Sixties Scoop

Definition

The Sixties Scoop refers to a period in Canada during the 1960s and 1970s when thousands of Indigenous children were forcibly removed from their families and placed into non-Indigenous foster homes or adopted by non-Indigenous families. This practice was part of broader assimilation policies aimed at erasing Indigenous cultures and identities, which also included residential schools and other child removal initiatives.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. An estimated 20,000 Indigenous children were affected by the Sixties Scoop, as they were taken from their families without consent and placed in non-Indigenous homes.
2. The practice was based on the belief that Indigenous families were unfit to raise their children, reflecting deeply rooted stereotypes and biases against Indigenous peoples.
3. Many children experienced identity crises, as they were often raised without knowledge of their cultural backgrounds or connections to their communities.
4. In the 1980s, legal actions began to address the harms caused by the Sixties Scoop, leading to formal apologies and compensation for survivors.
5. The Sixties Scoop is considered a continuation of colonial policies aimed at disrupting Indigenous cultures, similar to the effects of residential schools.

Review Questions

• How did the Sixties Scoop connect to broader assimilation policies in Canada during that time?
  • The Sixties Scoop was directly linked to the broader assimilation policies aimed at integrating Indigenous peoples into Euro-Canadian society. These policies sought to erase Indigenous cultures through various means, including the removal of children from their families. This practice reflected a systemic belief that Indigenous ways of life were inferior and needed to be replaced with Western values, which also included residential schooling. As such, the Sixties Scoop was part of a larger effort to control and assimilate Indigenous populations.
• Discuss the impact of the Sixties Scoop on the identity and cultural heritage of Indigenous children who were adopted into non-Indigenous families.
  • The impact of the Sixties Scoop on Indigenous children's identity and cultural heritage was profound and often traumatic. Many children grew up disconnected from their communities, languages, and traditions, leading to feelings of confusion and loss regarding their identities. This disconnection hindered their ability to understand their cultural roots and created challenges in forming a sense of belonging. As a result, many individuals faced identity crises throughout their lives, reflecting the deep scars left by these forced adoptions.
• Evaluate the long-term implications of the Sixties Scoop for Indigenous communities in Canada today.
  • The long-term implications of the Sixties Scoop for Indigenous communities are significant and multifaceted. The removal of thousands of children has led to ongoing challenges related to cultural disconnection, intergenerational trauma, and social issues within those communities. Many survivors struggle with issues such as identity loss and mental health concerns as they navigate their past experiences. Furthermore, these historical injustices have fueled contemporary movements for reconciliation, demanding recognition, reparations, and restoration of rights for Indigenous peoples across Canada.

Related terms

Residential Schools: Institutions established in Canada that aimed to assimilate Indigenous children into Euro-Canadian culture, often resulting in severe trauma and loss of cultural identity.

Cultural Genocide:

The systematic destruction of a group’s culture, often through policies or practices that erase cultural practices, languages, and identities.

Indian Act:

A Canadian federal law that governs the relationship between the government and Indigenous peoples, which has been criticized for its paternalistic approach and impact on Indigenous rights.