The provincial government is taking a step closer to issuing an apology to ’60s Scoop survivors.
In an effort to help inform a meaningful apology, the Sixties Scoop Indigenous Society of Saskatchewan (SSISS) will facilitate sharing circles over the next two months.
“Not only am I asking ’60s Scoop survivors to show up and tell their stories and begin that journey together, but also for the average citizen of Saskatchewan to show empathy and understanding. It’s been a very traumatic and sad part of Saskatchewan history,” SSISS co-chair Robert Doucette said.
“In a lot of instances, we see that it’s a really liberating process, where you get something off your shoulders. Where you also see and realize that you’re not alone.”
The ’60s Scoop refers to a period in Saskatchewan’s history when Indigenous children were removed from their parents and communities by provincial child welfare services.
“I do want to hear an apology, because it will validate how I felt all my life, that myself, and my mother and my family were not wrong. We didn’t do anything wrong,” Doucette said.
“We’re looking forward to formalizing an apology as we had committed to; an apology that is meaningful to those involved. We look forward to doing that at the first opportunity,” Premier Scott Moe said.
The following sessions will be held from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. with a pipe ceremony at 7:30 a.m.:
- Oct. 13: Senior Citizens Activity Centre, Meadow Lake
- Oct. 20: Western Development Museum, North Battleford
- Oct. 27: Senator Allen Bird Gym, Saturday, Prince Albert
- Nov. 3 and 4: Saskatoon Indian & Métis Friendship Centre, Saskatoon
- Nov. 17: Treaty Four Governance Centre, Fort Qu’Appelle
- Nov. 24 and 25: Mâmawêyatitân Centre, Regina
There is also the option to submit stories online, if unable to attend a sharing circle.
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