Province hopes sharing circles will help shape apology

REGINA The province says that six upcoming sharing circles will “help inform a meaningful apology from the government” for the Sixties Scoop.

“We remain committed to providing a public apology, at an appropriate time and location, to those affected by the Sixties Scoop,” Warren Kaeding, minister responsible for First Nations, Metis and Northern Affairs said in a news release Monday.

The sharing circles, facilitated by the Sixties Scoop Indigenous Society of Saskatchewan, are intended to encourage substantive and respectful conversations about the Sixties Scoop.

The Sixties Scoop is a period in the province’s history during which Indigenous children were removed from their parents and communities by provincial child welfare officials.

“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,” Sixties Scoop Indigenous Society of Saskatchewan co-chair Robert Doucette said in the release.

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. Media will not be allowed in the sharing circles.

Individuals can participate at the following locations and dates: Meadow Lake: Senior Citizens Activity Centre, 406 Fifth Ave. W., Saturday, Oct. 13

North Battleford: Western Development Museum, near highways 16 and 40, Saturday, Oct. 20 Prince Albert: Senator Allen Bird Gym, 851-23rd St. W., Saturday, Oct. 27

Saskatoon: Saskatoon Indian & Metis Friendship Centre, 168 Wall St., Saturday, Nov. 3 and Sunday, Nov.4

Fort Qu’appelle: Treaty Four Governance Centre, 740 Sioux Ave. S., Saturday, Nov. 17

Regina: mâmawêyatitân centre, 3355 Sixth Ave., Saturday, Nov. 24, and Sunday, Nov. 25

Individuals unable to attend a sharing circle are welcome to submit their stories online.

The Sixties Scoop Indigenous Society of Saskatchewan is a nonprofit society formed by a group of First Nations, Metis and nonstatus individuals who have come together to represent those affected by the Sixties Scoop across Saskatchewan.