Cherokee Nation father Dusten Brown and his family in Oklahoma. Photo Courtesy National Indian Child Welfare Association

James Anaya, the United Nations special rapporteur on indigenous rights, is weighing in on an adoption dispute involving a young member of the Cherokee Nation of Oklahoma.

Anaya says Veronica Brown is facing "removal" from her Cherokee family even though the court system in South Carolina hasn't determined whether that's in her best interests. Her father, a Cherokee citizen, is fighting to keep her in Oklahoma.

"Although Veronica lived with the non-Cherokee couple in South Carolina for the first two years of her life, she has now resided with her father and extended indigenous family in Cherokee territory in the state of Oklahoma for nearly two years," Anaya said in a press release.

Anaya's message was welcomed by the National Congress of American Indians and the National Indian Child Welfare Association. The organizations have filed a civil rights lawsuit on behalf of Veronica.

“These rights are being violated by the failure of the courts to provide Veronica, her tribal nation, and her extended family with opportunities to be heard regarding her best interests,” NICWA executive director Terr Cross said in a press release. “What the U.N.’s involvement indicates is that we must all agree to turn our focus back to Veronica."

“Veronica, and all similarly situated Indian children, families, and tribal nations, have deeply felt interests in maintaining their individual and collective rights to family, culture, and community. These basic human rights, along with the fundamental principles of self-determination, non-discrimination, due process, and equality, must be protected," added Jacqueline Pata, NCAI's executive director.

Veronica is currently living with her family on Cherokee trust land in Oklahoma. Her father is facing extradition to South Carolina to face a charge of custodial interference.

Two Oklahoma judges have issued orders that would require Veronica to be transferred to the non-Indian couple. Appeals are pending with the state's Supreme Court.

Get the Story:
Consider Cherokee girl’s rights to maintain ‘cultural identity,’ United Nations official says (AP 9/10)
U.N. official weighs in on Baby Veronica case (The Tulsa World 9/11)

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