A bill that has been introduced in the California legislature would make it easier for Native American youth who are adopted by non-tribal parents to stay connected with tribal culture. The bill was introduced by Assemblyman Paul Cook (R-Yucca Valley), who called it his most important measure of 2009:

Current adoption rules often end up cutting ties between and adopted child and the tribe and lead to the child's total assimilation into western culture, said Assemblyman Jim Beall (D-San Jose) a co-author of the bill. Under the measure, American Indian children would be allowed to continue their relationship with the tribe ... (Source: The Press-Enterprise)

The bill received unanimous support in the Assembly and will be voted on by a Senate committee on Monday.

Labels: laws, native american

Posted By: Aspen/CRC