The ICWA gives her an absolute right to revoke her consent and have the baby returned to her, yet the adoption agency and the adopting couple (a well to do white couple) are saying that the ICWA does not apply because the family is not "reservation connected," i.e., real Indians live on reservations and the ICWA does not apply unless you're a real Indian family. The mother is an enrolled member of the Minnesota Chippewa Tribe, and the child is eligible for membership making the ICWA clearly applicable. This legal doctrine, called the "existing Indian family" doctrine, will be tested in Georgia in this case. This doctrine is the most effective means of attacking Indian families and tribes ever dreamed up by adoption attorneys. There is a national campaign of adoption attorneys to push this phony doctrine. It has been adopted in at least four states so far. It must be stopped.

Our office is representing the mother for free, and our costs will easily run into the thausands of dollars before this case is over. We do not have the funds however, nor does the family, to pay the airfare and travel costs involved in fighting this matter in the Georgia courts. I anticipate that $2,000 would cover our out-of-pocket costs.

This family is desparate. Any contributions to our office for this Indian Family Defense Fund would be tax deductible as a charitable contribution.

Please call me immediately if you or anyone you know can help. Thank you, Mark Fiddler

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