Connectedness and health for First Nation adoptees

Abstract

The present article describes the major findings from a doctoral study that explored the relationship among connectedness, health and adoption for First Nations children. Reports that focus on Aboriginal children in the care of public agencies emphasize the importance of the child remaining connected to family and community. The literature on adoption describes connectedness as an attribute of self that reflects our interpersonal relationship with the world. The objectives of the present study were to describe how connectedness relates to health for First Nations adoptees, and to explore legislative, policy and program implications in the adoption of First Nations children. The study was conducted using the western qualitative approach of in-depth interviewing with participants, accompanied by the indigenous method of talking circles with key informants. Grounded theory was the method of analysis. The findings of the study suggest that connection to birth family and community and ancestral knowledge are critical for First Nations adoptees.