A 71-year-old Sixties Scoop survivor has reunited with a sister she never knew existed, in a heartwarming story that sheds light on the long-lasting effects of the Sixties Scoop policy. Sisters Marie Miller and Sally Tripp were separated as infants when they were taken from their families under the Sixties Scoop, a practice that saw thousands of Indigenous children placed into non-Indigenous homes.
A Surprising Discovery
For decades, Marie Miller believed she had no living relatives. However, a chance DNA test revealed she had a sister, Sally Tripp, who lived just a few hours away. The two met for the first time in Calgary, sharing an emotional reunion that brought both joy and tears.
Decades of Separation
The Sixties Scoop, which lasted from the 1960s to the 1980s, forcibly removed Indigenous children from their families and communities. Many, like Marie and Sally, grew up unaware of their siblings or cultural heritage. Their reunion is a rare moment of connection in a history marked by loss.
Marie Miller said, "I always felt like something was missing. Now I know it was my sister." Sally Tripp added, "We have so much to catch up on. It's like finding a piece of myself."
Healing and Moving Forward
The sisters are now planning to spend more time together, exploring their shared history and building a new relationship. Their story serves as a reminder of the resilience of Indigenous families and the ongoing need for reconciliation.
- Marie and Sally were both adopted into non-Indigenous families.
- They discovered each other through a DNA testing service.
- Their reunion has inspired others affected by the Sixties Scoop to seek out lost relatives.
