‘Sixties Scoop’ refers to pain and sorrow for many First Nations, Métis, and Inuit people across Canada.
However, survivors are retelling their stories in the travelling exhibit “Bi-Giwen: Coming Home – Truth telling from the Sixties Scoop”.
The Sixties Scoop Indigenous Society of Alberta (SSISA) launched the exhibit in partnership with the government of Alberta and the Legacy of Hope Foundation.
“The exhibit is an opportunity to share and educate Albertans about the history of Canada’s Indigenous people in relation to the Sixties Scoop.” Says Adam North Peigan, President of the SSISA.
Additionally, the exhibit features 12 powerful personal accounts from survivors about strength, hope, and the effects of the Sixties Scoop.
The exhibit will be on display at MacDonald Island Park on Monday, March 25, 2019, from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
From here, the exhibit travels to Calgary, Edmonton, Lethbridge, High Level, Peace River, St. Paul, and Métis settlements at Gift Lake and Fishing Lake.
Background Information
The Sixties Scoop refers to the period from the 1950s to 1980s.
During that time, governments across Canada engaged in removing Indigenous children from their families and placing them in non-Indigenous homes.
Many suffered from abuse and neglect, losing their connections to family, culture, identity, and Indigenous language.
An initiative began at the start of 2018 for reconciliation with the SSISA and the government of Alberta.
Ultimately, Alberta Premier Rachel Notley delivered a formal apology in May 2018 for events leading to the Sixties Scoop.
