This situation has come up with several couples lately.
An Indian man has been married to a non-Indian woman
in a traditional ceremony (I don't know if they also went through
a "legal" ceremony). They have had children. After several
years they separated, but remained friends and maintained
reasonable visitation rights for the fathers and children.
These men are involved with their traditional religion.
The children have been involved with the religion from
infancy, coming to ceremonies, coming into the sweat lodge, etc.
Now, the women are getting married to other people and
moving far away. They are denying the fathers visitation
or severely limiting visitation. The fathers would like
custody of the children. The children want to maintain
contact with their family and want to be able to learn
the religion. They don't want to leave.
Can the Indian Child Welfare Act be of any assistance in
this situation?
You may respond via email or to the list as appropriate.
Thanks
Bonnie b_willia@lifesci.ucsb.edu
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* Bonnie Williamson E-Mail b_willia@lifesci.lscf.ucsb.edu *
* Marine Science Institute *
* University of California Office Phone (805) 893-2051 *
* Santa Barbara, CA 93106 FAX (805) 893-3777 *
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