Our Story
Welcome to the SSISBC community! As a registered non-profit in British Columbia, that celebrates our third year anniversary on January 4, 2025, we are dedicated to supporting and advocating for survivors of Sixties Scoop. We believe in the power of cultural activities and ceremony, valuing the insights of our Elders to guide our journey.
Following the seven sacred teachings of our nations, we strive to create a supportive and educational environment for both 60 scoop Indigenous families, their adopted families, and their descendance ensuring truths are heard and our voices remain strong.
Together, we foster healing, with cultural activities, ceremony, shared stories, while raising awareness about Sixties Scoop through education and outreach.
History of Sixties Scoop
Between 1951 and 1991, an estimated 20,000 or more First Nations, Métis, and Inuit children were taken from their families by child welfare authorities and placed for adoption in mostly non-Indigenous homes. This widespread removal of Indigenous children became known as the "Sixties Scoop."
Before 1951, Indian agents had authority over child welfare on reserves. In 1951, new laws gave provincial and territorial governments and social workers similar powers, allowing them to remove children from their homes.
From the 1960s to the 1980s, thousands of Indigenous children were taken, often without their families’ knowledge or consent. These children were placed in non-Indigenous homes, sometimes far away, cutting them off from their language, culture, and families. Parents and communities were usually not told where their children went.
It wasn’t until after 1980 that child welfare workers began informing communities about the children’s whereabouts. Many families are still searching for their lost children today.
Our Misson
We support Sixties Scoop survivors in BC by helping them reconnect with their cultural identity. Through education, outreach, ceremonies, and resources, we create a space for healing and community, so survivors can reclaim their heritage and build stronger connections to family and culture.
Our Vision
Our vision is a future where Sixties Scoop survivors are fully restored to their cultural roots and identity. We aim to create a strong, empowered community where survivors' voices are heard and their connections to culture, family, and spirit are healed and celebrated.
Our Values
We focus on helping Sixties Scoop survivors heal and reconnect with their culture. support their journey, foster a respectful community that amplifies their voices, and advocate for justice. Through ceremonies and cultural practices, we aim restore balance and empower survivors to reclaim their identity.
Meet the Team
Our team is made up of dedicated directors based in British Columbia, whose leadership and vision make our initiatives possible. With their expertise and commitment, we strive to create impactful solutions that benefit our community and drive progress. Together, we focused on achieving our goals and making a difference the lives of those we serve.
President/Director of SSISBC
RavenSong Gargan
(Pamela Abraham)
Tansi, and welcome to SSICBC. My name is RavenSong Gargam and my colonial name is Pamela Abraham. I am a 60 Scoop Thriver from the Deh Gah Got'ie, Dene Nation. I am blessed to have received invaluable teachings from many incredible Elders and Knowledge.
I attend university and currently am in 3rd year of my double minor in Indigenous Justice and Counseling degree.
I am a mother to four incredible humans and a grandmother to ten.
I am eager to share my experience, strength, and hope with you as we strive toward creating a healing society together.
Peace River Director
Naomi McKinnon
Naiomi McKinnon is the daughter of a Sixties Scoop survivor, with Cree/Dene heritage from her mother’s side and European roots from her father’s. Naiomi’s journey is deeply shaped by her mother’s experiences as a sixties scoop, as she was one of the children taken from her family and placed in a non native adoptive home.
This legacy of cultural loss and displacement has deeply influenced Naiomi’s own understanding of addiction, healing, and identity. As a daughter of the Sixties Scoop, she is committed to her personal healing journey, embracing her strength and the power of sharing her story as part of a collective effort toward healing.
Vancouver Island Director
Greg Walton
Welcome, I'm Greg Walton. I was born in Victoria, BC 1968. However, I was taken from my biological family at birth as part of the infamous '60s scoop, a period in Canadian history when thousands of Indigenous children were forcibly removed from their homes and placed into foster care or adoption.
At just nine months old, I was placed into the loving Walton family, who welcomed me with open arms and treated me as their own from the very first foster care visit. Throughout my childhood, my family moved frequently because my dad was employed in the Navy and other jobs, living in various cities in Canada and even spending three years in Germany. Despite the constant changes, I found comfort and joy in sports. I played softball, soccer, and cycling, developing a passion for physical activities that would stay with me throughout my life.
I also have had personal milestones along the way. I was married once and do not have any children. In 2022, I began my journey down the path of learning about my birth family, culture and traditions aided by SSISA and SSISBC plus other resources. In October 2024, I received my Ancestry DNA results so I have started learning and meeting my family.
In recent years, I faced new challenges, primarily related to my health. Despite these obstacles, I remain resilient and determined to prioritize raising awareness about the injustices of the '60s scoop era. I am actively involved myself in advocacy work, tirelessly speaking out and sharing my experiences to shed light on the lasting impact of this dark period in Canadian history. I've become a board member of SSISBC as the Island Director.
Now, I reside back in Duncan, BC. Although I face health issues, I remain committed to ensuring that the stories of those affected by the '60s scoop era are heard and acknowledged. My dedication to this cause is a testament to my resilience and determination, inspiring others to take action and strive for justice and healing.