Traditional Native American Child Rearing Practices (503) ext Debra Clayton, MSW St. Croix Chippewa 1

NICWA is dedicated to the well-being of American Indian/ Alaska Native (AI/AN) children and families. NICWA Mission 2

NICWA Vision Study by: Carol Locust, PhD. Published in Pathways Practice Digest, January Split Feathers Syndrome: psychological, social, and emotional disability and distress related directly to expatriation (foster care & adoption) as children. 3 Split Feathers Research: Adult American Indians who were placed with Non-Indian Families as Children

 The issue of the adult Indian who was placed in a non-Indian home as a child had not been addressed.  Every child placed in a non- Indian home for foster care, or adoption was at great risk for long-term psychological damage as adults.  At risk statement comes from congressional hearings pursuant to ICWA.  Lack of sufficient data. Importance of this study 4

Summary of Findings  All but 1 (of 20) had moderate to severe psychological problems.  All 20 respondents indicated that they had difficulty with intimate relationships. Feeling alone, failed marriages, no close friends.  13 of 20 responses analyzed indicated that the respondents had abused alcohol and/or drugs.  ALL 20 said they knew they were different before they were elementary school age, all 20 experienced negative feelings because of being different.  All 20 felt they were average or above in intelligence, half had spent time in education remedial programs, 5 were labeled learning disabled, 2 were classified as slow learners. All of them had failed at least one grade.  5 of the 20 completed high school, 15 went on to military school, 3 were in correctional institutions, 4 married.  NONE of them described themselves as successes.

Issues faced by Split Feathers  Loss of Indian Identity  Loss of family, culture, heritage, language, spiritual beliefs, tribal affiliation, and tribal ceremonial experiences  Anguish from “growing up different”  Having to experience discrimination from the dominant culture based on their physical appearance  Cognitive differences, a term derived from the descriptions of “thinking differently,” “being different in my mind,” “not being able to learn like everyone else”

Why is Relative Placement Important?  To keep culture, traditions, and language from getting lost.  Children are confident and have an identity.  Families feel connected, supported, and together. They don’t feel torn or have missing links.  Young children are taught traditional coping skills, family roles, and community.  Children are taught that healing and recovery are possible.

Natural Protective Factors  AI/AN children are viewed as gifts from the Creator, children are cared for by a whole community (family, extended family, clans) versus just the parents doing all the work.  Elders are highly regarded and trusted to teach the young and be helpers in their care and raising.  Parents are supported and encouraged, and those who did not care for their children properly were ridiculed into compliance.  Cultural events such as naming ceremonies.  Community gatherings, dances, spiritual events; sweats, vision quests, canoe journey.  Story telling as a teaching tool.

Psychological Parent Model

Extended Family Model

Permanency Planning Philosophy  The primary right and responsibility for child rearing lies with the parent and/or extended family.  Permanence can only be said to exist judged on the perception of the child.  The best permanent plan is for the Indian child to grow up in his/her own family, or extended family.  Parents with substance abuse problems have the right to services that recognize addiction as a disease, to have a relationship with their child despite their disease, and to receive treatment that will enable them to be a permanent resource for their child.  Identifiable case plans that state goals and how those goals are to be achieved, subject to review, are essential for permanence.

All My Relations: Impacts of the Indian Child Welfare Act of Foster Parenting (Video Viewing: 45 minutes) By: WA State DSHS Group Discussion: 15 minutes ALL My Relations Video 12

To learn more, visit or call (503) Debra Clayton, MSW For More Information 13

National Indian Child Welfare Association 14