Are you part of the Sixties Scoop class litigation?
Learn about the Sixties Scoop Settlement.
Update
Interim payments are now being issued to eligible class members. For more information, please consult the Sixties Scoop settlement website or call 1-844-287-4270.
If you are experiencing emotional distress and want to talk, free counselling and crisis intervention services are available from the Hope for Wellness Help Line at 1-855-242-3310, or online at www.hopeforwellness.ca.
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What is included in the settlement?
On December 1, 2018, Canada provided a $50 million investment for the establishment of an independent, charitable foundation open to all Indigenous peoples to support healing, wellness, education, language, culture and commemoration.
The settlement provides $500 to $750 million in compensation to Status Indian and Inuit peoples who were adopted by non-Indigenous families, became Crown wards or who were placed in permanent care settings during the Sixties Scoop.
Eligible class members will receive an estimated $25,000 in compensation for harm suffered as a result of their experiences in the Sixties Scoop. Individual payments will not exceed $50,000 per person.
As per the terms of the settlement and as approved by the courts, Canada is also providing $75 million in legal fees to plaintiffs' counsel.
Plaintiffs' counsel have committed that they will not seek additional legal costs from the class members in order to ensure that compensation intended for plaintiffs is preserved for them. Canada has also committed to pay administrative costs for a third party, Collectiva, to implement the agreement.
When will I see my payment?
Interim payments are now being issued to eligible class members. Survivors whose applications are approved in the weeks and months ahead will also receive the interim payment.
For more information please contact Collectiva Class Action Services:
Tel: 1-844-287-4270
e-mail: sixtiesscoop@collectiva.ca
Website: www.sixtiesscoopsettlement.info
Why is this settlement for First Nations and Inuit only?
The Government of Canada is aware that there are other claims that remain unresolved, including those of Métis and non-status Indians. Canada is working with the Métis National Council, provinces, territories, and plaintiffs toward a fair and lasting resolution for all those affected by this dark and painful chapter in Canadian history.
What is the Foundation? How will it work?
Those affected by the Sixties Scoop identify the loss of culture and language as among the greatest harm they suffered, which is why the government is responding directly to address this underlying impact of misguided past policies.
In anticipation of the implementation of the settlement, the Sixties Scoop Foundation has been incorporated and received charitable status to position it to begin its important work without delay.
Under the guidance of a development board, the Foundation began an engagement process in September 2019 to reach those impacted by the Sixties Scoop. This will enable survivors, their families and communities to be involved in determining the governance of the Foundation and the nature of its work within the broad mandate created by the settlement.
Canada supports the mandate of the Foundation to bring about healing, recognition, understanding and commemoration of the Sixties Scoop to ensure its legacy is not forgotten. Once established, the services of the Foundation will be available to all Indigenous people impacted by the Sixties Scoop and their families.
Minister Bennett congratulates board members appointed to Sixties Scoop Healing Foundation
Video Transcript for Minister Bennett congratulates board members appointed to Sixties Scoop Healing Foundation
Kwe, Tansi, Ullukkut, Bonjour, Greetings!
I'm Carolyn Bennett, Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations.
To Sixties Scoop survivors: your resilience, your spirit and your voice are an inspiration to all Canadians. We know there is a lifetime of healing ahead for you, your families and your communities.
The Government of Canada is resolute in our commitment to you and to addressing the painful legacy of the Sixties Scoop. We will continue to pursue this vital work with survivors, Indigenous partners and all Canadians to advance reconciliation, promote Indigenous languages and culture, and support healing and commemoration.
We have done important work together. While we acknowledge that there is still much more to do, this settlement represents a historic milestone in Canada's efforts to address the harm done by the Sixties Scoop.
As the Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations, and on behalf of the Government of Canada, I am honoured to congratulate the newly–appointed Permanent Board Members of the Sixties Scoop Healing Foundation. I offer you my heartfelt gratitude as you move forward with survivors in the vital work to address the legacy of the Sixties Scoop.
Beyond individual compensation as part of the settlement, Canada and survivors agreed on the importance of including forward-looking investments through the creation of a foundation to support all those affected.
It was crucial to all of those involved that this foundation would undertake and fund healing, wellness, education, language and culture activities related to the Sixties Scoop.
We thank everyone for their work to ensure that the independent, charitable foundation was created with direct input from survivors to support them, their families and their communities.
I would like to honour the leadership of Sally Susan Mathias Martel and Maggie Blue Water and acknowledge the entire Interim Board, the advisors and the engagement team.
Your tireless dedication to working with survivors on their vision for this Foundation has ensured that their voice was reflected in the selection of the permanent board members and the future of the organization.
We will continue to pursue this vital work with survivors, Indigenous partners and all Canadians to advance reconciliation, promote Indigenous languages and culture, and support the healing and commemoration of those affected by the harmful policies.
Thank you, Merci, Meegwetch, Marsee, Nakurmiik.
Background on the settlement
In August 2017, the Government of Canada and representatives of the plaintiffs signed an Agreement-in-Principle aimed at resolving Sixties Scoop litigation. The agreement-in-principle includes Status Indians and Inuit. A final agreement was signed on November 30, 2017. In August 2018, the federal court and the Ontario Superior Court approved the terms of the settlement agreement.
Through the settlement, Canada is resolving the issues raised by Status Indians and Inuit; however, the Government of Canada will continue to work with its provincial partners to address the harms suffered by other Indigenous children (including Métis and non-status Indians) during this period as a result of their placement with non-Indigenous families.
The Government of Canada remains committed to resolving litigation with Indigenous peoples involving childhood claims, outside of the courts.
More information about the of the settlement is available on the Sixties Scoop settlement website.