Sixties Scoop sharing circles wrap up in Saskatoon

The Sixties Scoop Indigenous Society of Saskatchewan (SSISS) and the Saskatchewan government are holding sharing circles across the province to allow Sixties Scoop survivors a chance to open up about their experiences.

The latest round of sharing circles ran Nov. 3-4 in Saskatoon.

SISS co-chair Melissa Parkyn  said the sharing circles are a part of the healing journey.

“It’s a safe place for survivors to come and share their stories,” Parkyn said of the sharing circles. “The past was a dark time during the Sixties Scoop.”

“For me, it’s a healing journey, because I found out who I was, and it helps to work with other Sixties Scoop survivors to help shape this apology into a meaningful one.”

Members of the Saskatchewan government were present at the sharing circles, using the information to help guide their incoming apology that is expected by year’s end.

“I just want (government representatives) to look at the healing process, to continue working with Sixties Scoop survivors because there is still lots out there today that didn’t get a chance to come to the sharing circle,” Parkyn said.

“I want it to look like we’re moving forward.”

The next sharing circles will be held in Fort Qu’Appelle on Nov. 17.

Regina will host the last round of sharing circles Nov. 25 and 26. Premier Scott Moe and other government officials are expected to attend.

An estimated 20,000 Indigenous, Métis and Inuit children were taken from their homes to live with non-Indigenous families between the 1950s and 1990s.

“It was a time in our life that we didn’t know who we were and didn’t even know we were treaty,” Parkyn said. “We lost our culture and our identity.”

“It took a long time for me to find out who I was.”