Ottawa: Special Chiefs Assembly Passes Resolution Supporting Indigenous Child Removal Survivors
FIRST PERMANENT BOARD OF DIRECTORS – UPDATE
Presenting our first permanent Board of Directors:
Throughout 2020, based on the recommendations in the Sixties Scoop Healing Foundation Survivor Engagement Report, we recruited the first permanent Survivor-led Board of Directors for the Sixties Scoop Healing Foundation. Our first official Board of Directors represent compassion, strength, unity and healing.
Throughout 2020, based on the recommendations in the Sixties Scoop Healing Foundation Survivor Engagement Report, we recruited the first permanent Survivor-led Board of Directors for the Sixties Scoop Healing Foundation. Our first official Board of Directors represent compassion, strength, unity and healing.
November 12, 2020 Virtual Event
Official Launch of the Sixties Scoop Healing Foundation and Board of Directors Announcement. Captions in French and English will be provided in the future, but for now, the video is available for viewing in its entirety.
Official Launch of the Sixties Scoop Healing Foundation and Board of Directors Announcement. Captions in French and English will be provided in the future, but for now, the video is available for viewing in its entirety.
Carolyn Bennett
Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations
Minister Bennett shares remarks on the new permanent Board Members of the Sixties Scoop Healing Foundation and their vital work to address the legacy of the Sixties Scoop.
Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations
Minister Bennett shares remarks on the new permanent Board Members of the Sixties Scoop Healing Foundation and their vital work to address the legacy of the Sixties Scoop.
Ontario Akwesasne, January 14, 2026
Members of the National Sixties Scoop Healing Foundation of Canada’s Board of Directors travelled to Ottawa to attend the Assembly of First Nations (AFN) Special Chiefs Assembly(SCA), a significant national gathering where First Nations leadership came together to advance priorities impacting communities across the country.
(From left to right: Elder Philomene Sanderson and National Sixties Scoop Mother, Marlyn Osecap Elder assistant, Board Treasurer Troy Macbeth Abromaitis, Board Member Chris Wagg, Board Member Secretary Mary John & NSSHFC CEO Wayne Garnons-Williams)
Photo Credit: Kukpi7 (Chief) Michael Christian
Photo Credit: Kukpi7 (Chief) Michael Christian
The Special Chiefs Assembly provided an important platform for dialogue, advocacy, and collective decision-making on issues central to Indigenous rights, healing, and self-determination. The Foundation’s presence reflected its continued commitment to ensuring that the voices and lived experiences of Sixties Scoop Survivors remain central in national conversations and education.
Assembly of First Nations (AFN) Special Chiefs Assembly (SCA) Day one entry with Grand Chief Cindy Woodhouse Nepinak
Photo Credit: Chris Wagg
Photo Credit: Chris Wagg
Resolution Supporting Survivors
A key moment at the Assembly was the passage of a resolution calling on the Government of Canada to formally recognize Indigenous Child Removal Survivors, including Sixties Scoop Survivors. The resolution supports for the establishment of National Blanket Ceremony Day – Indigenous Survivors, to be observed annually on June 30.
A key moment at the Assembly was the passage of a resolution calling on the Government of Canada to formally recognize Indigenous Child Removal Survivors, including Sixties Scoop Survivors. The resolution supports for the establishment of National Blanket Ceremony Day – Indigenous Survivors, to be observed annually on June 30.
For documents please visit:https://afn.ca/events/special-chiefs-assembly/
For documents please visit:https://afn.ca/events/special-chiefs-assembly/
For documents please visit:https://afn.ca/events/special-chiefs-assembly/
This day is envisioned as a sacred time of ceremony, reflection, and healing for Survivors, their families, and communities impacted by child removal systems, including the Sixties Scoop, foster care, birth alerts, and ongoing apprehensions.
Kukpi7 (Chief) Michael Christian and NSSHFC Board Member
Photo Credit: Chris Wagg
The resolution was grounded in Survivor leadership and advocacy, particularly the work of Kukpi7 (Chief) Michael Christian and Troy MacBeth Abromaitis. Troy’s efforts have already resulted in provincial proclamations in British Columbia, Nova Scotia, and New Brunswick, recognizing June 30 as a day of honouring Survivors. Its passage at the national level marks a significant step forward in advancing collective recognition and accountability.
Photo Credit: Chris Wagg
The resolution was grounded in Survivor leadership and advocacy, particularly the work of Kukpi7 (Chief) Michael Christian and Troy MacBeth Abromaitis. Troy’s efforts have already resulted in provincial proclamations in British Columbia, Nova Scotia, and New Brunswick, recognizing June 30 as a day of honouring Survivors. Its passage at the national level marks a significant step forward in advancing collective recognition and accountability.
(From left to right: Marlyn Osecap Elder assistant, Elder Philomene Sanderson and National Sixties Scoop Mother, NSSHFC CEO Wayne Garnons-Williams)
Photo Credit: Chris Wagg
The presence of National Sixties Scoop Mother, Elder Philomene Sanderson, at the Assembly was deeply significant. Elder Philomene attended in strong support of the Board’s efforts and the proposed resolution, embodying the strength, resilience, and leadership of Sixties Scoop Survivors across the country.
As a respected Elder and Survivor, her presence grounded the discussions in lived experience and cultural knowledge. Elder Philomene’s role as the National Sixties Scoop Mother carries profound responsibility — she represents Survivors with dignity, wisdom, and compassion, ensuring their voices are heard at the highest levels of leadership.
Her attendance served as a powerful reminder that this work is not symbolic it is personal, intergenerational, and rooted in truth. Elder Philomene’s leadership continues to inspire healing, accountability, and meaningful change for Survivors and their families.
Board participation and education
The Foundation’s Board also worked to elevate awareness of its mandate and programming, reinforcing the importance of Survivor-led and Survivor-informed approaches to healing and education. Being present in these national spaces ensures that the ongoing impacts of the Sixties Scoop remain visible and are addressed within broader policy and reconciliation efforts.
Photo Credit: Chris Wagg
The presence of National Sixties Scoop Mother, Elder Philomene Sanderson, at the Assembly was deeply significant. Elder Philomene attended in strong support of the Board’s efforts and the proposed resolution, embodying the strength, resilience, and leadership of Sixties Scoop Survivors across the country.
As a respected Elder and Survivor, her presence grounded the discussions in lived experience and cultural knowledge. Elder Philomene’s role as the National Sixties Scoop Mother carries profound responsibility — she represents Survivors with dignity, wisdom, and compassion, ensuring their voices are heard at the highest levels of leadership.
Her attendance served as a powerful reminder that this work is not symbolic it is personal, intergenerational, and rooted in truth. Elder Philomene’s leadership continues to inspire healing, accountability, and meaningful change for Survivors and their families.
Board participation and education
The Foundation’s Board also worked to elevate awareness of its mandate and programming, reinforcing the importance of Survivor-led and Survivor-informed approaches to healing and education. Being present in these national spaces ensures that the ongoing impacts of the Sixties Scoop remain visible and are addressed within broader policy and reconciliation efforts.
Board Member Chris Wagg, Board Member Secretary Mary John with Mark Carney in the background.
Photo Credit: Mary John
Photo Credit: Mary John
Commitment to continued education
Participation in the Special Chiefs Assembly underscores the Foundation’s commitment to walking alongside First Nations leadership and communities. These gatherings are critical spaces for advancing justice, amplifying Survivor voices, and shaping systems that reflect Indigenous values, knowledge, and self-determination.
Participation in the Special Chiefs Assembly underscores the Foundation’s commitment to walking alongside First Nations leadership and communities. These gatherings are critical spaces for advancing justice, amplifying Survivor voices, and shaping systems that reflect Indigenous values, knowledge, and self-determination.
(From left to right: Board Treasurer Troy Macbeth Abromaitis, Board Member Kukpi7 (Chief) Michael Christian & NSSHFC CEO Wayne Garnons-Williams)
Photo Credit: Chris Wagg
Photo Credit: Chris Wagg
The National Sixties Scoop Healing Foundation of Canada remains dedicated to supporting Survivors, families, and future generations through education, funding, and community-led healing initiatives.
(From Left to right: CEO of the NSSCHF Wayne Garnons-Williams, National Sixties Scoop Mother Elder Philomene Sanderson, Kukpi7 (Chief) Michael Christian, Board Treasurer Troy MacBeth Abromaitis, Board Secretary Mary John, Board Member Chris Wagg.)
Photo Credit: Chris Wagg
For more information on the Foundation, please visit our website:
Photo Credit: Chris Wagg
For more information on the Foundation, please visit our website:
.png)