Where do I start, and how?

by Leland P. Morrill Adopted Native American Citizenship Affected by The REAL ID Act of 2005 on Tuesday, June 21, 2011 at 5:24pm
Change...kinda hard huh. I was just watching my online friend Ryan Yezak's video Moving On, very inspiring.
HERE IT IS just in case you need some inspiration in your life:

One area of my life that has had a continual focus has been on the years of research to obtain my Navajo Nation Birth Affidavit and membership back into the Navajo Nation. I thought perhaps it would be a great idea now that some time has passed to start and catalogue or write steps to help others. Any suggestions of areas where to take this page from here forward is something I am struggling with.
breathe, breathe breathe

First off, if you don't have any understanding of the Real ID Act, you can read the Wikipedia content here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/REAL_ID_Act and then you can "GOOGLE" the subject if you feel you need to.

How does The Real ID ACT of 2005 affect me?
When you apply or renew a State issued Identification Card or Drivers License you will have to supply proof of your existence.

For most people this will be easy. You will need:
An original copy of your State issued Birth Certificate
An original copy of your Social Security Card issued by the Social Security Administration
a photo, usually taken on the spot once you have provided the first two. Just out of habit, of renewing, you'll probably show your current expiring State issued ID or DL card.
Pay the fee and you're done.

This page/blog is more for Native Americans born within one of the fifty States of America who were adopted out of their tribe without proper documentation such as a State issued Birth Certificate or National (Native Nation) Birth Certificate/Affidavit. Sometime in addition to not having a birth document, you may not be enrolled into your respective Nation or Tribe, as in my case.

Where do you go from here if the local DMV (Department of Motor Vehicles) denies you a State issued identification card or drivers license card?
If you're an adopted Native American, one of the first places to start your search is your Final Judgement of Adoption, aka adoption papers. Make sure you have an original copy, or a certified copy. If, over the years you only have a photocopy, or G*d-forbid, a mimeographed one (LOL) then you'll need to contact the issuing Family Court.

Be thankful today we live in the INFORMATION AGE. GOOGLE, or search for the address, website, telephone number of the issuing Family Court. It's a great idea to call them. Find out what form, or if you have to write a letter, what is required and start assembling that and send it off. These days, who knows, it may be as easy as filling out an online form, submitting it and paying it with a credit/debit card and then waiting for them to send you an original copy of your Final Judgement of Adoption. You may be required to download, print, fill it out, sign, date and then have it notorized. Some copy, office supply stores have notaries & the prices will vary. Here in Los Angeles, the price of a notary I used at Coast Stationary in my neighborhood on Spring Street here in Los Angeles.

My local Notary Public is located at an office supply store here in Los Angeles on Spring Street!

Coast Stationary was great for me as they also had a fax machine, internet as well as the notary service. They charged me a $10.00 notary fee. That will give you an idea of how much it may cost you to notarize your documents as you continue to research your documentation. By the way, it's a great idea to purchase multiple copies of "originals" from the State or National Family Court because you may end up having to one to a State Vital Statistics office, another to a "Native" Nation Vital Statistics office and then, OH YEA!!!! YOU NEED at least ONE! :D
Just sayin!

On your Final Judgement of Adoption look to see if your birth date, birth location and census number are on it. If they are not. Call back the State or National Family Court and ask why they are not on the document. In my case, for some mysterious reason, the Navajo Nation, Bureau of Indian Affairs, State of Arizona turned a blind eye to this and Judge Joe Benalley signed off on the adoption and my parents fled off to Canada with me and my Navajo sister the day after our adoption, July 16, 1971. Yup...well actually, my adopted dad was transferred with the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. (A whole other "story"). Getting back on subject. Sometimes, as in my case, the adopting parents were supposed to fill out the application for a birth certificate and the application will still be laying in a file somewhere. If not. you're going to have to start your search.

If your adopted parents are still alive, ask them all the questions you can currently think of about your adoption. Find out any stories they heard along the way of adopting you. If you were a foster child, what was your last name, did you have siblings, aunties, uncles, cousins, etc. Are there any pre-adoption medical records? What hospitals, medical centers?

WRITE EVERYTHING DOWN.
Utilize the internet.
If you do not have the internet at home, find an internet cafe, or a wi-fi hotspot. If you have a public library, use their computers or utilize their "hotspot" with your own laptop/netbook. I'm in my local library writing this note/blogpost...Yup, The Central Library downtown LA. :D

Tuesday June 21, 2011, Central Library, Los Angeles, California.

After you've written everything down, applied and sent off the necessary forms for your original copies of your adoption papers... that's your starting point.
The next entry will start where this one ended.
IF you have any suggestions about this entry, PLEASE "comment". Oh, an LIKE my page

Resilience, Keep it up and TGIF

The positive capacity of people to cope with stress and adversity.

Light at the end of the tunnel.

Santa Monica Pier, June 2011
Leland Pacheco Morrill, born Leland Kirk
The search I and many Navajos and other Native americans have achieved, and those who will endure to retain U.S. Citizenship and legal status in the fifty States of America because of the Real ID Act of 2005 is one that proves we as natives to this land are resilient, enduring, here to stay and will identify ourselves over and over again regardless of any assimilation tactic placed upon our native nations, be they individual or otherwise.

I'll start from my own experience. If you've been reading my notes you've obviously felt my raw anxiety, stresses, and roadblocks that have been overcome. If you haven't read my notes...please, I invite you to. I started out back in 1984-85 as a freshman at Brighham Young University in Provo Utah 18 years old and hearing the name of an Aunt Ruth, who happens to be Ruth Shirley-Kirk married to my biological mothers fathers brother John Kirk (Great Uncle). I'd also heard the name Linda Kirk as my biological mother. No documentation at that time was presented with the hearsay from my adopted parents, or from any legal standpoint either. As some of you readers know from previous notes written on this page/blog: my Final Judgement of Adoption did not have an Indian Census number on it, did not name my biological parents by name, nor was my birth date ever mentioned nor percentage of indian blood. The judge, Joe G. Bennalley of the Trial Court of the Navajo Tribe also did not follow through and order a birth certificate or affidavit as a representative of a Nation. This was my starting point 25-26 years ago. From that point over a span of the decades including the 80's, 90's, 2000's and 2010's, I built up my evidence by first finding out some of the Navajo's I attended university with were related and then with further questioning finding out the names of relatives that matched & finding out where they lived. I went and visited in the Spring/Summer of 1985 my Aunt Ruth Shirley-Kirk and also at that time met my cousin Calvin Kirk who to this day I understand still remembers that awkward encounter.

From there my search wained a bit as I started to work on self, finding my place, working and living life. In September 1989 with a few friends, Freddie Tsosie and if recalled correctly, Everett Chackee and Anderson Thomas, we travelled to the Navajo Reservation on vacation. Everett and Anderson both had to go to the Gallup Indian Hospital so we spent the day there. Yes, all day. That was normal to them. While there, just on a whim, I decided to see if there were any medical records for me there so, I checked and sure enough found out I had been there from 1969-1971 under the name Leland Kirk. So, I filled out the needed paperwork and obtained copies of my own medical records. Little did I know how valuable the short three year record from 1969 to 1971 would become decades later in my search to retain my own legal status in the United States, the right to have a State issued identification card and State issued drivers license, the right to be employed, and all other rights taken for granted IF one posesses that valuable plastic State issued card.

Yes I had to read the fine print, figure out a timeline of my life for those three years, talk to U.S. Senators, U.S. Commissioners, write anyone who I figured out might have any knowledge about who my parents might have been, etc. Then came the internet. I became increasingly amazed at how information can be traded at lightning speed. How tools such as blog/Facebook Page, GOOGLE, County Property Records, web resources such as the LDS Church Family History Library, The National Archives could be manipulated and useful in my search to regain my lost identity. I had two lost identities by now, one created by the Real ID ACT of 2005 where I needed to prove my United States Birth, even though I'd only been told a place of birth, which I now no longer use as Fort Defiance Arizona has replaced that, and also that of my Native Nation, Dine, or Navajo.

Resilience, hard work, years of sleepless nights, great friends, new found relatives all who empowered and energized me by helping prod me along when I became weary, upset, fatigued by the process of research research and more research and every roadblock, intersection along my path to finally obtaining my Navajo Nation Birth Affidavit. Yes, at some point I found the light at the end of the tunnel & walked through it with new found knowledge and understanding of how resilient one person can be, with the aid of a whole city/village of people helping me along. Yes, I asked for alot of help along the way. Sometimes there was no answer, sometimes I didn't know the answer was already there, but just needed interpretation, and sometimes, I admit, I bluffed a little just to see if another potential source could confirm my findings and then provide more based on them and if I traded information. Knowledge is power. I found out that to be key.

Part of what really helped me along was writing every little detail down, first and last names, phone numbers, email addresses, links, times and dates of when and who was spoken too and the details of each conversation. I have boxes of information needing to be sorted through, and the process written down how I arrived at each stage so when others ask me what the next step is, my turn to assist kicks in. Green light.

Today is Grateful Friday, and yes, I am grateful to all who have helped me. Those from the Navajo Nation, State Public Social Service departments, DMV's, politicians, attorneys, family both adopted and biological, and above all FRIENDS who stuck by me when it seemed like I had the loosing cards but in the end didn't. Perhaps bluffing a lil helped during my own experience, but I won out and now have that Certificate of Navajo Indian Blood, CIB, and a Navajo Nation Affidavit of Birth. It took a village of people. To that village of people: I am grateful, thankful and ever humbled by the immense process I can now look back at as I start my new life.

Next week I am interviewing for a position with the Torres Martinez Desert Cahuilla Indian Tribe, a new life I hope, of serving native people and helping to make our United States and our Native Nations more cohesive, and a better place to live and thrive.

Please read my other notes and comment.

YAY my plastic card called a Drivers License came in the mail Wednesday! The Drama is over...kinda.

by Leland P. Morrill Adopted Native American Citizenship Affected by The REAL ID Act of 2005 on Friday, May 27, 2011 at 12:52am
Wednesday I received my plastic card from the California DMV. Yup it's official, I now have a California Drivers License.

YAY my PLASTIC CARD showing I have a State issued Drivers License!!
What happened was when I went on April 14, 2011 to go get my Drivers License, I forgot my glasses so I only applied for the California Identification Card. I intended to go back but funds have been a little low lately after this whole 22 year research project that has been so paramount in my life. 40 years ago this July I was adopted out of the Navajo Nation and then began a feeble attempt by my anglo adopted parents to get a birth certificate. They at least sent in an application. Whether or not they followed up after the application phase no longer matters because I finished what they neglected.
It's amazing that it took me twenty-one years, seven months and 7 days to research and finally complete what should have been done back in July 1971 as part of the adoption.
My adoption and the adoptions of my other Navajo and Ojibwe brothers and sisters occurred prior to the Indian Child Welfare Act of 1978 (http://www.nicwa.org/Indian_Child_Welfare_Act/).
I find it disappointing Joe G. Bennalley, Judge, Trial Court of the Navajo Tribe who signed off on my adoption to an anglo Mormon couple who were moving the next day to Canada failed to state my birth date, a link to my biological parents by naming them and also failed to enroll me as a member into the Navajo Nation and even made it quite clear by stating by my name "Leland Pachecko Kirk, C# A Minor".
The "C#" is where my Navajo Census Number should have been.
I also find it disappointing to know the depth of knowledge my anglo adopted parents knew about my biological Navajo family and still failed to follow through on getting my birth certificate. All these made it incredibly difficult to connect the dots during my 22 years of research.

Most of how I connected the dots were through hospital records I had to travel to Gallup New Mexico and request in person at the Gallup Indian Medial Center Health Records Department. I had to read between the lines, create a timeline of events based on those records, learn how to ask questions about my whereabouts. Prior to the internet and the world wide web, I wrote several letters to the Catholic churches in Navajoland. I wrote to Our Lady of Blessed Sacrament Parish in Fort Defiance, All Saints Parish in Ganado and several Pastors and Reverends to find out more information all without replies but I kept on with it throughout the years.

With the internet becoming available and as more records becoming available and then social networks, especially FACEBOOK, then the research took on a new expedited life. I first found out about The Real ID Act and how it affected me not having a birth certificate when my wallet was lifted in December 2009 on a bus in Los Angeles. As I returned home I emptied my pockets in my shorts just to find out my wallet was gone. I had gone shopping at the 99 Cent Only Store on Wilshire and Fairfax and then rode the bus back with several bags of groceries. Both hands were full as I rode the bus and no, I did not see or feel who took my wallet, just that when I got home it was missing. I then went to the California DMV on Cole and Waring Ave in Hollywood to apply for a California Drivers License and found out that I had to have a birth certificate. The drivers license lost had been issued from Utah so in January 2010 I travelled back to Salt Lake to get a replacement. Little did I know that the Real ID Act would be enacted on January 1, 2010 requiring "legal presence" or an original State Issued birth certificate. That January 2010 visit to the Utah DMV I found out about the Real ID Act and thought that my mormon baptism record would suffice as I had used it previously at the same DMV years earlier.
Off to the "big and spacious building" called the LDS Church Office Building I went. Once there I was informed I had to get my baptisimal racord from my "home Ward. Well, I haven't attended the LDS Church since the 80's when I went to see if organized religion was for me or not. Found out back then, it's not for me. Not that I don't believe in a diety, higher power, energy because I do. The LDS Church just isn't for me. Sure it was part of my upbringing and every time I return to see my anglo adopted parents I attend their Ward only because that's their rule when visiting them. So you see, me going to my "home Ward" really wasn't going to happen and that baptism record would not have helped.

So, back to California I went and then realized by May 2010, I didn't have any legal documents, no State issued Identification or Drivers License and no Birth Certificate. My Navajo Nation Adoption papers were worthless because of the missing information (birthdate, census number, and birth parents names). This is when I really started to get worried because then I couldn't go to the Credit Union, out with friends, or fly, well I could on Delta because one of my friends is a flight attendant. I couldn't even use a credit card because, guess what? You have to prove your identity with a plastic card Identification or Drivers License issued by one of the 50 U.S. States. In May 2010 I went back to Utah with all the documentation and research I'd accrued since then and they allowed me to get a paper copy of a temporary Utah Drivers License. I soon found out this was not honored anywhere. Another worthless piece of paper issued by a government entity, that I paid for.

I started to really research on the internet, Facebook, Twitter, Ancestry.com, Google, ect. I had to start to understand how to use the internet for family research and what keywords to use, what to ask, how to phrase my questions to get the desired answer. I had to learn how to use property tax records that I'd used as a researcher to find family records for the KIRK and PACHECO names and potential family members. Then one day, just out of the blue, I realized I could use FACEBOOK the same way and there were hundreds of millions of people on FACEBOOK, could people on the Navajo Nation reservation be on FACEBOOK? I typed "Kirk Arizona" in the search area and pressed the search icon. Sure enough, guess what popped up? People named KIRK in ARIZONA. That was my first introduction to understanding how to manipulate FACEBOOK for my new cause. At this point I didn't quite reach out because I didn't know what to say but at least I knew it was there.

I still tried to go the goverment way via the State of Arizona and State of New Mexico through the suggestion of the supervisor at the Utah DMV. My adopted parents told me I had been born in Albuquerque. Found out later, there really is no documentation. New Mexico Vital Records took my money repeatedly and never wrote back, nothing. So I went with Arizona Vital Records. I paid several fees, emailed, telephoned, wrote letters, sent in all my documentation and finally had to pay more fees to finally get... (drum roll) an Arizona "Certificate of No Birth" in December 2010. Yup. After thousands of hours of research and almost 21 years of research another government issued paper worth nothing although it cost me dearly in legal fees, state fees and notary fees. It wasn't until I went back to Utah and had my famous Utah DMV experience:
"UTAH DMV Evil or Good? You tell me...I'm Illegal...or not. I'm NAVAJO!"
https://www.facebook.com/note.php?note_id=165603423489450
that I realized the Navajo Nation had it's own Vital Statistics Office, and that's when things finally started to fall in place. Well not quite. I had some problems with them so I decided, what the heck, I can call the Navajo Nation President Joe Shirley. Well, surprise, the Navajo Nation presidency changed in January and I ended up talking to my natural cousin. Yup. She was related to the KIRKs and was able to use her office, Constituent Services Unit, to help me. Along the way she directed me to other Navajo relatives. My Uncle, my mother's half brother, and his wife helped the most along with Cyndy guiding my path. My Uncle even wrote to the Navajo Nation Vital Statistics, called them, and visited them in person, He also went with his wife to look for my mother's grave.

All in all, I met great people along the way. A representative from the National Archives (NARA) in Perris California was also instrumental. I had pretty much figured out a timeline, created an onine pedigree chart on "Family Echo" to keep the names of relatives straight and had started my Facebook Page and Blog by then. So when I talked NARA, I could refer back to my notes (blog, page and pedigree) and ask yes and no questions to her. After she realized that I knew most of the information, on March 18, 2011 at 4:56 p.m. she sent me an email. It might have been a strategic move, after 5 p.m. they were closed so I was unable to send an email back or call. She emailed me all the information I needed to lobby to get my Navajo Nation Birth Certificate and Certificate of Navajo Indian Blood. Success happened on April 9, 2011, a Saturday. Alisia Milford from the Window Rock Navajo Nation Vital statistics called me as I was attending a conference where I was to talk to U.S. Census Director Robert M. Groves but he ended up a no show due to the Federal Government almost shutting down Friday April 8, 2011. I ended up talking to Chai Feldblum, Commissioner, U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission instead. I discussed my employment issues, showed her my worthless paper copy of a Utah Drivers License & she was shocked. I also submitted changes to The REAL ID ACT to her...documented in my note:
My Additions/Amendment suggestion/ reasoning to THE REAL ID ACT of 2005 submitted to Chai Feldblum, U.S.Commissioner of the EEOC
https://www.facebook.com/note.php?note_id=174986269217832

In April my Facebook Page was read over 11,000 times by readers (THANK YOU). Again I did get verbally notified I was a member of the Navajo Nation April 9th & on April 14th I received my NN Birth Affidavit and Certificate of Navajo Indian Blood. Then I applied for California ID & then in on May 17th I applied for a Drivers License. There was a bit of a problem with the paper copy of that worthless Utah Drivers License. I ended up having to call/email Nannette Rolfe (Director) and Jill Laws (Deputy Director) of the Utah DMV and Jill faxed the documentation needed to the California DMV for me to get my Drivers License. Wednesday May 25, 2011 I received my plastic card issued by the California DMV called a Drivers License.

It took a village, almost a city of people who helped me along the way, so many it would take a huge entry just to thank everyone. I've thanked most of them individually and if I missed you. Please know I am grateful and thankful for your help, suggestions and assistance along the way. One great lesson I learned is people will help if you ask. Knowing what to ask, how to form the question so someone else understands what you seek is also a learned tool. I am amazed at all the people to had the attitude of "What would you like me to do?" and "How can I help?" Thank you.

After all the drama...I think I deserve a lifetime acheivement award:

May 26, 2011
Me with an Emmy trophy at the Academy of TV Arts & Sciences.
NO It's not mine, just thought it would be a funny picture.
LOL, here's a picture of me with an EMMY at the Academy of Television Arts and Sciences yesterday. No it's not mine, just me in a picture with one.
Thought it would be humorous to include the picture.

Thank you for reading my blog/page.
Now this blog/page is to help others. It takes a village.
Please LIKE my page, share with those who need to know. If you have any questions or comments, please don't be shy, ask, or state them. Thanks again!

Wouldn't you know, just as I'm finalizing documentation it's THE END OF THE WORLD!!! EEEEK!!!!

by Leland P. Morrill
Adopted Native American Citizenship Affected by The REAL ID Act of 2005 on Friday, May 20, 2011 at 11:29pm
Just kidding! LMAO.

This week was rather tumultous. Even though I now have a plastic California Identification Card, I still did not have my Drivers License. Tuesday May 17, 2011 I went to the California DMV down by USC on Hope Street and waited in line. While in line, I read the entire Drivers License Manual. I had arrived around 12:30 p.m. thinking that would be enough time to get in to take the test, by 4:00 p.m. I was getting worried that the cut off time had passed. NOT SO! I made it by minutes, 4:25 p.m. I took my mugshot, forgot to pose like I'd been trained to for media events so my picture was less than what I wanted but still it's my mug.

Wouldn't you know, just as I was entering the testing area, my cellphone rings! My little brother Shaun. LOL. Well, he didn't know, but immediately I saw the NO CELLPHONES sign. After turning off my phone the DMV person yelled: "NO CELLPHONES!!! TURN OFF YOUR CELL PHONE!" I immediately stated I didn't even know it was on, which I really didn't. I then took the multiple "guess" test quickly and was done in 10 minutes. Hmmmm yup, so I rechecked my answers thinking it couldn't be that easy and I sure didn't want to fail so I rechecked one more time, I handed in my test and then had to prove I had a previous drivers license. I pulled out that worthless paper copy the Utah DMV Fairpark asked for & immediatlely the DMV Tester said "I can't accept that"

My old Utah paper Temporary Drivers License. It's worthless to the California DMV and as an ID "card" No one accepts it!

Well, I kind of knew it and started to plead my case. He listened, thought about it and said, well you passed but I can't accept that. Talk to a supervisor downstairs at window 21.
Window 21 wasn't labeled so I immediately asked as it was now about 5:00 p.m., closing time. I got a supervisor around 5:15 p.m. Same story, but she said Utah DMV could send a clearance letter. So I immediately called Nanette Rolfe's cellphone number. Nanette is the Utah Department of Public Safety Drivers License Division Director and left a message. I did the same on her work phone number and also called Jill Laws' work phone number and left a message. Jill is the Deputy Director of the Utah Drivers License Division.

I was really upset because here I'd paid the fee, passed the test and one more hurdle. Then my little brother texted me and I sent back a "bitchy" text: "What do you want?" Actually it was uncalled for but I hadn't blown off steam yet and he was an immediate recipient. Funny how sometimes you lash back at those who you love the most. Sorry Shaun, if you reading this. Anyway, he called me on it in his colorful language via text & made me laugh but I was still mad.

I finally talked to him, Still upset and he offered to help. That's what I found so amazing. Sometimes people ask to help you. I knew I needed to scan my CIB, Certificate of Indian Blood, and Brith Affidavit and sent those off in an email as a PDF to Nanette and Jill so off I went to FedEx/Kinkos. Guess who was working? Jesus...of course! He actually helped me quite a bit because the scanner jammed up, my USB flash drive wasn't recognized by their computer, so we sent it to my email. I also sent it to Shaun and my best friend Troy just in case. I've learned to sometimes overcompensate and send files to multiple people and myself for an electronic timestamp.

I actually didn't know Jills email address but knew Nanettes. So, I kind of guessed it. Good thing because Jill called me as I was working out a housing issue the next morning, Wednesday May 18, 2011. Jill said she faxed the California DMV the clearance letter and also sent me a PDF just in case. She knows my style. Very cool.

Utah DMV Clearance Letter...Thanks Jill for sending it so quickly!!

After a meeting with housing off to the DMV I went. Upon arrival, they had my paperwork ready. Whatever it was Jill sent, it got their attention. THANKS JILL! I now have an Interim Drivers License issued by California DMV, now awaiting the plastic card.

YAY. My California Interim Drivers License.

I've also now applied for two jobs with the Torres Martinez Desert Cahilla Indian Tribe. Both position required a California Drivers License, I'm hoping to get one of them. Cynthia at the Wilshire office here in Los Angeles gave me an application and an internal job posting list of positions she thought I'd be qualified for once the drivers license was issued. So cross your fingers and toes people! I need a job just like everyone else!

I do have to thank Shaun, my little brother for asking to help and being a sounding board about my frustrations. My friend Troy has also heard my frustrations and concerns. Troy has been through the entire twenty two years of my research. To him, for being a sounding board, suggesting things I'd never think of, and just plain being a good friend, which says alot about his good character, patience, and level of friendship. Thanks Troy!

Also, later, Shaun called me to tell me there is a girl here in North Hollywood, a daughter of a client, who is Cherokee and going through the same Real ID Act of 2005 documentation nightmare I am now exiting. Shaun asked me if I'd help her. OF COURSE!
So, if your reading this, call me! Oh, and your mother Robin has my phone number. Just sayin. I'm here, and have plenty of fresh knowledge and willing to help.

Thank you all for reading my entry/blog. This has been a great diary and I've had to refer to it during telephone calls to tell the Navajo Nation Vital Statistics office, The National Archives, Navajo Relatives, The Arizona Vital Statistics Office of my progress. Blogging and also creating an online pedigree chart accessable by any computer has literally saved many a conversation and aided in defending my cause and helping me move forward. So, if you are in this process, please write down everything because, you can always refer back to it!

Also, please LIKE my Facebook Page. READ my notes. Remember, this blog contains just my notes and has a PayPal feature where you can donate :)
This process is greater than just me and others will need help. Perhaps this can be a way to assist others and once I get myself back onto my financial feet will be able to set up a nonprofit to help others.

You may notice, I also will have EBAY items up for sale on my Facebook Page. Feel free to purchase those items as well.

Above all, This is now to help others. If you have any questions, comments, suggestions, ideas for me to write about pertaining to The Real ID Act of 2005, Certificate of Indian Blood, Native Affidavit of Birth...PLEASE, suggest! I welcome it!

Peace out!

Birth Certificates are a ROYAL PAIN...even to our Commander in Chief...just sayin.

by Leland P. Morrill Adopted Native American Citizenship Affected by The REAL ID Act of 2005 on Friday, April 29, 2011 at 8:05pm

Wow. What a media week. Obama and his controversial birth certificate problems and the marriage of Prince William to Kate Middleton. What struck me about  the Obama/Trump fiasco in the news was how he was continually pressed with supplying an original copy of his State of Hawaii Birth Certificate

( see link for more info: http://www.whitehouse.gov/blog/2011/04/27/president-obamas-long-form-birth-certificate )

This struck me because of THE REAL ID  ACT of 2005 at some point all people residing in the United States will have to prove legal status. It's amazing he thought of if as being such a distraction. He's now responded twice, once in 2008 with a non-legal copy of his "Certificate of Live Birth" and then again this past Wednesday April 29, 2011.  

You can view a better copy of President Obama's Birth Certificate, Courtesy of:
http://www.whitehouse.gov/blog/2011/04/27/president-obamas-long-form-birth-certificate

The question of racism arose from several fronts, from the media, from talk shows such as "The View" and then will be showcased on Monday May 2, 2011 on "Oprah" when he and First Lady Michelle Obama are the invited guests. I found racism to be alive in my own case at the Utah Department of Motor Vehicles Fairpark Office in Salt Lake with my confrontation with "JOYCE" the supervisor, covered in my NOTE/ENTRY: "UTAH DMV Evil or Good? You tell me...I'm Illegal...or not. I'm NAVAJO!"  I too realise racism does exist and must be constantly aware of it.  I was so upset with Joyce, I immediately called my friend Jim who with the aide of Utah Senator Gene Davis, and now former Utah State Division of Indian Affairs Director Forrest Cuch called Nannette Rolfe, Director, Utah Department of Public Safety Drivers License and discussed the insulting incident regarding my Utah Drivers License as a result of The Real ID ACT of 2005 authored by Wisconsin Senator James Sensenbrenner.  Through Nannette Rolfes office, Jill Laws had me fax my documentation, set up a new appointment for the following Thursday and I proceeded to obtain a six month temporary paper State of Utah issued Drivers License (not a plastic card).   

What struck me was how a supervisor would treat people so horribly and make them feel lower than dirt. On my second visit, Thursday, I made it known to all the workers who the offending supervisor was by pointing "Supervisor Joyce" out and stating: "The lady wearing the red shirt with the short hair is the person I talked to on Tuesday." They immediately took her aside and separated her from the rest of the employees.  What I hope happened is she was given a choice of sensitivity training. The Salt Lake City Fairpark DMV office caters to a minority population, mainly the Rose Park community, largely Hispanic.  The reason I made it my mission to take it to a higher level was because I was floored a supervisor could treat people so poorly, mostly those who would be indigent, minority, hispanic, and who would be used to this type of treatment. What a dis-service from a public servant, someone hired by the State of Utah to help, assist, provide superior customer service. The situation needed to be exposed. As you know by my Note/Entry "UTAH DMV Evil or Good? You tell me...I'm Illegal...or not. I'm NAVAJO!"  I did exactly that. I felt vindicated and hope that the Utah DMV is monitoring and will maintain a no-tolerance on discrimination to their minority population from that moment forward.

Getting back to Obama and his birth certificate. If this President had been of Anglo-Saxon, German, Swedish or any other "white-race", it is doubtful his legal presence would be questioned. What I want to interject here is, me being a minority, there have been instances in my life, including the Utah DMV incident, where being brown (Navajo) has not worked on my behalf. What I want to convey to you, is you have to look out for number one...the ME factor.  

No one else will. Some will pave the path, but you must make sure to tread it, or create one that others will follow.  It's not easy being the person who makes change. Change is scary. Change is unsure. Change happens whether you are the cause or not. Time, circumstance, everything changes. 

In my case, I was not willing to accept the one month extention Supervisor Joyce gave me as an ultimatum when I knew the law of The Real ID Act of 2005 and what my rights were. I had the upper hand through knowledge, wisdom and fortunately a good friend who had political connections to assist me in my time of need. Again it took SIX people, including myself, to schedule the second appointment. Sometime you have to realize within yourself that you must reach out to others who can help. It's amazing who stepped to the plate. I will forever be indebted to my friend Jim for the role he played in this incident. 

Another point I want to make: I don't care what color you are, I am, or who anyone is.  Sure physical beauty will create a first glance, but in the end what will trump anything are intellect, personality, and the beauty of the soul.

Talking about beauty, did you get to watch the Royal Wedding this morning?!? I accidentally fell asleep but watched it in a rebroadcast. Did you notice how similar Prince William looked like his mother Princess Diana?

Prince William, screen shot; Princess Diana, Peter Skingley/AP/pool

As an adopted child, a constant is not looking like, acting like, having the attributes of fellow adopted siblings and parents. Beside the fact that I needed to obtain a birth certificate, once I found my biological family in Ganado, Arizona back in 1985, there has always been that comforting feeling of not being alone.  Knowing there were others who had the same bloodline, features, quirky mannerism I possess. A completeness, the last piece of the puzzle. The same occurred when my cousin Matt came to visit Los Angeles last month

My cousin Matt,
Uncle Bob's son.

Even though he lives on the other side of the United States, when he was in my presense, there was a closeness, a bonding that felt, a relaxation from being guarded, a trustworthy feeling that people who are not adopted, those who live with their "natural" biological family unit take for granted. That is what I think adoptees constantly search for until they finally meet their natural relatives. Unfortunately for me, I will not be able to meet my brother Christopher, my mother Linda, but perhaps my biological father might be alive??? I have many other natural relatives who are alive. At some point I will meet them and be able to see myself in them. That will be the next phase I will concentrate on doing. 

That said, I have to make a living so, my goals are changing toward my professional life a bit more during this depression. YES, it is a Depression we live in. I was reminded of that by a lady over at the California Employment Development Department (EDD) downtown just yesterday. I  referred to the current state of our economy as a "recession" and she immediately said "THIS is not a Recession, THIS is a DEPRESSION". Yup.  Now back to the grindstone.

By the way, I am currently selling some items on Ebay, feel free to notice those postings on my Facebook Page wall:

"Adopted Native American Citizenship Affected by The REAL ID Act of 2005" 

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Los-Angeles-CA/Adopted-Native-American-Citizenship-Affected-by-The-REAL-ID-Act-of-2005/165349256848200

You may press the "DONATE" Button on my Blog: 

Adopted Native Americans/Real ID ACT

http://amiauscitizennavajo.blogspot.com/

AND....<lol> yup another way, I make my living is by selling window coverings, so feel free to order online at:

http://www.mynewblinds.com/  My New Blinds.  Use the coupon code "savela" for 5% off your purchase of $100 or more.

Please LIKE my page and read my NOTES/Entries! 

Enjoy life and those you choose to surround yourself with.

Thank you for reading.

SUCCESS! TGIF, Gratitude Friday message & the reason I played hooky today...LMAO!

by Leland P. Morrill Adopted Native American Citizenship Affected by The REAL ID Act of 2005 on Friday, April 15, 2011 at 11:20pm

Good morning peeps. Sorry the Friday posting is late, it was in the 80's here in LA...I played hooky.

here's a pic of me playing hookey:

Yup, I played hooky.
Pacific Palisades California...it was 80+ degrees & Friday.

YUP-sleeping away on tha beach.

GREAT NEWS WWWpeeps: I received my Navajo Nation Affidavit of Birth and Certificate of Navajo Indian Blood in Thursday's noon mail!  YAY!

Success...well on the Navajo Nation Side,
Now to work on the US Side with the State of Arizona.

Wow. Now what will I do with the time I dedicated to obtaining these? 22 years of research, 40 years after my adopted mother sent in an application for my birth certificate, 40 years after my adoption without any documentation except the NN Final Judgement of Adoption linking me to the Navajo Nation. 

First off, GRATEFUL FRIDAY:

I can-not claim full credit by myself, many people helped, in no specific order...kinda random order?!?

• Troy, my best friend of 26 years who's been my sounding board, heard all my frustrations, triumphs, shared 3am 4am 5am brainstorming sessions
• Jim, who in my frustration introduced me to "powerful" politicians who were able to work from the "top" down and assist, when my path had been blocked by Utah DMV employees.
• Uncle Bob and Aunt Ruth, my biological uncle & his wife who called the NN Vital Statistics, I'm sure numerous times (must be a "KIRK" trait), submitted a notorized statement, verbally told me where to look (ie...St Michaels, remember?) and <blush> walked through a cemetary looking for Linda Carolyn Kirk, my biological mothers grave, without success but still kept suggesting "next" ideas.
• "mom"/cousin Cyndy Taylor, who suggested names & numbers of NN officials from the "top" down and also helped me follow up and continuously checked up on my progress.
• My adopted mother Gwena, who during my frustration provided an emailed statement of events leading up to my adoption and when pressed for more info, provided the Albuquerque connection of St Anthony's Orphanage, and also copies of hers &my adopted dads birth certificates to prove to NN Vital Statistics & Utah DMV offices.
• Sarah, who suggested I start a blog/Facebook page to publicly share & create an online buzz about my story.
• Rick, for helping me set up my Facebook page...it was my first so, I had no idea how to do certain things & his talents helped greatly in what you see and are able to do on this page.
• Scott at the Arizona Vital Statistics for the years of conversations/emails sharing my frustrations over lack of info and attempting to help in "unchartered territory"
• The Staff at Navajo Nation Vital Statistics: Alisia, Leonard, Trudy, Velma, Florinda, and RuthAnn for their patience with me...I had a deadline of July 13, 2011 thanks to THE REAL ID ACT of 2005
• Public Officials: Senator Gene Davis, Forrest Cuch-former Director of Indian Affairs, Jill Laws-Utah DMV-Drivers License Division,  Chai Feldblum-Commissioner, U.S. EEOC.
• Gwen Granados of the Perris California US National Archives

THERE ARE SO MANY MORE!!!!

To my "official family" of friends both from Utah and California who gave me the strength when I faltered and felt like quiting the gazilion times I got back on my stubborn mule'd path & kept going. Especially after hearing all my frustrations, sometimes that was all they heard...yikes, I am grateful because I am almost there!!!

I have to now submit my info to the State of Arizona Vital Statistics, take the California DMV drivers test, finish changing my info with the Social Security Administration, etc.

Yea...still just the few details to tie up.

WWWpeeps...thanks for reading my story. PLEASE SHARE my story with those who need that extra push, that encouragement, that idea, that extra something they can't think of but you can help with.

NOW, it's about others, mine is a success story, I want others to enjoy the elation of success. Knowing they belong.

I am starting at 8am Saturday April 16, 2011 volunteering at a Citizenship Worshop in East LA!

***Please read my previous notes, LIKE my page, and SHARE!!!***

Weaving my pre-adoption history up to my Navajo Nation Adoption done without supplying my adoptive parents or me DOCUMENTATION

by Leland P. Morrill Adopted Native American Citizenship Affected by The REAL ID Act of 2005 on Sunday, April 3, 2011 at 5:19pm

I'm attempting to align all the information I know that leads up to my adoption and also include Navajo Tribal Council information and also how The Adoption Resource Exchange of North America (ARENA), successor to the Indian Adoption Project affected my adoption.

1. ARENA was formed to place foster children with adoptive families regardless of race.
2. Navajo Tribal Council, Tribal Policy on Adoption of Navajo Orphans and Abandoned or Neglected Children, 1960 (Adopted November 18, 1960):

(3) Heretofore the Navajo Tribal Council has not established a definite policy either in favor or in opposition to the adoption of Navajo children by non-members of the Tribe.

NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT:

(1) The Navajo Tribal Council favors the formal adoption of Navajo children in accordance with the provisions of Resolution No.CN-63-60 in all cases where the parents of such children are dead or where said children are being regularly and continuously neglected by their parents, or where the parents have abandoned said children. The Navajo Tribal Council looks with disfavor upon informal arrangements for the custody of such children except for temporary periods pending their formal adoption.

My history as I have now weaved it together.

Before I start, I want to be very clear there will be parts that may be graphic, you may form an opinion, etc. I am only going to state fact on what I have been told and can verify through statements.

I'll start with my biological grandparents:

Alice F. Yazzie (Navajo with a documented census number )and Harry William Kirk (Navajo with a documented census number)bore a daughter Linda Carolyn Kirk on December 17, 1943 or 1944. Not quite sure of the year. Linda Kirk (Navajo with a census number) while growing up attended several Indian Boarding Schools from the late 1950's-1964. These boarding schools included Phoenix Boarding School, a boarding School in Fort Defiance Arizona, and from 1960-1964 The Riverside Indian School in Andarko Oklahoma. While in Oklahoma, Linda Carolyn Kirk applied for a Social Security Card. After her boarding school experience Linda ended up working in Albuquerque. According to my Uncle Bob she worked at the Federal Building.

I was born (we think October 10, 1966). The date or place of my birth is documented only on hospital records later from June 16, 1969-May 28,1970 through the Department of Health and Human Services Public Health Service Indian Health Services that I obtained in 1989.

My biological father's name? I've heard a few different names so for the purpose of this note/blog entry, those likely biological father names wont be discussed as they are hearsay until documented. 

At some point Harry Kirk left Alice F. Yazzie and moved to California. Alice then lived with John Kirk, Harry's brother and fathered other children with John. in 1964 Alice died and John Kirk married Ruth Shirley Kirk. Both assumed "step-parent" duties to Linda Carolyn Kirk.

In September 1968 Linda Carolyn Kirk was in an auto accident. She was taken to the Bernalillo County Medical Center in Albuquerque New Mexico (now the UNM Medical Center). The staff at the Medical Center called John and Ruth Shirley Kirk telling them of the auto accident. John and Ruth Kirk did not have transportation nor the means to get to Albuquerque. Linda died and was transported to Ganado Arizona and buried there; in what is now an unmarked grave due to vandalism. 

At the time I had a brother named Christopher Kirk. I'm not sure of his age, date of birth. At this point I know I was taken to St Anthony's Orphanage in Albuquerque New Mexico (shuttered in 1971). From there I ended up back in Arizona, according to my adopted mother's recollection with  biological family, "step-grandparents" as in her statement:

I think for a short time you lived with John(Kirk) and his wife (Ruth Shirley Kirk).  I'm not sure why you were then placed with someone else.  Welfare told us you'd been living with your grandparents in the sheep camp.  We later learned it was your mother's grandparents.  It kind of seems like their name was Pacheco, but our friend said Andy(?) said your name was Kirk.

it was there that you were in a fire.  Your (great) grandfather was blind. Your (great) grandmother went out with the sheep.  They lived in a hogan with an open fire pit.  You walked into the fire and was burned.  That was our understanding of why you were in the hospital for 2 months before being placed with us.

In hospital documents dated June 16, 1969 I was admitted to the PHS Indian Hospital Keams Canyon. and referred later to the Gallup Indian Hospital. John Kirk and Ruth Shirley Kirk were listed as my parents and a birth date of 10-10-66 was handwritten in. I was admitted for (as I can decipher the handwriting):

1. (L) "mid humeral sp fx caat haning arm cart"
2. (R)"elbow dislocation and nibluxation....long arm cast"
3. "nondisplace x scapula" 

I was then admited into the Gallup Indian Hospital on July 19, 1969 at 8:30pm by John Kirk and Ruth Shirley (AKA Ruth Kirk). They were initially listed as parents but then were identified as Grandfather and Grandmother. Ms. Linda C. Kirk (Deceased) is written in as mother's maiden name. I was admitted for:

1. Burn First and Second degree right foot
2. Multiple bruises of body
3. Ankylosis right elbow
4. E Coli Cystitis

At some point (undated) the hospital made several observations and wrote a problem list:

1. Well Baby Care
2. Unheald fx of (R) elbow
3. Malnutrition
4. Child Neglect
5. Possible UTI (Urinary Tract Infection)

In documents dated September 19, 1969 a diagonosis was made:

1. Child neglect
2. Ankylosis of the right elbow
3. First and second degree burns of the right foot
4. Possible E. coli Dystitis
5. Malnutrition

At this point it says I had been living with my grandparents (step grandparents who assumed the role as per tradition) since the death of my mother, Linda Carolyn Kirk. I had never had immunizations, hadn't been toilet trained (3 years old) and only spoke a few words. A physical examination was performed.

Pulse was 140. Respirations 30. Temperature 102. The skin showed second and third degree burns on the right foot. First degree burns on the back. Ecchymotic areas on the right ear. The hair was thinning. Conjunctival hemorrage of the right eye. no pox. Lymphatics-the right inguinal node was promininent; otherwise no adenopathy...

...The patient was put under observation in bed and fed. His possible urinary tract infectino was treated with Furadantin for two weeks....

...Bone films, skull films were negative. The long bones were negative except for  a suproacondylar fracture of the right arm. 

Hospital Disposition dated September 22, 1969:

1. The patient is to be sent to a foster home in Chinle (assuming Stanley and Gwena Morrill)
2. The patient is to return to Gallup in one month for re-evaluation and further immunizations.
3. The patient should received further urine culture on re-visit.

Also, a copy of this clinical record was sent on September 22, 1969 to the Chinle Health Clinic and to Mrs. McCray of the Social Serivce in Chinle, Arizona. (signed by S. Cohen. MD)

So then I became a foster child to Stan and Gwena Morrill. I also had another foster sister Virginia Bitsui (Mary Bitsui's daughter). From September 1969 until July 15,1971 Virginia and I were foster children. July 15, 1971 we were adopted into the Morrill family. We moved to Burford Ontario Canada the next day, July 16, 1971.

Leland...me as a child.

As for my brother Christopher Kirk, my adopted mothers statement:

We were told you had a younger brother named Christopher that lived with John Kirk and his wife.  I don't recall her name.  Their son (I can't think of his name, but he was maybe 5 to 8 years older than you) told me about Christopher.  I was taking him home from seminary in the seminary van.  I had you and Virginia (Bitsui) with me.  You would have been 3 or 4.  I was thinking he was 10, but can't remember for sure.  He asked me if you were Leland Kirk.  I said yes.  He then told me your little brother Christopher had lived with them.  He said something like this. "One night when he went to bed, he was fine.  The next morning he was dead so we moved."

My biological Uncle Bob, Linda's brother, told me they tried to find Christopher and I. A BIA Agency representative told them I had died and Christopher was alive. They looked for Christopher and I was adopted.

There are guidelines the Navajo Nation had to abide by on July 15, 1971 while Virginia Bitsui (my foster/adopted sister) and I, Leland Pacheco Kirk were adopted in The Trial Court of the Navajo Tribe Judicial District of Chinle Arizona:

Navajo Tribal Council, Tribal Policy on Adoption of Navajo Orphans and Abandoned or Neglected Children, 1960

(1) By Resolution No. CN-63-60 the Navajo Tribe has established a procedure for adoption of members of the Tribe who are brought in person before a court of the Navajo Tribe, and said resolution is applicable to adoptions either by Navajos or non-Navajos, provided the child is a member of the Navajo Tribe and is brought in person before the Tribal Court.

The above states a procedure for adoption of members of the Tribe. According to Leonard Benally and Alisia Milford of the Window Rock Navajo Nation Vital Statistics, I am not a member of the NAVAJO TRIBE. (there is an update at the end of this entry, but please continue to read)

HOW CAN THIS BE???

By Resolution no. CN-63-60 this resolution is applicable to adoptions either by Navajos or non-Navajos, provided the child is a member of the navajo Tribe and is brought in person before the Tribal Court.

MY SISTER Virginia Bitsui, myself Leland Pacheco Kirk, and my adopted parents were present "in person" before the tribal court.

• I was adopted without being a "Member of the Navajo Tribe" through the Trial Court of the Navajo Tribe
• I was adopted without a Navajo Nation (Indian) Census Number
• I was adopted without a Certificate of Navajo Indian Blood
• I was adopted without a Birth Certificate, either through a State or the Navajo Nation

UNDOCUMENTED ADOPTION

How is it on July 15, 1971 Joe G Bennalley, Judge, Trial Court of the Navajo Tribe adopted me out without these necessary documents? 

This has been a question I would like answered.

Further reading of the Navajo Tribal Council, Tribal Policy on Adoption of Navajo Orphans and Abandoned or Neglected Children, 1960:

(3) Heretofore the Navajo Tribal Council has not established a definite policy either in favor or in opposition to the adoption of Navajo children by non-members of the Tribe.

NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT:

(1) The Navajo Tribal Council favors the formal adoption of Navajo children in accordance with the provisions of Resolution No.CN-63-60 in all cases where the parents of such children are dead or where said children are being regularly and continuously neglected by their parents, or where the parents have abandoned said children. The Navajo Tribal Council looks with disfavor upon informal arrangements for the custody of such children except for temporary periods pending their formal adoption.

(2) In the cases referred to in the preceding section of this resolution, the Navajo Tribe neither favors nor disfavors adoption of Navajo children by persons who are not members of the Navajo Tribe, but states its policy that each case shall be considered individually on its own merits by the Trial Court of the Navajo Tribe.

Keep in mind my biological family had now been told Christopher Kirk my brother was alive and I was dead.

My adopted mother, after the adoption, applied for a birth certificate for both Virginia (Bitsui) Morrill and me, Leland Pacheco (Kirk) Morrill. Virginia's was granted, mine was not. To this day, my adopted mother's application for my birth certificate still sits in a file as evidenced by Alisia Milford and Leonard Benally of the Window Rock Navajo Nation Vital Statistics. 

I went to Ganado Arizona in 1985 for a visit to John Kirk and Ruth Shirley Kirk, met Calvin Kirk and we ate mutton, blood pudding, and talked. I barely remember what was said. I was given a photo of my biological mother and biological father but have since lost that. Apparently it was the only one in existence. It's gone.  

I restarted my search to obtain a birth certificate and as documented on September 7, 1989 extracted my clinical records from Gallup Indian Medical Center in New Mexico. I had to sign as a "Signature of Patient". The purpose or need for this disclosure written in the release is:

birth record. Has not lived with his parents. Would like info about him-self from med. rec. released (For own use).

Since 1989 I have been searching.

In December 2009 I was riding a city bus and got off at my usual stop. I arrived home only to find my wallet had been lifted (pick-pocketed, stolen). My State issued Drivers License was in it. I immediately retraced my steps, walked into the "Lost and Found" visited the bus lost and found for a month, never to be recovered. So, in January 2010, I visited the DMV. Filled out the application to replace my drivers license only and went up to use my Navajo Nation Final Judgement of Adoption and Social Security Card as proof to get the replacement and was denied. New procedures had taken place on January 01, 2010 under the Real ID Act of 2005. I now was required to produce a State Issued Birth Certificate. I had none, as the Trial Court of the Navajo Tribe Judicial District of Chinle Arizona had adopted me without any other documentation ...my only documentation: Final Judgment of Adoption....

IT WAS THEN I REALIZED I AM AN ILLEGAL ALIEN*


(*UPDATE: Monday April 11, 2011, Alisia Milford called to tell me I am now enrolled and my paperwork should be received by USPS in a few days. This, 40 years after my adoption and through 22 years of my own research, and 26 years after intial contact with the Kirk Family in Ganado).

**PLEASE** read my previous NOTES. "LIKE" my page. If you'd like to comment. Please do. Thank you WWWpeeps for reading. :)   Leland