Foster Dad wanting to know definition of an Indian Child

December 31, 2004

…We have had one Indian child adoption fail after having the baby in our home for two weeks. Somehow (the Lord only knows) we have been chosen again by a 16th Indian minor mother who does not live on the reservation and wants her baby to go to a non Indian family. Her Indian family supports her decision but the tribe may object to her outside the tribe adoption. I have learned more that I cared to on the ICWA rules from the previous failed adoption but I would like to know what defines a Indian child when it sounds like a tribe can change there definition so easily?