NATIVE VOICES GET A HEARING AT "STOLEN GENERATIONS"(Mar. 26, 2004) An Aboriginal group in Winnipeg has wound up a year-long project with the publication of the stories of native children affected by fostering and adoption in non-native homes. On Dec. 20, 2003 the Stolen Generations group launched Book of Voices: Voices of Aboriginal Adoptees and Foster Children. The book, designed by Colleen Simard, is available in print, and online at www.stolengenerations.ca/book.php. The web site also has a discussion forum, and a database where native adoptees can search for their birth family or browse the list of adoptees who are searching. In the 1950s and 1960s many native children were moved away from their communities, to be raised in non-native foster or adoptive homes. In his study Native Children and the Child Welfare System Patrick Johnston called this the "Sixties Scoop". Book of Voices highlights the personal stories, poems and artwork of 45 First Nations people with first-hand experience of the Sixties Scoop and life as a native within a non-native family. Stolen Generations announced its one-year project on the effect of adoption on Aboriginal people across Canada on Dec. 15, 2002. It described the project as an "attempt to address one of the most significant issues arising in the aftermath of residential schools, namely the policy and practice of the adoption of Aboriginal children outside their inherent cultural groups. It will also focus on the importance of sharing stories and experiences as part of the healing process." The project's goal was to increase awareness of the effect of Aboriginal adoptions, to help reclaim cultural identity for Aboriginal adoptees and their families, and to set up a support network for them. In the original announcement, Project Coordinator Scott Stephens said, "The healing for adoptees and all those affected has to begin immediately. Our project will contribute to the healing process for those adoptees that have faced the affects of these policies first-hand. We strongly believe in using the wisdom and strength of those who have experienced the adoption journey and use it to help rebuild links to an identity that is their birthright." Lizabeth Hall, Program Manager for United Native Nations Society in Vancouver, B.C. said, "We believe that it is imperative that Aboriginal peoples be afforded the resources and opportunities to have their voice heard and expressed on the subject of the intergenerational effects of removals of children from their ancestral homes, families and communities originating from the residential school experiences and the eventual removals of subsequent generations by child protection laws that followed. Stolen Generations proposes to give voice to those directly affected and who better to tell the stories, than those who have been directly affected themselves." In the Winter 2004 "Indigenous Links" newsletter, www.allmyrelations.ca/ij-win-4.pdf, Mark Rutledge wrote, "I heard through the grapevine that a group of aboriginal adoptees in Winnipeg, Manitoba were gathering stories, poems and art work for a book. ... The project's ultimate goal was to contribute to the healing process for those adoptees who have faced the effects of the government's policy and practice involving the removal of our children through apprehension and adoption. Through the development of the Book of Voices, the stories of those that had survived will serve as a symbol to others, bringing recognition that they are not alone, and that they can heal and be whole again. ... I want to send out a big "Chi Meegwetch!" to the staff of the Stolen Generations Project Team - Scott Stephens, Aiden Todd and Shannon Leandre. I also want to give many thanks to the other storytellers. For it takes courage, strength, vision and dedication to take on such a task and to share those stories." Commenting on the project, Beverley McKiver of Connecting With All My Relations said, "The Stolen Generations website has been updated with the Book of Voices ... From what I've seen so far, it is a quality product with many different perspectives and stories." The project was funded by the Aboriginal Healing Foundation and sponsored by the Ma Mawi Wi Chi Itata Centre Inc. For a copy of Book of Voices, contact: Stolen Generations, 94 McGregor St., Winnipeg R2W 4V5, 204-925-0300, 888-962-6294, stolen_generations@yahoo.ca, www.stolengenerations.ca SOME LINKS FOR "NATIVE VOICES"
Source: Adoption Council of Canada, www.adoption.ca Copyright 2004 Adoption Council of Canada. Reproduction permitted, if credited "Source: Adoption Council of Canada, www.adoption.ca". Please make a request to reprint, so we can track where ACC news items are used. Send your request to acc@adoption.ca. |
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