Sisters and the legacy of the Sixties Scoop: Watch our short documentary

Nakuset, executive director of Montreal's Native Women's Shelter, shares her story

Image | Nakuset

Caption: Nakuset, executive director of the Native Women's Shelter in Montreal, shares the story of her sister, who died by suicide earlier this year (CBC)

Nakuset was separated from her sisters as a child, but reunited with them as an adult — only to lose one of them to suicide.
Watch their story below:

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Their story is part of a series examining the Sixties Scoop and its echoes in the Indigenous experience of the child welfare system today.
We wrote about their reunion, and what came next.
"As heartfelt as that moment was, a reunion can't always repair the harm of separation. These sisters, who had waited so long to find each other, would not have each other for long."

Image | Nakuset

(Melinda Dalton/CBC)

Nakuset also wrote a point-of-view piece on why she wanted to share her story. "I struggle to break the cycle. I try to be a living example of hope to my three boys."

Image | Sonya

(Submitted by Nakuset)

We also looked at how Indigenous youth still face challenges when they are in youth protection. In some cases, they are discouraged from speaking their own language.

Image | Batshaw Youth and Family Services in Montreal

(CBC)

And we also showed how Inuit children who are transferred from Nunavik to youth protection facilities in Montreal often don't get a social worker who can meet with them face to face and advocate for their needs.

Image | Joanne Vasquez

(CBC)


Where to get help:

Canada Suicide Prevention Service(external link)
Toll-free 1-833-456-4566
Text: 45645
Chat: crisisservicescanada.ca(external link)
In French: Association québécoise de prévention du suicide(external link): 1-866-APPELLE (1-866-277-3553)
Kids Help Phone:(external link)1-800-668-6868 (Phone), Live Chat counselling at www.kidshelpphone.ca(external link)
Canadian Association for Suicide Prevention: Find a 24-hour crisis centre(external link)
If you're worried someone you know may be at risk of suicide, you should talk to them about it, says the Canadian Association for Suicide Prevention.
Here are some warning signs:
  • Suicidal thoughts.
  • Substance abuse.
  • Purposelessness.
  • Anxiety.
  • Feeling trapped.
  • Hopelessness and helplessness.
  • Withdrawal.
  • Anger.
  • Recklessness.
  • Mood changes.