Work still continues for 60s Scoop grassroots organizer Colleen Cardinal
By Suzanne Keeptwo
OTTAWA – Indigenous adoptee, Colleen Cardinal speaks from lived experience as a child of the 60s Scoop. First Nation and Métis children of the 1960s – 1980s were, in many cases, literally “scooped” from their homes by social workers believing Aboriginal families were inferior. Children often went “missing” without the knowledge or consent of families and bands.
Originally from Saddle Lake First Nation (AB), Colleen and her two sisters were raised by a white family in Sault Sainte Marie (ON). “Provinces had different policies for foster care when residential schools closed. There were systems of solicitation. I imagine a Sears-like catalogue of Native children for adopters to leaf through to make a selection.” Through personal research Colleen discovered a birth certificate eradicating her indigenous identity and place of origin by listing her as the daughter of a man (her adopted father) born in England.
Colleen and her sisters were treated differently than the biological son of their adopted family. As young adults, all three suffered compromised lifestyles – one to become a victim of violent murder – due to colonial attitudes that devalued indigenous peoples held within their adopted family and outside community. By way of social media, Colleen has connected with other adoptees to unfold similar experiences of this Hidden Generation. “We have all struggled with what it means to be Indigenous. I connected with one adoptee raised in Britain. He is Ojibwe who speaks with an English accent. The loss of culture and feeling different or set apart connect us adoptees. The abuse is something we are unlearning and coping with today.”
To continue her work of discovery and inter-connections, Colleen organized a national Indigenous Adoptee Gathering (2014) in Ottawa, where she now resides. “There is an estimated 20,000 adoptees across Turtle Island and overseas. “ And, to help educate others about the 60s Scoop phenomenon, Colleen and her son will depart on July 20 to create a “critical analysis film so we can talk about, dismantle, and challenge the system in place”. Her first stop will be in Saskatoon to film indigenous adoptee Dr. Raven Sinclair, professor of social work. They will proceed to Winnipeg for the Connecting Our Spirits Indigenous Adoptee Gathering (July 24-27th) and then film in Ottawa at the 2nd national BiGiwen Indigenous Adoptee Gathering (August 25-27th). Afterwards, it’s off to Sault Ste Marie, Edmonton and possibly Victoria B.C. to film further interviews and secure opportunities to present her family story to indigenous and non-indigenous communities and service providers.
“Response from First Nation reserves has been limited” most likely due to membership issues and limited resources for those registered to those communities. But, as Colleen says, “they could advocate and support the initiative” to raise awareness of their ousted relatives. “It is so important to educate Canadians about this. It leads to better understandings of why social and economic problems exist for so many of those adopted out of their culture.” If you would like to support the film, or book Colleen for a speaking engagement contact ahiddengeneration@gmail.com
Suzanne Keeptwo, Métis, is a freelance writer residing in unsurrendered traditional Algonquin territory.