Summary
Under the CCF provincial government, it became common practice to remove children from homes in northern communities, which were primarily Indigenous, and place them with southern non-Indigenous families. Non-Indigenous child placements in the southern part of the province were deemed necessary because of a relatively small number of foster homes in the north - a number which was unable to manage the capacity of child welfare activity. The Department of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation recognized the need for staff training and increased capacity for accommodations. The isolated location of many northern communities also caused administrative difficulties.
Implications
For children who were separated from their families and sent to southern, non-native communities, there was often a sense of cultural disconnect and an inability to function meaningfully in either southern non-Indigenous society or northern Indigenous society. However, not all children from within the child welfare system had bad experiences, and some report that they benefited from the aid they received while in foster care. It is important to emphasize that due to the relocation from home communities, Indigenous children were dislocated from their family, their support networks, and their cultures - all of which have had drastically negative effects on the health and psyche of Indigenous peoples, and their children. Please see other database entries on the effects of "60s scoop" policies and actions for further information.
Resources
Date
1944-00-00