Sixties Scoop Survivor Jonathan Hooker Returns to Manitoba After 50 Years

UPDATE: In a profound emotional moment, Sixties Scoop Survivor Jonathan Hooker returned to Manitoba for the first time in over 50 years, marking a significant milestone in his life. Hooker, who was taken from his family at just 18 months old in 1975, expressed overwhelming feelings upon reuniting with his birth mother and extended family. “It’s all a little bit overwhelming to be here today,” Hooker stated as he arrived at Winnipeg Richardson International Airport.

Hooker’s return is not just a personal journey; it highlights the ongoing impact of the Sixties Scoop, a dark chapter in Canadian history where an estimated 30,000 Indigenous children were removed from their homes. Hooker was adopted by a family in New Zealand and only began to understand the full scope of this historical injustice five years ago.

As he stepped off the plane, Hooker was greeted with tears of joy from his biological mother, Patsy George. “I’m happy to see my son; I thought I would never see him again,” she shared, recounting the pain of losing him at just two months old. Hooker is set for a three-week visit to Moose Lake First Nation, reconnecting with his roots and family.

Advocate Colleen Rajotte, also a Sixties Scoop Survivor, emphasized the need for more efforts to reunite Indigenous families separated during this period. “Many people don’t realize that up to 3,000 of our children were sent out of Canada and around the world,” Rajotte explained, stressing the urgency of addressing these historical wrongs.

Hooker hopes that his story will inspire others in similar situations to seek out their families. “Hopefully, somebody else will see this and start looking for their family or at least find clues to help them,” he said, underlining the human impact of his journey.

As Hooker embarks on this emotional homecoming, his story serves as a powerful reminder of the resilience of Indigenous communities and the importance of healing through reconnection. The developments surrounding his return are being closely watched by advocates and families alike, fueling a broader conversation about reconciliation and the ongoing repercussions of the Sixties Scoop.

Stay tuned for more updates on Hooker’s journey and the efforts to reunite Indigenous families affected by this historical injustice.