Yet Another One

Chanel with her maternal grandmother, Aana Arlene

On the heels of the recent Supreme Court ruling upholding the ICWA, comes awareness of yet another case. In this one, the white foster parents refuse to honor the Alaska indigenous roots of this child, Chanel.

Chanel’s biological mother, Kristen Ballot-Huntington, was murdered by her mother’s partner and the girl’s father, Eric Rustad. LINK>Sentencing Details.

In social media posts, her foster father refers to her as “little Native baby” and even Mowgli, after the Jungle Book character raised by wolves. Such remarks perpetuate harmful stereotypes and demonstrate a profound lack of understanding and respect, attitudes that put Chanel’s entire identity as a Native child at risk of erasure. She deserves the opportunity to grow up with a strong sense of self, pride in her cultural heritage, and a connection to her community. Her foster parents are keeping Chanel separated from her grandmother and brother, depriving her of the nurturing relationships that are crucial for her emotional well-being and overall development.

You can help prioritize Chanel’s best interests, cultural heritage, and emotional well-being by facilitating her reunification with her grandmother, Aana Arlene. Please sign the petition to the Selawik Tribal Court LINK>Bring Chanel Home. I’m signing because I care about native children’s right to be raised within their indigenous community.