Greetings...

[2xblessed]

Hello! I am new to this forum and I would like to introduce myself.

I am the adoptive mother (caucasian) to two little boys, ages two and three. Their birthmom is Native American and their bio-fathers are unknown but not NA. We are a Christian family.

I have been very active trying to learn as much about my sons' bio heritage as possible. We have been attending powwows and any talks that we hear of. I have joined a group called The Circle of First Nations, that serves NAs in central Iowa. We want our kids to be knowledgable and proud of their heritage.

Recently, a christian friend asked me how I was going to explain some of the Native American beliefs to me kids and still adhere to our Christianity. And I responded, "Um, well, I uh, I dunno." So, I went googleing and found this website and I am so thankful! I hope to meet some of you who could successfully help me in raising my kids to be kind-hearted Native American Christians!

PS-I love to tell my adoption story and talk about adoption so if you ever have any questions, please feel free to ask!

 

[2xblessed]

Uh oh...8 views and no replies...Did I say something wrong?

 

[tateziwin]

Do you know what tribe/nation your children belong to?
That would be important to know as different tribes have different cultural beliefs.
Once you know that, try and get in touch with some Christian people from their tribe, they might be able to help you.
Many Native people are Christians.
My adopted Crow/Blackfoot Grandma went every Sunday to a white Baptist church and still feel quite comfortable upholding her traditional beliefs.
I think she kinda lived in two worlds...when around whites she would follow that style and when around Natives she would follow them....." when in Rome....!"
Like, when she prayed Indian style she would pray to Jesus.
Her belief in Jesus was strong and true. Anyone can be a Christian, doesn't matter what your culture is.

 

[2xblessed]

Hey Tate! Thanks for your reply. I was about to give up on this forum...

I do know what tribe they are from although I am not comfy posting it on the net for the privacy of their dear birthmother. Let's just say they are an offshoot of the Sac and Fox of Oklahoma. I am slowly making connections within the NA community and I am praying that God will place the right people in our path to help us teach our boys about their heritage.

I read your profile and see that you study Lakota Language. Where abouts are you originally from and how did you end up in Australia? I am in central Iowa. I have a friend who has two adopted children that are Lakota Souix from the Rosebud and Pine Ridge rez's. She is very fortunate to have a good friendship with her children's birthmothers. I wish that my sons' birthmother would contact us again.

Thanks again for your reply!

 

[tateziwin]

Hi 2xblessed!

Sounds like you are doing all the right things (in my humble opinion ).

I ended up in Australia cos I am Australian!!
That is to say, I have no Native American blood in me.

I just have always (as far as I can remember) respected and admired the indigenous peoples of America but my main interest has always been with the Lakota.

I find it interesting to note that you are not native yet you were able to adopt native children...I thought there was laws about the kids growing up amongst their own people? Please advise me on this.

I think just keep on praying, God works all things for good according to His plans!

oh, one thing that I really consider important is that you try to encourage the children to learn their own language as language is so much a part of the culture that sometimes it is inseparable.