The Sixties Scoop Indigenous Society of Saskatchewan will facilitate Sharing Circles this fall across the province to help inform a meaningful apology from the Government of Saskatchewan.

SSISS members met with Deputy Premier Gord Wyant and Minister of First Nation, Metis and Northern Affairs Warren Kaeding on April 17th in Regina at the Legislature. Stock photo

“Our government is proud to partner with the Sixties Scoop Indigenous Society of Saskatchewan in this meaningful process,” said Minister Responsible for First Nations, Métis and Northern Affairs Warren Kaeding in a media release. “We remain committed to providing a public apology, at an appropriate time and location, to those affected by the Sixties Scoop.”

Sixties Scoop Indigenous Society of Saskatchewan co-chair Robert Doucette said they are appreciative of the ongoing working relationship with the Government of Saskatchewan on this initiative.

“I expect these Sharing Circles will be emotional for many participants, but they are part of the journey toward healing for those in this province who experienced the Sixties Scoop,” said Doucette.

The Sharing Circles are to encourage substantive and respectful conversations about the Sixties Scoop. Individuals can participate at the following locations and dates:

• Meadow Lake: Senior Citizens Activity Centre, 406 Fifth Avenue West, Saturday, Oct. 13
• North Battleford: Western Development Museum, near Highways 16 and 40, Saturday, Oct. 20
• Prince Albert: Senator Allen Bird Gym, 851-23rd Street West, Saturday, Oct. 27
• Saskatoon: Saskatoon Indian & Métis Friendship Centre, 168 Wall Street, Saturday, Nov. 3 and Sun., Nov. 4
• Fort Qu’Appelle: Treaty Four Governance Centre, 740 Sioux Avenue South, Saturday, Nov. 17
• Regina: Mâmawêyatitân Centre, 3355 Sixth Avenue, Saturday, Nov. 24, and Sun., Nov. 25

All sessions will run from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. with a pipe ceremony starting at 7:30 a.m. Mental health support workers and elders will be available on-site to provide additional support as required.

Those who are unable to attend a Sharing Circle are encouraged to submit their stories online at www.saskatchewan.ca/sixties-scoop where additional information is also available.

The Sixties Scoop refers to a period in Saskatchewan’s history when Indigenous children were removed from their parents and communities by provincial child welfare services. The Sixties Scoop Indigenous Society of Saskatchewan is a non-profit society formed by a group of First Nations, Métis and non-status individuals who have come together to represent those affected by the Sixties Scoop across Saskatchewan.