Adoption comes from the Old French word adoptare, meaning "to chose for oneself.”
"Native Americans have developed ceremonies for making relatives, where you receive a name and are made a relative with someone. During that time, men and women talk to you, telling you how important you are in the community. You are told that once you receive you new name, you will be given a special place in the community and that you will become a helper. You agree that no one in the community will ever be orphaned and that no one will ever go hungry. All these things normally are taught to you before you get your name. Other nations do things in different ways also. For instance, you can adopt a person you see has the same characteristics, personality, looks or nature as your own relatives. In ceremony you ask them to become part of your family. Then you take care of them as if they were true relatives". Retrieved June 4, 2016 from: http://www.dancingtoeaglespiritsociety.org/relatives.php |
MY EXPERIENCEAs an adoptive parent- my husband and I were quite disappointed to receive our adoption order in the mail with no ceremony to mark this important event. We expected to be called to Judge's chambers so our child could see that the community recognized his presence in our family. We were told later that the family courts were backed up so this wasn't possible. Depending on where you live in Ontario- you may have the opportunity to have your adoption finalized in a court room. What that looks like and how that feels depends on the Judge who is finalizing your adoption and the time that is available to do so.
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YOUR CEREMONYAn Adoption Entrustment Ceremoney can include the family story of how this new family member was met. Readings can become part of the ceremony as well as music. But the ceremony also includes promises that the parents and other siblings make to the child and the child makes to their chosen family.
Biological family can be directly involved or honored for bringing this child into the world. Lastly, friends and family present not only witness the event but also commit to supporting this newly formed family in times of strength and challenge. Contact Theresa to discuss how your ceremony can honour your family's experience. |