What Was the Sixties Scoop?
The Sixties Scoop was a deeply damaging practice in Canada that saw thousands of Indigenous children removed from their families and communities, often without proper consent, and placed into non-Indigenous foster homes or adopted by non-Indigenous families. This often happened under the guise of child welfare, but in reality, it severed cultural ties, caused immense trauma, and contributed to the ongoing systemic issues faced by Indigenous peoples. It wasn’t a formal government policy explicitly called the “Sixties Scoop,” but rather a period spanning from the 1950s to the 1980s (with some estimates extending into the early 1990s) where an alarmingly high number of Indigenous children were taken from their homes. The consequences of these actions are still felt profoundly today.
The Roots of a Crisis
To truly grasp the Sixties Scoop, we need to look at the historical context in Canada that paved the way for such a devastating practice. It didn’t emerge in a vacuum; it was a continuation of policies designed to assimilate Indigenous peoples.
Residential Schools: A Precursor
Before the Sixties Scoop became widespread, the residential school system had been operating in Canada for over a century. These church-run, government-funded institutions forcibly removed Indigenous children from their families with the explicit goal of “killing the Indian in the child.” They aimed to erase Indigenous languages, cultures, and spiritual beliefs. Children in residential schools faced widespread abuse – physical, emotional, sexual, and spiritual – and were denied the love and care of their families.
When residential schools began to close down or shift their focus in the mid-20th century, the child welfare system stepped in, often filling the void left by these institutions. Many believe the Sixties Scoop was, in effect, a new form of assimilation, albeit through a different mechanism. The infrastructure of removing children and separating them from their families was already well-established.
Flawed Child Welfare Legislation
At the heart of the Sixties Scoop was a child welfare system that was not only ill-equipped to understand and support Indigenous families but was also, at times, inherently biased. Provincial child welfare legislation often prioritised a Western, middle-class understanding of “good parenting” and “suitable homes.” This often meant that Indigenous families, living in poverty due to discriminatory government policies, overcrowded housing, or lacking access to essential services, were deemed “unfit” without proper consideration for cultural differences or the systemic challenges they faced.
For instance, a communal approach to childcare, common in many Indigenous cultures where extended family and community members share parenting responsibilities, might have been misinterpreted by social workers as neglect or an unstable home environment. Furthermore, the lack of culturally appropriate resources, such as Indigenous social workers or interpreters, meant that communication breakdowns were frequent, and Indigenous parents often didn’t fully understand the implications of what was happening or their rights. The bar for removing an Indigenous child was often much lower than for a non-Indigenous child, and resources aimed at keeping families together were rarely offered to Indigenous families.
Shifting Responsibility and Funding
Adding to the complexity, there was a significant issue with funding and jurisdiction. The federal government was responsible for “Indians and lands reserved for Indians” under the Indian Act, while provincial governments were responsible for child welfare. This created a jurisdictional vacuum where neither level of government took full responsibility for Indigenous child welfare, leading to underfunding and a lack of culturally appropriate services. When a child was identified as “in need of protection,” provinces would step in, often removing children and then seeking federal reimbursement. This created an incentive structure that, unfortunately, leaned towards removal rather than family preservation, as the federal government would pay for a child in care but not necessarily for preventative family support.
This fragmented responsibility meant that child welfare agencies often operated with limited understanding of Indigenous cultures, histories, and the impacts of colonialism. Social workers, predominantly non-Indigenous, were often not trained in Indigenous cultural competency and lacked the tools to address the unique challenges faced by Indigenous communities.
The Mechanisms of Removal
The Sixties Scoop wasn’t a single, uniform process; rather, it involved various methods and justifications for removing Indigenous children, all contributing to the larger pattern of cultural assimilation.
Misinterpretation of Indigenous Parenting
One of the most insidious aspects of the Sixties Scoop was the pervasive misinterpretation of Indigenous parenting practices. What might be considered normal and healthy within an Indigenous family or community could be viewed as neglect or even abuse through a Western, Eurocentric lens. For example, Indigenous communities often rely on extended family and community networks for childcare, meaning children might spend time living with grandparents, aunts, uncles, or other community members. This communal approach to raising children fosters strong community bonds and shared responsibility.
However, social workers, often untrained in Indigenous cultural norms, might have seen this as unstable or transient, deeming the children to be “abandoned” or “neglected” if they were not living continuously with their biological parents in a nuclear family structure. Poverty, a direct result of colonial policies, also played a significant role. Lack of adequate housing, food, or heating, all consequences of systemic disadvantage, were often cited as reasons for removing children, rather than addressing the root causes of poverty within Indigenous communities.
Lack of Informed Consent
A critical element missing in many Sixties Scoop cases was genuinely informed consent from Indigenous parents. In numerous instances, parents were pressured, coerced, or simply not given enough information to understand the long-term implications of signing adoption or foster care papers. Language barriers were a significant issue, with many Indigenous parents speaking their traditional languages and social workers communicating only in English or French. Translators were often unavailable or inadequate.
Furthermore, power imbalances were extreme. Indigenous parents, particularly those living on reserves or in remote communities, were often in a vulnerable position, lacking legal representation or the knowledge of their rights. Social workers, backed by state authority, held immense power. In some cases, parents were told their children would only be taken for a short period, perhaps for medical care or temporary fosterage, only to find them permanently placed for adoption without their knowledge or consent. This deceptive practice shattered families and left parents searching for their children for decades.
High Numbers of Child Removals
The statistics are stark. While precise numbers are difficult to ascertain due to poor record-keeping and a lack of specific categorisation for Indigenous children, estimates suggest that between 20,000 and 25,000 Indigenous children were taken from their families during the Sixties Scoop era. Some sources indicate the number could be higher. This wasn’t an isolated incident here and there; it was a widespread, systemic practice that disproportionately affected Indigenous communities across Canada.
The sheer volume of removals meant that entire generations of Indigenous children grew up disconnected from their heritage, languages, spiritual practices, and their own kin. The impact was felt not just by the children removed but by the parents, grandparents, siblings, and communities left behind, who endured unimaginable grief and loss. The trauma of these removals continues to ripple through families and communities today, contributing to intergenerational trauma.
The Profound Aftermath
The Sixties Scoop left an indelible mark on individuals, families, and Indigenous communities, creating a legacy of trauma and disconnection that continues to manifest in various ways today.
Loss of Identity and Culture
For the children who were scooped, one of the most devastating consequences was the profound loss of their Indigenous identity and culture. Placed in non-Indigenous homes, often in predominantly white communities, these children were frequently discouraged or actively prevented from connecting with their heritage. They were often given new names, had their languages forgotten, and were taught nothing of their ancestral traditions, spiritual beliefs, or histories. Many grew up not even knowing they were Indigenous until much later in life, sometimes discovering their true heritage through chance encounters or a search for birth parents.
This cultural void created a deep sense of displacement and confusion. Many survivors speak of feeling “caught between two worlds” – not fully belonging to their adoptive families’ culture, nor to the Indigenous culture they were denied. This identity crisis often led to feelings of isolation, loneliness, and a struggle to find a sense of self and belonging. The intergenerational transmission of culture was brutally severed, impacting the ability of subsequent generations to connect with their roots.
Enduring Trauma and Mental Health Impacts
The experience of being removed from one’s family, community, and culture is inherently traumatic. Survivors of the Sixties Scoop frequently experienced separation anxiety, grief, anger, and feelings of abandonment. Many faced discrimination, racism, and abuse within their adoptive homes, further compounding their trauma. The mental health consequences have been severe and widespread, including higher rates of depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), substance abuse, and suicide ideation among survivors.
The inability to process their early trauma, combined with the loss of cultural coping mechanisms and community support, created significant challenges for many survivors. This trauma is also intergenerational, meaning it doesn’t just affect those who were scooped, but also their children and grandchildren. Parents who were scooped often struggled with parenting themselves, not having had positive role models for attachment and family connection, leading to a cycle of distress within families.
Social and Economic Disadvantage
The trauma and cultural disconnection fostered by the Sixties Scoop contributed significantly to ongoing social and economic disadvantages faced by many Indigenous people. Without a strong cultural identity and community support, survivors often struggled in the education system, found it difficult to maintain stable employment, and faced higher rates of homelessness and incarceration. The lack of cultural grounding and understanding of systemic racism also meant that many were ill-equipped to navigate the challenges of Canadian society.
Furthermore, the loss of connections to their traditional lands, resources, and community economic structures further exacerbated these issues. The Sixties Scoop did not alleviate poverty or social issues; rather, it created new layers of disadvantage by severing the very ties that could have provided resilience and support. The costs, both human and financial, of addressing the consequences of the Sixties Scoop continue to be enormous.
Pathways to Healing and Reconciliation
| Metric | Details |
|---|---|
| Time Period | 1950s to 1980s |
| Number of Indigenous Children Taken | Approximately 20,000 to 30,000 |
| Primary Reason for Removal | Government and social services policies aimed at assimilation |
| Countries Affected | Canada |
| Common Destinations for Children | Non-Indigenous foster homes and adoptive families, often outside their communities |
| Impact on Indigenous Communities | Loss of cultural identity, language, and family connections |
| Official Apology | Issued by Canadian government in 2017 |
| Legal Settlements | Multi-million pound compensation agreements reached in recent years |
| Ongoing Issues | Calls for reconciliation, cultural restoration, and support for survivors |
Recognising the profound harm caused by the Sixties Scoop, significant efforts have been made towards acknowledging the past, seeking justice, and fostering healing for survivors and their families.
Apologies and Legal Action
A crucial step towards healing has been formal apologies from various levels of government. In 2017, the federal government issued a national apology for the Sixties Scoop, acknowledging the harm caused and the systemic failures that allowed it to happen. Provincial governments have also offered apologies, such as Manitoba in 2015 and Saskatchewan in 2019. These apologies, while important, are often seen by survivors as just a starting point, needing to be backed by concrete actions.
Parallel to these apologies, legal action has been pursued by Sixties Scoop survivors. In 2017, an Ontario Superior Court judge approved a national class-action settlement for First Nations and Inuit children who were removed from their homes in Canada and placed with non-Indigenous adoptive or foster parents between 1951 and 1991. Métis children were later included in a separate settlement. These settlements aim to provide some financial compensation for the suffering endured, though many survivors emphasise that no amount of money can truly compensate for the loss of family, culture, and identity.
Support for Survivors and Family Reunification
Beyond legal settlements, there’s a growing movement to provide direct support to Sixties Scoop survivors. This includes funding for mental health and addictions services that are culturally appropriate and trauma-informed. Organisations and initiatives are working to help survivors reconnect with their birth families, communities, and cultures. This often involves extensive genealogical research, community outreach, and facilitated meetings. The process of reunification can be complex and emotionally challenging, requiring careful support to ensure positive and healthy outcomes.
Furthermore, efforts are being made to develop resources and programmes that educate the public about the Sixties Scoop, thereby increasing understanding and reducing stigma. This public education is vital for fostering empathy and supporting reconciliation efforts across Canadian society.
Calls for Systemic Change in Child Welfare
Perhaps one of the most critical aspects of healing and reconciliation is the urgent call for fundamental systemic change within the Canadian child welfare system. The overrepresentation of Indigenous children in care remains a national crisis, often referred to as the “Millennium Scoop” or “21st Century Scoop.” Today, Indigenous children represent a disproportionately high percentage of children in care, far exceeding their representation in the general population.
Indigenous communities and leaders are advocating for jurisdiction over their own child welfare services, allowing for the creation of culturally-based programmes that prioritise family preservation, community support, and prevention over removal. The An Act respecting First Nations, Inuit and Métis children, youth and families (Bill C-92), which came into force in 2020, affirms the inherent right of Indigenous peoples to exercise jurisdiction over child and family services. While a significant step, its implementation and the necessary funding remain critical challenges. The aim is to ensure that never again will Indigenous children be disconnected from their heritage through the very systems meant to protect them. This shift towards Indigenous-led and culturally appropriate child welfare is seen as essential to prevent future “scoops” and to build a healthier future for Indigenous families.
FAQs
What was the Sixties Scoop?
The Sixties Scoop was a period in Canadian history from the late 1950s to the early 1980s when thousands of Indigenous children were taken from their families and placed into the child welfare system or adopted by non-Indigenous families.
Why was it called the Sixties Scoop?
It was called the Sixties Scoop because the majority of the removals of Indigenous children from their families occurred during the 1960s, although the practice continued into the 1980s.
What were the reasons behind the Sixties Scoop?
The reasons behind the Sixties Scoop included government policies aimed at assimilating Indigenous peoples into mainstream Canadian society, as well as the belief that Indigenous children would have better opportunities if raised in non-Indigenous households.
What impact did the Sixties Scoop have on Indigenous communities?
The Sixties Scoop had a devastating impact on Indigenous communities, leading to loss of cultural identity, language, and connection to their families and communities. Many survivors of the Sixties Scoop continue to experience intergenerational trauma as a result of their removal from their families.
What is being done to address the legacy of the Sixties Scoop?
Efforts are being made to address the legacy of the Sixties Scoop, including apologies from the Canadian government, compensation for survivors, and initiatives to support Indigenous communities in reclaiming their cultural identity and reconnecting with their families.
