Native Americans make up one percent of the population of Maine. One-third live on reservations, primarily in Northern and Eastern Maine. Two-thirds live off reservation. The goal of the Indian Child Welfare act is to place native children needing foster/adoptive care within their own culture to preserve their traditions, lifestyle and culture. However, there are children in Maine and across the US with native heritage who are in non-native foster and adoptive homes.

Traumatic abuse and neglect in early childhood adversely affect children's developing brain and general development. Native American children placed outside their culture may additionally suffer from "Split-Feather Syndrome." Dr. Carol Locust, a member of the eastern band of the Cherokee Nation and past faculty of the Univ. of Arizona has researched this issue. She identifies "Split-Feather Syndrome" as a loss of native identity and a loss of a sense of belonging in their current family.

These children experience the loss of culture, heritage, language, spiritual beliefs, tribal affiliation and tribal ceremonial experiences. Dr. Locust feels the syndrome manifests itself in increased alcoholism, substance abuse, social disability and psychological problems. It usually surfaces during adolescence when youth are already experiencing identity
issues.

Cultural planning with these children and families is necessary in order to reduce the risk of long-term identity loss and psychological challenges. The purpose of cultural planning is to provide professionals and parents a means to understand the vital importance of Native American children's heritage and culture. The plan should include ways to explore and teach the child about their heritage, and methods for the family to learn about the child's cultural history, tribal traditions and values. Methods for preparing the child to deal with prejudice, and exploring how racism has affected the child and family should also be included.

At a multicultural conference on Dec. 4, 2003 in Rockport, Maine, Suzanne McKay from Casey Family Services, Dr. Carol Locust, and Gail Ireland from the Maliseet First Nation in New Brunswick presented on these issues. For more information, you may contact Suzanne at smckay@caseyfamilyservices.org.