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e-2830 (Indigenous affairs)

E-petition
Initiated by Colleen Hele Cardinal from Ottawa, Ontario

Original language of petition: English

Petition to the Prime Minister

Whereas:
  • The Sixties Scoop refers to a practice that occurred in Canada of taking or "scooping up" Indigenous children from their families and communities for placement in foster homes or adoption;
  • The Sixties Scoop began in the late 1950s and persisted into the 1980s;
  • It is estimated that over 20,000 Indigenous children were taken from their families; and
  • In 2018, the Government of Canada announced a settlement agreement with the survivors of the Sixties Scoop.
We, the undersigned, residents of Canada, call upon the Prime Minister to work with the Sixties Scoop Network and survivors on a ceremony with the intent of asking forgiveness and issuing a national apology in the House of Commons.

Response by the Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations

Signed by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): GARY ANANDASANGAREE

The Sixties Scoop is a dark and terrible chapter in Canada’s history. Working together to bring a meaningful resolution to its painful legacy is an important step in our journey of reconciliation with Indigenous peoples.

The current settlement represents the first step in resolving the Sixties Scoop litigation. The Government of Canada is committed to working with plaintiffs, their counsel, provinces, territories and leadership to resolve outstanding claims with other Indigenous people affected by the Sixties Scoop, including Métis and non-Status Indians.

The Government of Canada remains committed to righting the wrongs of the past and will consider the important request for a national apology as work toward reconciliation with all Sixties Scoop survivors continues.

Open for signature
September 16, 2020, at 5:22 p.m. (EDT)
Closed for signature
December 15, 2020, at 5:22 p.m. (EDT)
Presented to the House of Commons
Gord Johns (Courtenay—Alberni)
January 28, 2021 (Petition No. 432-00451)
Government response tabled
March 22, 2021
Photo - Gord Johns
Courtenay—Alberni
New Democratic Party Caucus
British Columbia