Glossary & Resources

Apprehended

Means to take into custody or catch and put under control. The opposite of this word is to free, to liberate, to let go, to aid, to help, to encourage, to release and many others. These are the terms that should have been embraced for Richard Cardinal and the other survivors. To free.

Biopolitics

This term refers to the way that a government regulates the life and bodies of a population (or specific group) through particular biopower mechanisms. These mechanisms can include the application of legislation, funding streams, acts and entities to control the lives/bodies of people. For Indigenous communities the impacts of biopolitics have been largely punitive.

Birth Alert

This was the practice of child welfare agencies and other corrective institutional agents notifying hospitals that a baby yet to be born was at risk for potential harm (and vice versa). Birth alerts were disproportionately applied against Indigenous mothers and this contributed to the 60’s scoop. Birth Alerts in the province of Ontario are assumed to be ceased as of October 15 2020.

Eligible Class Members

The Settlement Agreement regarding 60’s scoop survivors determines that only Registered Indians and Inuit registered under The Indian Act are eligible for funds. The other determinant is that you had to be placed in care with a non-Indigenous family between January 1 1951 and December 31 1991.

Genocide

The United Nations (2022) describes genocide as acts committed to destroy a particular group that involves causing serious bodily or mental harm, inflicting conditions to bring about the destruction of the people and forcibly transferring children to another group.

Gratitude

Being thankful. Continuing the circle of kindness.

Healing

A journey, state of being and process that encompasses a wholistic approach for Indigenous peoples. These are connected to mental, physical, intellectual, emotional and spiritual practices from time immemorial that foster well-being. The focus for the 60’s Scoop survivor is one that is personal, balanced and restorative.

The Indian Act

Introduced in 1876 to be used as the primary legislative and legal vehicle to oversee all aspects of life for Indigenous Peoples. It determines who is an Indian and regulates where one can live, what rights you don’t have and how Reserves will be managed. It has undergone many amendments throughout 1951 through to 1985. However, it still remains as a colonial structure that has benefitted non-Indigenous peoples and governments only.

Indigenous

Meaning original. Belonging to the land. Coming from a particular place since time immemorial. Diverse in cultures, traditions, ceremonies, teachings, languages, innovations and ways of knowing. Viewing the most sacred gifts to their communities is their children. These are the future ancestors.

Reconcili/action

This term combines both the spirit of reconciliation and the need for collective action. For 60’s Scoop Survivors this means that the Truth and Reconciliation Commissions’ Calls to Action (2015) in Child Welfare are fully implemented and that all survivors are supported wholistically with reparations, commemoration, education and reconnection services.

Survivor

An individual that embodies courage, strength, resiliency and authentic voice. A 60’s Scoop Survivor is this and so much more. They are peoples that have endured the colonial legacy and turned the mirror back on society. Our survivors continue to reflect the spirit of growth, change and renewal.

Systemic Racism

Refers to how in a settler colonial state like Canada all institutions (including their policies and programs) create barriers that disproportionately disadvantage Indigenous peoples. This settler colonial state also reinforces and embeds whiteness and white superiority in all areas of life – education, justice, finance, employment, sports, media, health, real estate, social participation, others.