an adult and can petition the courts. The Indian Adoption Projects was a secretive measure to assimilate children and change us - but it doesn't work - you are still Indian, no matter where you were raised... Indian Blood is loud... Contact me if you need to know the laws in your state and contact NICWA and request all the information they have to help adoptees... Trace]

National Indian Child Welfare Association (NICWA)

5100 SW Macadam Avenue, Suite 300
Portland, Oregon 97239
Telephone: (503) 222-4044
Fax: (503) 222-4007

Hours: Monday—Friday, 9 a.m.–5 p.m.

Using the Indian Child Welfare Act to petition court

A friend sent this and I wanted to share!  If you are thinking of opening your adoption and know the state you were born, the INDIAN CHILD WELFARE ACT can be used to petition the courts and judge to get your tribal information:

Excerpt:

One section of the ICWA is of particular interest to adoptees. Section 1951b states "Upon the request of the adopted Indian child over the age of eighteen, the adoptive or foster parents of an Indian child, or an Indian tribe, the Secretary shall disclose such information as may be necessary for the enrollment of an Indian child in the tribe in which the child may be eligible for enrollment or for determining any rights or benefits associated with that membership. Where the documents relating to such child contain an affidavit from the biological parent or parents requesting anonymity, the Secretary shall certify to the Indian child's tribe, where the information warrants, that the child's parentage and other circumstances of birth entitle the child to enrollment under the criteria established by such tribe."

Essentially this section directs the State to give adult adoptees of Native American heritage who request it, their birth information, so that they may enroll in their tribes. The section does allow for birthparents to file a veto, but even then the adoptee is entitled to tribal notification so that they may process their tribal rights and privileges. You can read the entire ICWA on the Web (use google search).

There are a few problem areas with using the ICWA.  Many adoptees are of enough Native American blood to qualify for enrollment in their tribes, but there is nothing documented that verifies that information.  Before a judge will open a file under ICWA s/he will often demand some sort of proof that the adoptee is NA at all, proof that most adoptees will simply not have. But in other instances, the agency that handled the adoption, or the court file itself, will contain notations that you, the adoptee, do have NA ancestry.

If you have received non-ID from a source that states this, include a copy with your court petition. You will also need to include a copy of the ICWA in order to make the judge's work easier and predispose him/her to wanting to help you. If you have any information at all that you are even the smallest bit Native American, you should use the ICWA in your petition. Include affidavits from family members (adoptive and birth) who have told you that you have Native American blood, as well as any 'official' agency or other documents to support your claims. Remember that most tribes have small blood quantum requirements, and you should not feel guilty about using the ICWA. The intent of this law is to ensure that those of us who are entitled to tribal membership by birthright, have the *choice* to join our Native American communities.


[ADOPTEES: please contact the adoption agency, if you know who it was, or ask your adoptive parents what they were told and ask them to request the entire adoption record in the state you were adopted. WHY?? Since your adoptive parents signed papers to adopt you - they have a right to request a copy of your file and adoption records.  If you are 18, you are an adult and can petition the courts. The Indian Adoption Projects was a secretive measure to assimilate children and change us - but it doesn't work - you are still Indian, no matter where you were raised... Indian Blood is loud... Contact me if you need to know the laws in your state and contact NICWA and request all the information they have to help adoptees... Trace]

National Indian Child Welfare Association (NICWA)

5100 SW Macadam Avenue, Suite 300
Portland, Oregon 97239
Telephone: (503) 222-4044
Fax: (503) 222-4007

Hours: Monday—Friday, 9 a.m.–5 p.m.

DNA tests: Finding the Truth and your Family

Finding the truth and family is what we adoptees live for, right?

I have wanted to write about DNA tests for quite some time, since it concerns Lost Children/American Indian adoptees who may find themselves in the snarky position of having to prove their blood while in reunion with tribal family - often years after the adoption.

Why years? It takes time and money (and lawyers sometimes) to open sealed adoption files.

How do you prove you are? DNA - it's absolute, it's blood and tests results can't be disputed.

I have a close American Indian friend who just did the DNA test with her mother's brother and indeed, she is related to her mother's family and her mother's tribe in Minnesota  - no question, it's absolutely true.

Why was this so important to do? Since her mother had already died, my friend had found her siblings.  It was her mother's children who doubted who she was.

Yes, that hurts. It really really hurts.  After all you have endured being separated from them, then you find your own brothers and sisters question your legitimacy.  Her siblings were raised by their mother, and their mother had told them they had a sister out there lost to adoption.

Yet these siblings could not and do not comprehend what my friend lived through or felt. My friend's siblings lacked compassion for her and her loss; they had their mother their whole life and now my friend would never meet her own mother since she had already died.

These are the snarky scenarios of adoption reunions and we have to know about them. It can be complicated and DNA can be costly! You never know what you will face until you get into your reunions.

What I also want to mention is my friend had no problem with her natural dad's family when she found them and their tribe. Her father's side had no doubt who she was or is...  So there are big differences in families and tribes - definitely.

In finding the truth, the painful part of reunion in Indian Country might be your own brothers and sisters who throw you a curve and demand proof of who you say you are...!

I warn adoptees - be prepared for all these scenarios.

Another friend Rhonda, who I mention in my memoir One Small Sacrifice, had to do DNA with her uncle because her father had already passed on by the time she could open her adoption in Michigan. Rhonda met both her father and mother's sides of the family and had a good reunion with her brothers, her mom's sons. DNA was required for her to be enrolled with her father's tribe.

For me, I did DNA with my natural father Earl back in 1994 - that seems like a lifetime ago. It was so expensive - around $500!

I saved the test results and the polaroid photo they took of Earl and me like it was the greatest gift anyone ever gave me.  We needed to do DNA because neither of us was sure. And indeed, 99.9% DNA positive, Earl was definitely my dad.

If you need to have a DNA test, contact me. Others on Facebook are making recommendations I can share with you... I had mine done at a lab in Springfield, Illinois.

Be well and be strong in search and reunion....I am here if you need to talk... Trace

NUMBERS: How many children were taken by IAP?

"As for the Indian Adoption projects (IAP), I needed a calculator. If the Native American population was 2 million and if just one quarter of all children were removed (via adoption) before the Indian Child Welfare Act of 1978, then on-paper, 80,000+ children were removed from their families during the early to mid-1900s. If the population of American Indians was 3 million, then over 100,000 babies were removed.

"I hated this math…85 percent of children were removed by adoption in 16 states. That’s genocide.

"Genocide, by my definition, means a community of people were culturally killed, wiped out or literally made dead for political and/or economic reasons. Strong words but true. Some of us are your next door neighbors. Some of us are not correctly listed on the census. Some of us are Indian only when we look in the mirror."

This is an excerpt from my memoir One Small Sacrifice. On Amazon.com.

Order a copy
Read an excerpt
Watch the trailer

Thank you for reading my blog and sharing this history with everyone... Trace 

Google Images and search tips for adoptees

Photo: Andrew Miller/For The Times of Trenton

Carla Hill, 44, poses for a portrait at her desk at Foundation Academy Charter School in Trenton on April 20, 2012 with a scrapbook her birth mother Linda Person gave to her last year. Hill found out at 23 she was adopted and has been looking for birth family for years when a Google images search last year helped her finally find her family.
This is one of the great tips I found recently. Here is the link to her story: http://www.nj.com/mercer/index.ssf/2012/04/search_and_social_media_bring.html

And as I posted prior, use Google Alerts with your birth info http://splitfeathers.blogspot.com/2012/03/adoptee-use-this-search-method.html

People decide to trace their genealogies for many reasons, adoptees searching for biological relatives and ancestors... A group called the Missing Connection is something I recommend you do with other adoptees you've met in your state. Here is one based in New York State and another in Virginia.

Genealogy group forming in Lowville

By STEVE VIRKLER , TIMES STAFF WRITER, TUESDAY, APRIL 10, 2012CLE OPTIONS

LOWVILLE, NY — A group for genealogy buffs is forming in connection with an organization created two decades ago in Watertown, New York. The Missing Connection will hold meetings from 6 to 7:30 p.m. on the second Tuesday of the month at the Lowville Free Library, 5387 Dayan St.

"There is just so much information out there,” said Katharine B. Manning, who is heading the local group. Forms and reference information will be available, and guest speakers and field trips to a cemetery may be planned. There is no charge for joining the group. Manning said she got involved with genealogical searches while seeking information on the biological parents of her father, who was adopted. “I had all this information, and it just blossomed from there,” she said.

Now, with the help of Internet site www.ancestry.com and other services, she has traced her lineage back 23 generations to the 1200s. People decide to trace their genealogies for many reasons, from searching for biological relatives among adoptees to simply looking for any prominent ancestors, Ms. Manning said.
Networking among genealogists is helpful, as different people may be able to suggest alternative search methods, she said.
Ms. Manning said she has reserved dates for April, May and June and plans to assess the interest in continuing the group after that three-month trial period.  For more information, contact Ms. Manning at 376-1630 or look for “The Missing Connection — Lowville Group” Facebook page.

“We just want to give people resources where they can search their family trees,” said Susan J. Palma, who formed The Mission Connection in 1992 in Watertown. Palma, then Susan Boyce, started the group to help reunite adoptees with their biological parents and siblings, assisting with roughly 100 reunions during its eight years in the north country, she said.
Now living in northern Virginia, Mrs. Palma recently restarted the group there. While still available to assist with adoptive-specific searches, she decided to broaden the revamped group’s focus on genealogy in general.
“We just hit it off instantly,” Mrs. Palma said.
According to its website, The Missing Connection’s mission is to promote genealogy, provide help and educational aid to researchers and preserve the heritage, history and genealogy of families who settled in the area.
For more information, visit http://www.themissingconnection.org.

Adoptees have to be creative when they search! These tips are great useful ideas!... Trace

The Stolen Generations

Full story: http://apihtawikosisan.com/2012/04/21/the-stolen-generations/

Excerpt:

Adoption as Cultural Annihilation

It is important to remember that many of the services Canadians take for granted, such as education, health care, and social welfare programs are in the main, designed and administered by the provinces and territories.

However, the federal government has been asserting its authority over “Indians and Lands of the Indians” since 1763. While is still remains unclear whether this includes all Inuit and Métis, it remains true that First Nations must turn to the federal government, not the provinces, for many services.
Canada did not spring from the skull of Zeus fully formed. The development of social programs and services has been incremental. Before the mid 1960s, there was no organised federal child welfare system. The provinces each had their own system, but nothing was in place for First Nations people.
In the mid 60s, agreements started to be formed between the federal and provincial governments to provide some child welfare coverage in First Nations communities. To be brief, the approach was “take first, ask questions later (if ever)”.
The similarity to tactics used during the height of the Residential School system is eerie. Aboriginal children were taken en masse from their families and adopted out into non-native families:

Child welfare workers removed Aboriginal children from their families and communities because they felt the best homes for the children were not Aboriginal homes. The ideal home would instill the values and lifestyles with which the child welfare workers themselves were familiar: white, middle-class homes in white, middle-class neighbourhoods. Aboriginal communities and Aboriginal parents and families were deemed to be “unfit.”

Research has shown that in British Columbia alone, the percentage of native children in the care of the Child Welfare system went from almost none, to one-third in only 10 years as a result of this expansion. This was a pattern that repeated itself all across Canada.

I was very pleased to find this blog post - please subscribe to âpihtawikosisân - I did! Trace

Abusive Adoption Practices (abstract and links)

The Aftermath of Abusive Adoption Practices in the Lives of Adoption Triad
Members: Responding to Adoption Triad Members Victimized by Abusive Adoption
Practices

by David Smolin and Desiree Smolin (via email)



Abstract:

The
above-titled presentation was given as a plenary presentation at the Annual
Symposium of the Joint Council on International Children’s Services (JCICS) on
April 18, 2012. 

It is important to note
that the original context for this presentation is Intercountry Adoption to the
United States. However, some of you may find some of these points relevant to
domestic adoption issues as well as Intercountry Adoption to other nations
(Canada, Italy, Spain, etc.)



Especially at the event itself, with our own
commentary added, this was a presentation not just on abusive adoption
practices, but especially on how the intercountry adoption system, as shaped by
the United States government and United States adoption agencies, is “designed
for failure.” Abusive adoption practices thus are not merely problems in
themselves, but are symptoms of a system that chronically produces abuses and
breakdowns in the system: a system that fails to self-correct and thus is
self-defeating.



Further, these features of the current dysfunctional
system were not necessarily inevitable, but have arisen from specific choices
made during the construction of the system by the U.S. government and U.S.
agencies. The governing rules they advocated for, and chose, created the
dysfunctions that have doomed the system to continuing cycles of
abuse.



This is very much a presentation about the inestimable human costs
of those failures for all those impacted by adoption: not only adoption triad
members, but also siblings, extended families, communities, and even nations.
It is also a presentation about a system that fails to assist or recognize its
own victims.



The presentation is very much of a joint project: each of
us wrote about half of the material, and each critiqued the other’s materials.
The process of converting material into PowerPoint format was done initially by
Desiree, although again the final product was reviewed, modified, and critiqued
by both of us. Overall, the concepts and information presented represent years
of working together to analyze adoption systems.

We certainly do not expect
everyone to be happy with these materials and critiques may come from all
sides. Please keep in mind that the PowerPoint cannot embody all that we said;
also please keep in mind the original audience and occasion for the
presentation. We welcome vigorous and respectful dialogue, from which we hope
to learn, as so much of what we do know to this point in time is due to the many
people who have shared their experiences and thoughts with us.



For
discussion and further commentary, please go to the blog: http://fleasbiting.blogspot.com/



Thanks,



David
and Desiree Smolin



Link: http://works.bepress.com/david_smolin/12



I do hope everyone will watch this presentation - we need to be informed about the billion dollar adoption industry and its practices... Trace