Sixties Scoop survivors who have questions about applying for compensation are asked to attend one of two information sessions taking place in Saskatchewan next month.
The full-day events are intended to allow people to ask questions about the application process and gather more information on the package itself.
Sixties Scoop Indigenous Society of Saskatchewan Board member Rod Bellanger says some people are unsure if deceased survivors qualify for compensation.
“Some are asking if they could make an application for a relative or family member that just passed away. And maybe they were missing out on the compensation when they were alive during the issue of the Sixties Scoop,” Bellanger said.
Bellanger says he’s unsure of the answer to that question.
He says others have questions on the details of the compensation package.
“Some survivors don’t even understand anything about the compensation. So, this is an event being held for them to ask these kinds of questions as well,” explained Bellanger.
“The Sixties Scoop class action concerns any registered Indian or persons eligible to be registered or Inuit person who was adopted or made a permanent ward and was placed in the care of non-indigenous foster or adoptive parents in Canada between January 1st, 1951 and December 31st, 1991, which resulted in the loss of cultural identity. Eligible class members could receive compensation between $25,000 and $50,000 depending on the overall number of eligible members,” states a notice of meeting for Sixties Scoop survivors.
Bellanger says compensation cheques to survivors are expected early next year.
The meeting in Saskatoon will take place at the Indian and Métis Friendship Centre February 12, and at the Mamaweyatitan Center in Regina the next day.
(PHOTO: Sixties Scoop apology ceremony. By Dan Jones)