Family Law

"Written in 1979 for the Research Branch of the federal Ministry of Indian and Northern Affairs, this publicaiton lists justice oriented programmes across Canada, federally, provincially and territorially, that are designed for or available to native people. Lists purpose of the program, authorization for the the program, administration of the program, target population, duration, and resources in terms of funds and personnel. Lists contact information." -- Provided by publisher

"For over 100 years, thousands of Aboriginal children passed through the Canadian residential school system. Begun in the 1870s, it was intended, in the words of government officials, to bring these children into the “circle of civilization,” the results, however, were far different. More often, the schools provided an inferior education in an atmosphere of neglect, disease, and often abuse.

"A powerful, fast and timely story of a troubled foster teenager - a boy who is not a 'legal' Indian because he was never claimed by his father - who learns the true meaning of terror. About to commit a devastating act, the young man finds himself shot back through time on a shocking sojourn through moments of violence in American history.

An intimate portrait of a fiercely determined survivor, Donna's Story profiles a Cree woman who left behind a bleak existence on the streets. She has re-emerged as a powerful voice counselling Aboriginal adults and youth about abuse and addiction. Donna Gamble was raised in foster homes, addicted to drugs and caught up in prostitution by the age of 13. The camera unravels her exhilarating and tumultuous journey: her motivation to turn her life around, her work to keep others off the streets and the renewal of personal relationships with her family and children.

"A collaborative effort from attorney general offices faced daily with legal questions involving state and tribal relations, the American Indian Law Deskbook, Fourth Edition is an up-to-date, comprehensive treatise on Indian law. The Deskbook provides readers with the necessary historical and legal framework to understand the complexities faced by states, Indian tribes, and the federal government in Indian country.

Included are:

"This documentary focuses on John Diabo, a cherished member of a tight-knit family in the Mohawk community of Kahnawake. In 1998, John, tortured by drug addiction for over a decade, ended his life at the age of 31. Through moving testimony and family photographs, this film tells the intimate story of his life… and death. The film is also a portrait of his family, and their courage as they share their stories of survival in the aftermath of unimaginable loss." -- Provided by publisher

"The adoption of Aboriginal children into non-Aboriginal families has a long and contentious history in Canada. Life stories told by First Nations people reveal that the adoption experience has been far from positive for these communities and has, in fact, been an integral aspect of colonization. In an effort to decolonize adoption practices, the Yellowhead Tribal Services Agency (YTSA) in Alberta has integrated customary First Peoples’ adoption practices with provincial adoption laws and regulations.

"American Indian Tribal Law examines the development of tribal justice systems from pre-contact to colonization, and into the modern era of self-government. Unique in it's field, America Indian Tribal Law surveys more than 300 tribal courts and 565 Indian tribes nationwide - in a detailed exploration of how disputes are handled and resolved." - Provided by publisher

"During the past decade, a remarkable transference of jurisdiction to Indigenous children's organisation has taken place in many parts of Australia, Canada, the USA and New Zealand. It has been influenced by Indigenous peoples' human rights advocacy at national and international levels, by claims to self-determination and by the globalisation of Indigenous children's organisations.

Examines a broad range of child welfare policies impacting native children and their families in the U.S. and Canada, including foster care, child protection, adoption, services to keep families together and supporting data. Most chapters contain a separate section for each jurisdiction (Canada and the US) written by a different author(s). An appendix includes a timeline for each country detailing major policy development of child welfare policies related to native children. Contains author biographies and an index.