Squamish Nation withdraws objection to adoption of native girls in Ontario.

HAMILTON, ON -- The Squamish Nation of British Columbia withdrew its effort to prevent the adoption of two first nations sisters to non-native families. The Hamilton Children's Aid Society which supported the Squamish Nations claims also dropped their opposition and will facilitate the adoption process.

The girls had been apprehended by the Hamilton CAS from the home of their birth parents, who had alcohol and drug problems. The girls spent several years in their foster homes without problems until the foster parents applied for permanent adoption.

As the mother had been born in the Squamish Nation, the native group claimed custody of the children. They sought to block the adoption and requested court permission to move the children to BC where they would be placed with a white foster parent living on the reserve. The foster mother would be under the supervision of the Squamish child welfare agency where they could grow up connected to their First Nations heritage. The Hamilton CAS chose to back the band.

After several days of argument in court, the band withdrew its objections because the intended foster home was no longer available.

The Hamilton CAS is now proceeding with the adoption process.