Koskie Minsky and Sunchild Law Bring "Sixties Scoop" Class Action in Saskatchewan

TORONTO, Oct. 11, 2016 /CNW/ - Koskie Minsky LLP in Toronto, with Sunchild Law in Battleford, Saskatchewan, has commenced a class action against the Attorney General of Canada on behalf of individuals affected by the "Sixties Scoop" in Saskatchewan.

The term "Sixties Scoop" refers to the practice in Saskatchewan whereby Aboriginal children were taken ("scooped up") from their families for placing in foster homes or adoption with non-Aboriginal homes. As a result, it is alleged these "scooped" children lost their identity as Aboriginal persons and suffered mentally, emotionally, spiritually, and physically. The plaintiff also claims that he and class members were deprived of their status and other Aboriginal-related benefits, which Canada unjustly retained. Aboriginal communities describe the Sixties Scoop as destructive to their culture.

The claim alleges that by virtue of the Sixties Scoop in Saskatchewan, Canada was negligent and breached fiduciary duties owed to the Aboriginal class members.

The lawsuit is brought on behalf of all "Indian, non-status Indian, and/or Métis" children who were scooped after January 1, 1960 and were placed in the care of non-Aboriginal foster or adoptive parents who did not raise the children in accordance with the Aboriginal person's customs, traditions, and practices.

It seeks $200 million in damages for breach of fiduciary duty and negligence and $50 million in punitive damages.

"Saskatchewan has a particularly dark history with respect to the Sixties Scoop and many people have suffered, and continue to suffer, because of it," says Kirk Baert, co-lead counsel at Koskie Minsky LLP, "and this case can start to right these wrongs of the past."

SOURCE Koskie Minsky LLP

or if you are a class member: Website: www.kmlaw.ca/saskatchewan60sscoopclassaction, Toll-free: 1-855-595-2621, Email: [email protected]; For media enquiries, please contact Scott Robinson, 416-595-2097