POLL: Metis leader, victim of ‘60s Scoop calls for apology

“My mushum – grandfather in English – was swearing and throwing rocks at the car as they took me away and told them to stop, they never did,” said Doucette.

He didn’t see his biological mother again until he turned 20.

He said Premier Brad Wall and the Saskatchewan Legislative Assembly need to do right by First Nations and Metis people in the province and all apologize for the events that occurred during the 1960’s.

“Yes I know we just had the TRC (Truth and Reconciliation Commission), and I know people are tired of this but you know Canadians and citizens need to know this did happen to people; and it’s a sad part of our history, people have to acknowledge this has happened and the best way to deal with this is to just say sorry.”

Last week Manitoba Premier Greg Selinger apologized on behalf of the Manitoba government. Doucette believes strongly that Saskatchewan should be next.

“Who, by the way, did put a Metis sash to honour the contributions of Metis people back in 2010. In 2015 they should take it a step further,” he said.

Doucette recalled the ‘60s Scoop had a profound impact on his life; the biggest regret he has was not knowing his grandfather.

“He spoke five languages and so did my grandmother, he was well-read, he was one of the founding fathers of Buffalo Narrows, he was a justice of the peace.”

Doucette said even today he wonders what it would have been like learning how to live off the land, and being taught by his grandfather to speak Cree and Dene.

Reflecting on how his life turned out, Doucette said he considers himself very fortunate, raised by a very nice couple who did their best to take care of him. He said others ’60s Scoop kids were not so lucky, forced to move from home to home, many suffering abuse.

“It’s still hard at times when I meet with my biological family to talk about this stuff because I think people feel guilty that I was taken and all because a Catholic priest told social services that they didn’t think my mother was fit to raise me.”

Doucette said an apology would cost the government nothing and would go a long way to helping aboriginal people heal.

The NDP has echoed calls for a government apology.

It’s important to recognize the harm that this practice caused and continues to cause,” said NDP leader Cam Broten in a statement. “Ripping families apart has long lasting effects, not only for individuals and families but also for communities, our society and our economy.”

Broten also urged the government to host a roundtable with ‘60s Scoop survivors to hear their stories and develop an action plan to move towards reconciliation.

As for Doucette, he said that he has made it his personal goal to make sure mistakes of the past aren’t repeated. He has taught his own children and grandchildren about their Metis culture. Doucette himself has pledged to learn Cree before he dies.

paNOW has made several attempts to reach the premier’s office for comment. As of the time this story was published, there has been no response.

nmaxwell@panow.com

On Twitter: @nigelmaxwell

by Nigel Maxwell

POLL: Metis leader, victim of ‘60s Scoop calls for apology

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