Adoption

Adoption in the NWT

Aboriginal Custom Adoption

Aboriginal custom adoption is a traditional practice between the birth parent(s) and adoptive parent(s). Typically, it involves relatives or other members of the same community. It is the most common form of adoption in the NWT.

What Is Custom Adoption

  • Community-led and culturally rooted
  • Arranged verbally between families or community members (birth and prospective adoptive parents)
  • Aboriginal Custom Adoption is only available to those who are members of an Indigenous group who have practiced the customary laws
  • Encourages a continuing relationship between birth parents and their child
  • Legally recognized through the Aboriginal Custom Adoption Recognition Act

Steps to Adopt

  1. Contact an Aboriginal Custom Adoption Commissioner nominated from your Indigenous government and/or organization
  2. Complete required documentation with Commissioner
  3. Obtain an Aboriginal Custom Adoption Certificate from the Commissioner, which is equivalent to a court-issued Adoption Order

Find an Aboriginal Custom Adoption Commissioner

  • Email cfs_info@gov.nt.ca to request a list of the Aboriginal Custom Adoption Commissioners

Become an Aboriginal Custom Adoption Commissioner

  • Indigenous governments and/or organizations may nominate individuals from their communities who have a deep understanding of Indigenous customary law.
  • Training is provided by the Department of Health and Social Services on the administrative aspects of the Aboriginal custom adoption process.
  • The Department of Health and Social Services does not interfere with the cultural aspects of the process, respecting each community’s unique customs.
  • Aboriginal Custom Adoption Commissioners receive an honorarium for completed applications.

Contact