Lorraine Sinclair’s journey of discovery began with the haunting absence of her mother, whom she had never known. Last year marked a poignant milestone as she finally viewed a photo of her mother, embodying a face she longed for over 60 years. Sinclair and her sister, Cindy Munro, are both survivors of the ’60s Scoop, a dark chapter in Canadian history where Indigenous children were forcibly removed from their families. The siblings lived together in the same foster home for a period before being separated, ultimately reuniting as adults alongside several of their other siblings. Unfortunately, their mother and one brother had passed away before they could reconnect. At 61, Sinclair still carries the weight of loss and longing, reflecting on the vital role a mother would have played in her life. The deep-seated grief over the childhood taken from her is palpable in her words, revealing the scars left by a system that shattered families.
The ’60s Scoop is a significant issue, with estimates suggesting that over 10,000 to 30,000 Indigenous children across Canada were adopted out to predominantly white families from the 1950s to the 1980s, including more than 3,000 from Manitoba alone. Despite a formal apology issued by former Manitoba Premier Greg Sellinger a decade ago, many survivors, including Sinclair and Munro, feel that the acknowledgment fell short. This sentiment of unfulfilled justice is echoed by numerous survivors who continue to seek adequate recognition for the emotional and psychological damage imposed by the historical practice of the forced adoption of Indigenous children. The longing for closure and recognition drives many survivors to express dissatisfaction with governmental responses, highlighting the ongoing struggles they face in their healing journeys.
Cory Enns, another survivor of the ’60s Scoop, shares his painful experiences of being adopted out only to be returned twice to the Child and Family Services (CFS). Feeling unloved and unwanted, Enns struggled throughout his childhood, grappling with feelings of neglect and isolation. His narrative sheds light on the continued impact of the Scoop, as he articulates the absence of adequate support structures aimed at aiding survivors in their healing. Enns’s experiences reflect a broader sentiment among survivors, who emphasize that while apologies and acknowledgments have been made, there remains an urgent need for tangible support and resources to address their emotional wounds and facilitate healing.
At a recent gathering organized by the Anish Healing Centre to mark the anniversary of the provincial apology, survivors collectively pressed for enhanced mental health resources and financial assistance to promote family reunification. Advocate Coleen Rajotte highlighted the critical need for research to ascertain how many survivors still exist and emphasized the importance of outreach to reconnect with those who have been affected. Her call to action underscores the obstacles survivors face in navigating a system that has historically marginalized them, emphasizing the necessity for society to recognize and address the repercussions of the ’60s Scoop.
The families minister, Nahanni Fontaine, addressed these concerns in a statement, affirming the government’s commitment to returning the care of children and families to their respective Indigenous Nations. This represents a significant shift toward re-establishing rights and autonomy over family matters that were unjustly taken away. Fontaine mentioned the hiring of a dedicated employee to assist survivors in accessing services related to their adoption records, aligning with the government’s aim to empower survivors in their pursuit of family connections and identity. While these developments signify progress, the enduring need for comprehensive support systems remains evident.
The stories of survivors like Lorraine Sinclair, Cindy Munro, and Cory Enns illustrate the profound emotional impact of the ’60s Scoop, revealing a tapestry of loss, longing, and resilience. Their shared experiences highlight the darker aspects of Canadian history, urging society to confront its past while fostering an environment where survivors can heal and reconnect with their roots. As the journey toward justice continues, survivors advocate for acknowledgment, support, and a renewed commitment to ensuring no child is ever uprooted from their family again. The collective voices of those affected call for meaningful action and change, emphasizing the importance of recognizing the trauma inflicted and the imperative to rectify past wrongs.
