Righting Canada's Wrongs: The Sixties Scoop and the Stolen Lives of Indigenous Children

Synopsis:

This book for students examines a child welfare policy in Canada that began in 1951 in which Indigenous children were taken from their homes and put into the care of non-Indigenous families. These children grew up without their birth families, cultural roots and language. Many tried to run away and some died in the attempt. The taking of the children became known as the Sixties Scoop. The term “Sixties Scoop” makes explicit reference to the 1960s, but the policies and practices started before the 1960s and lasted long after. Today, Indigenous children are over-represented in the Child Welfare System across Canada in shocking numbers.

Indigenous communities got organized and fought back for their children. In 1985, the Kimelman Report was released, condemning the practice of adopting Indigenous children into non-Indigenous families and for taking so many children out of their communities.

In the 1990s, lawsuits were filed against the governments who had supported taking the children. In 2018 and 2019, Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba apologized for their roles in supporting the adoption programs. In 2020, the Canadian government agreed to a settlement for survivors of the Scoop.

Through hundreds of photos and primary documents, readers will meet many survivors of the Scoop. They’ll also learn how Indigenous communities fought back to save their children and won, and how Indigenous communities across Canada are working towards healing today.

Reviews
In this powerful account, Andrew Bomberry and Teresa Edwards share the deep-rooted and diverse histories of Indigenous peoples—beginning before the Sixties Scoop and continuing through to the present-day journey of reconciliation. The staggering number of children removed from loving families and placed in non-Indigenous homes—often far from their communities and culture—left lasting harm, not just on the children, but across entire communities. The effects of the Sixties Scoop are still felt today. Yet, Indigenous communities continue to move forward, focusing on healing through the reconnection to culture and traditions. This process of reclaiming identity is offering hope and a brighter future for many". - Debra H., Elementary School Teacher, Indigenous Books for Schools

Educator & Series Information
This book is part of the Righting Canada's Wrongs series.

Recommended for ages 13 to 18.

This book is available in French: La rafle des années 1960: et enfance volée aux jeunes Autochtones.

This book is included in the Indigenous Books for Schools database from the Association of Book Publishers of BC. It is recommended for Grades 10 to 12 for
Career Education, Family Studies, and Social Studies. 

Additional Information
104 pages | 9.01" x 11.02" | 300 Photographs | Hardcover