When planning to adopt a child, it is normal to look for examples of other adoptive parents. Famous Canadians who have adopted give hope to people who are waiting for a child and validation to those who have formed their family through adoption. From adopting step-children, to going through the process for infant and overseas adoptions, Canadian celebrities cover the adoption spectrum when it comes to creating their families.
Canadian Actors and Athletes Who Adopted Children
Actress Sonja Smits of Street Legal, Traders and The Eleventh Hour fame has adopted two children with her husband Seaton McLean. They adopted their daughter Avalon privately in 1990 and have contact with her birth family. Their son Lian was adopted internationally from China when he was seven months old in 1995. At the time, Smits believes Lian was only the 3rd boy adopted from China to have been placed with a Canadian family.
Hayley Wickenheiser, a member of the Canadian Women’s Olympic hockey team and Oval X-Treme in Calgary, Alberta, became an adoptive mom in 2000. Sometimes referred to as the Wayne Gretzky of women’s hockey, Wickenheiser adopted Noah, the son of her partner Tomas Pacina and his former wife. After Noah’s birth, Tomas was granted full custody of his son and his birthmom gave consent for Hayley to adopt Noah.
Canadian Writers and Politicians Who Are Adoptive Parents
Robert Munsch, a popular children’s author with over 40 books published, has adopted three children with his wife Ann Beeler. Andrew was the first child they adopted and the book Murmel, Murmel, Murmel [Annick Press, 1998] is about the process of adopting him. Julie, the second child they adopted, was five years old when she joined the Munsch family. She wanted her dad to write a story where the child was adopted by a father who did not look like the child. David’s Father [Annick Press,1986] was the result of Julie’s ideas. Tyya was the third child adopted into the family and Something Good [Annick Press, 1986] was written about her junk food craze. All of the Munsch children appear in Something Good, as well as the author’s wife.
Jean Chrétien, the 20th Prime Minister of Canada in office from 1993-2003, was leader of the liberal party for thirteen years. Chrétien and his wife Aline have three children, the youngest of which they adopted, Michel. The famous family adopted Michel from an Inuvik orphanage in 1970 and as an adult, Michel made celebrity headlines with his destructive behaviour related to Fetal Alchol Syndrome.
By knowing some details of the adoptive families of Canadian celebrities, people hoping to adopt and families living adoption can find a common connection. Being an adoptive parent, whether through international, private or public adoption, is something to be celebrated and these famous adoptive parents help bring attention to this very important role.
Related Articles:
Famous Adopted Canadian Musicians
Famous Canadian Adoptees in Sports and T.V.
References
Brennan, Deborah. Labours of Love: Canadians Talk About Adoption. Toronto: Dundurn Press, 2008.
Canada Adopts! website
nationmaster.com website
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