How were Menominee babies adopted by Whites?

Answer 1

Menominee babies were often adopted by white families during the 19th and early 20th centuries, primarily due to policies promoting assimilation and the belief that Native American children would benefit from being raised in white households. This practice was facilitated by missionaries and government agents who viewed adoption as a way to integrate Native children into Euro-American culture. Many times, these adoptions disregarded the cultural ties and rights of the Menominee families, leading to significant disruptions in their community and heritage. The process often lacked transparency, and the reasons for adoption were complex, involving social, economic, and political factors.