xpectation is often framed within the structure of non native cultural values, and society generally is more often than not unwilling to consider any cultural values and stan dards other than the prevailing non native norms in the exten sion of assistance and protection to native children.
Other stakeholders also include Alberta Social Services, the provincial government (other than Social Services), the federal Department of Indian Affairs and Northern Development, and the federal government generally. Both Alberta Social Ser vices, and the federal Department of Indian Affairs and Northern Development have generally opposed in practice (regardless of what policy statements may say) any action at any level of government which recognizes a stronger role for Indian bands, or an enhanced value of non native cultural
3values, because such actions tend to undermine the authority of the departments. The provincial and federal governments gener ally oppose in practice any action at any level of government which recognizes a stronger role for Indian bands, or an enhanced value of non native cultural values, because such actions tend to strengthen the positions of the Indian bands in disputes ranging from land control to sovereignty.
Perhaps the most tragic aspect of native life in North America in the last quarter of the twentieth century is the large scale separation of native children from their families and from their culture (MacDonald, 1983). The policies which created this situation "shocked and dismayed Indian families, while exposing thousands of Indian children to the anomie and uncertainty of long term foster care in an alien culture" (Mac Donald, 1983, p. 76).
On some reservations in Canada and the United States (US), it has been estimated by the Association of American Indian Affairs (1984), a native organization, that as many as 25 percent of all children have been removed from parental cus tody. If this estimate...