Identity lost and found: Lessons from the sixties scoop

Abstract

The “Sixties Scoop” describes a period in Aboriginal history in Canada in which thousands of Aboriginal children were removed from birth families and placed in non-Aboriginal environments. Despite literature that indicates adoption breakdown rates of 85-95%, recent research with adults adopted as children indicates that some adoptees have found solace through reacculturating to their birth culture and contextualizing their adoptions within colonial history. This article explores the history of Aboriginal adoption in Canada and examines some of the issues of transracial adoption through the lens of psychology theories to aid understanding of identity conflicts facing Aboriginal adoptees. The article concludes with recommendations towards a paradigm shift in adoption policy as it pertains to Aboriginal children.

Becoming an ally: Intersections of indigenous worldviews and clinical social work practices within Carrier Sekani Family Services.

“…Canada's residential school legacy is an example of "shameful and paternalistic 'Indian' policies" that extended for over a century (Baskin, 2016, p. 9). Beginning as early as 1880, Indigenous children across Canada were forcibly removed from their families and communities to be placed in residential schools in order to become 'civilized' and assimilate into mainstream society (Lavallee & Poole, 2010;Sinclair, 2007). Children were imprisoned at the schools, where their languages and cultures were forbidden (Baskin, 2016).…”

“…The removal of Indigenous children from their families and communities has continued with the child welfare system, which consistently places children in White families and communities (Baskin, 2016). According to Sinclair (2007), the 'Sixties Scoop' refers to the time period between 1960 and the mid-1980s in Canada where thousands of Indigenous children were removed from their birth families and placed in non-Indigenous environments. Sinclair (2007) states that during this time, many Indigenous children were taken from their homes and communities without the knowledge or consent of families and bands.…”

“…According to Sinclair (2007), the 'Sixties Scoop' refers to the time period between 1960 and the mid-1980s in Canada where thousands of Indigenous children were removed from their birth families and placed in non-Indigenous environments. Sinclair (2007) states that during this time, many Indigenous children were taken from their homes and communities without the knowledge or consent of families and bands. Children were also frequently apprehended in questionable circumstances, with "economic incentive rather than neglect or abuse emerging as the motive" for removal (Sinclair, 2007, p. 67).…”

“…This mass removal of Indigenous children by social workers resulted in the number of Indigenous children involved in the child welfare system substantially growing from less than one percent to over 30% between 1959 and the late 1960s (Baskin & Sinclair, 2015). Approximately 70% of Indigenous children removed from their homes were adopted into non-Indigenous homes and by the 1970s, one in three Indigenous children had been separated from their families through adoption or fostering (Sinclair, 2007).…”

“…The profession of social work and its agents have also acted as an extension of colonization through their role in apprehending children to take them to residential schools and later when the schools closed, removing children from their families and placing them in foster care (Baskin & Sinclair, 2015;Sinclair, 2004). Furthermore, involvement of the child welfare system in the lives of Indigenous children and families is still highly prevalent today, which has subsequently resulted in many Indigenous peoples' mistrust and resentment towards social workers (Sinclair, 2007;Baskin & Sinclair, 2015).…”