Resources for Indigenous & Native American Families

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Parent Q&A

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  • ISO Black and Indigenous History tutor

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    Feb 3, 2021

    So Much (probably too much!) Background: I am a new Caregiver/Guardian (I haven't settled on a term I identify with yet) of a brilliant 14-year-old. We have been living together for just over a year (and what a year it's been!) and learning from one another for just over 3 years. She begins high school next year. She is not completely pumped on school but with some support, she does it (most the time). She is Yaqui and Tohono O'odham. I am white. 

    Since March of 2020, she has been learning from home, over zoom. As a healthcare worker, I have not been working from home and have not been available to do as much school support as I would have liked. However, now, as I am transitioning from working COVID to Labor and Delivery, I have had time to spend with her at home and to more actively support her learning. This means I have had the chance to overhear the social studies/history education she is receiving. The short version- it is not an education that will serve her.

    We are looking for a BIPOC history tutor to teach via zoom or another platform. I can imagine a number of different forms for how this would work and we are flexible to the tutors schedule/availability. One idea would be weekly, 30 min zoom sessions/discussions based on materials that she can read, watch or listen to independently or that we can read/listen to/watch as a family.

    Please feel free to share any recommendations for tutors who might be interested! Also interested in any recommended materials, tips, groups, camps, that help teens equip themselves with the tools they need to navigate high school and the world. 

    Thanks so much for your advice !!!

    Best,

    Liza

    Feb 3, 2021

    Have you reached out to the Intertribal Friendship House in Oakland?  Maybe they could direct you. Also she could check out the Native Youth Leadership Alliance.  I hope you both have people in your lives who can support you.

    Feb 8, 2021

    Check out: http://abundantbeginnings.org/camp 

    https://www.myceliumyouthnetwork.org/

    California Indian Museum and Cultural Center (in Santa Rosa but has a lot of stuff online) - they do a lot of great stuff with youth cimcc.org

    and also https://www.facebook.com/indivisibletohono/ - she will learn a lot from following them and perhaps they have virtual volunteer opportunities for teens

    Feb 8, 2021

  • Lesbian second parent adoption Native American ICWA

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    Nov 15, 2016

    Hi,

    My wife and I are wanting to start the process of her adopting our son.  We are thinking of doing the adoption ourselves without a lawyer, but I (the birth mom) am part Native American.  Our son was conceived via anonymous sperm donor at a clinic, so I think we don't have to do a home visit by a social worker, and it all seems pretty strait forward.  My only concern is the Indian Child Welfare Act ICWA and how this might impact our adoption.  Has anyone else been in a similar situation?  How did you fill out the forms that seem to only pertain to Native parents giving up the rights to their child?  I'm the birth mom, and my son's only legal parent, and am not wanting to give up any of my parental rights.  We're not against having a lawyer, but it's going to be very expensive.  Does anyone have any advice?    

    Nov 15, 2016

    I found a lot of information online very quickly.  I recommend you first familiarize yourself with the actual laws.

    http://www.nicwa.org/Indian_Child_Welfare_Act/

    http://www.narf.org/nill/documents/icwa/

    ICWA only applies if your child is or is eligible to be a member of a recognized tribe.  I can't tell from your post if that applies. I am part Native American but do not qualify to be a tribal member. This is pretty common. So first establish your and your child's tribal identity and membership eligibility to find out if you even need to worry about this. Also, under ICWA, you are also entitled to an attorney if you can't afford one. 

    Either way, I suggest you and your wife discuss custody issues in case of death or divorce. Sadly, sometimes courts, judges, and/or family members don't accord same-sex marriages full respect, and this could result in some unforeseen legal challenges.

    Wishing you luck.

    Nov 16, 2016