Who we are

FIRST NATIONS REPATRIATION INSTITUTE

Restoring First Nations People to Their Homelands©

Who we are

FNOA was born out a grassroots effort to bring awareness and healing to Indian communities impacted by adoption and foster care. After several years it became apparent that there needed to be a more formalized approach. First Nations Repatriation Institute (FNRI) will pick up and expand the original work of FNOA. It will be a resource to adoptees connecting them other adoptees and resources. The goals are focused in Education, Scholarship and Advocacy

Many adoptees, fostered individuals and their families have used the mainstream services to meet their immediate psychological needs. However, these services often fall short of addressing the deep wounds caused by separation from culture. It is important that they reconnect with tribal elders and culturally competent professionals who recognize and address the:Many adoptees, fostered individuals and their families have used the mainstream services to meet their immediate psychological needs. However, these services often fall short of addressing the deep wounds caused by separation from culture. It is important that they reconnect with tribal elders and culturally competent professionals who recognize and address the:

• Loss of identity
• Loss of personal power
• Loss of legal status
• Disruption of family structure

Many adult adoptees/fostered individuals, children in foster care, their families and communities exhibit traits of survivors of trauma:
• Anxiety/impulsivity
• Intrusive imagery/nightmares
• Depression
• Withdrawal/isolation
• Guilt
• Elevated mortality rates from cardiovascular diseases such as suicide and other forms of violent death.
• Perceived obligation to share in ancestral pain
• Compensatory fantasies
• Unresolved grief

First Nations children who have been in foster care, or adopted out have experienced a disruption in the development of their identity as a First Nations person. The disruption caused by separation from their families, communities and tribes, can lead to extreme isolation, fear, anger and resentment and low self esteem. Most will not be able to articulate where the anger is coming from and often medicate with drugs, alcohol and other destructive behaviors. Many fostered individuals have reported overwhelming suicidal thoughts. This form of isolation is exceptionally difficult to express and is best addressed within our traditional cultural teachings and in the support of other adoptees/fostered individuals, spiritual leaders and tribal community members.

FNRI believes that in order to walk in balance everyone needs to be able to answer these four essential questions in life: Who am I? Where do I come from? What am I doing? Which direction am I going? Our sacred values encourage self esteem, self worth, self image, self respect, pride and dignity that can prevent depression, low self esteem, low self worth, and low self image. We believe healing comes from sitting in the circle of our relatives, hearing songs and being told “You were not forgotten. In our ceremonies we prayed for you. We are glad you are here, welcome home.”

FNRI also believes that by including child welfare professionals, judges, lawyers and policy makers in our circle of healing and understanding that they too heal and discover ways to enhance their work with tribal communities. Including everyone in the process we come together in a powerful way to acknowledge those before us; and with that insight make things better for our children and their families yet to come.

The First Nations Repatriations Institute (FNRI) offers advocacy, support and healing to all fostered and adoptive individuals and their families in accordance with our traditional spiritual heritage. FNOA’s activities provide consultation and education to social service providers and the legal system in the cultural traditions and values of First Nations families and their communities with the goal of bridging and enhancing services in accordance with the Indian Child Welfare Act.

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