After watching the documentary film, Return of Navajo Boy, one realizes the severe consequences of removing children from their native cultural surroundings. With simple poignancy, John Wayne Cly tells his story of lonliness that occurred as a result of being taken from his home at the age of two.
John Wayne Cly's story reminds us of the importance of preserving cultural heritage for children. John Wayne Cly remarks, "I felt lost. I never fit in." In addition to losing his family and culture, we also know that John Wayne Cly was never legally adopted by his foster family. He was caught in a limbo between his family of origin and his new "white family", never completely belonging to either.
We are left to wonder, after viewing the film, how the United States Government could allow Navajo children to be taken from their homes and never returned. We are also left to wonder what steps the government has taken to resolve this disturbing problem.
This section is deeply indebted to The National Indian Child Welfare Association, for their tireless efforts at protecting American Indian children, and for their superb Web site which provides detailed information concerning their activities and the welfare of Indian children.
The Indian Child Welfare Act of 1978
Controversy over The Indian Child Welfare Act
Amendments to The Indian Child Welfare Act