Stories of Aboriginal transracial adoption

Abstract

Despite the significant number of transracial Aboriginal adoptions that have taken place in Canada, little research is available that addresses the psychological and psychosocial ramifications for the children involved. The scant literature that does exist raises concerns about the psychological impact of this type of adoption. The present research used narrative inquiry to bring greater understanding to the experiences of Aboriginal children raised in nonAboriginal families. The life stories of four Aboriginal adults who were adopted as children were gathered through audio-taped interviews. Seven "narrative threads" salient across the four participants' life stories include: disconnection, passing, diversion, connection, surpassing, reconnection, and identity coherence. © 2013: Simon Nuttgens and Nova Southeastern University.