The Sixties Scoop Indigenous Society of Saskatchewan (SSISS) partnered with the Government of Saskatchewan in 2018 to shape a provincial government apology that is meaningful and promotes healing to those affected by the Sixties Scoop.
Any individuals who were adopted, in permanent and temporary wards, are status, non-status, eligible to be status, Métis or Inuit were welcome to attend.
How did individuals participate?
Individuals were invited to attend a Sharing Circle to hear from others who have been affected. Participants shared their stories, thoughts, experiences and learned more about the Sixties Scoop.
Talking about and reliving past experiences and traumas was an overwhelming and emotional experience for some participants. Health support workers and elders were available at each session.
Locations and dates
Sessions were held at the following locations:
- Meadow Lake – October 13, 2018
Senior Citizens Activity Centre, 406 5 Avenue West, Meadow Lake
- North Battleford – October 20, 2018
Western Development Museum, North Battleford
- Prince Albert – October 27, 2018
Senator Allen Bird Gym, 851 23 Street West, Prince Albert
- Saskatoon – November 3 and November 4, 2018 (two sessions)
Saskatoon Indian & Métis Friendship Centre, 168 Wall Street, Saskatoon
- Fort Qu'Appelle – November 17, 2018
Treaty Four Governance Centre, 740 Sioux Avenue South, Fort Qu'Appelle
- Regina – November 24 and November 25, 2018 (two sessions)
Mâmawêyatitân Centre, 3355 6 Avenue, Regina
What individuals needed to know
- There was no cost to attend.
- Sessions were held from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. with a pipe ceremony at 7:30 a.m
- Lunch was provided.
- No childcare was provided.
- Travel and accommodation expenses were not reimbursed.
- Note takers were present to document the stories.
- All stories were kept anonymous.
- No media were allowed in the Sharing Circle event space.
How each session unfolded
Each day started with a cultural ceremony, smudging and prayers. Opening remarks and a short presentation followed. Attendees were then invited to take part in Sharing Circles.
Each Sharing Circle was led by a SSISS facilitator to encourage meaningful and respectful conversation centred around three questions:
- How has being a Sixties Scoop survivor impacted you, your family, your life?
- What would a meaningful apology from the Government of Saskatchewan look like to you?
- What desires or hopes do you have coming out of the apology?
Art supplies were also available for those who wished to express themselves through art.
The purpose of the Sharing Circles was to help inform the Government of Saskatchewan on how to offer an apology that is meaningful and promotes healing. For this reason, compensation was not discussed.