Separated From Birth: The Reunion (Family Documentary)| Real Stories

In this deeply moving feature-length documentary, three sisters and a brother meet for the first time. Removed from their young Dene mother during the infamous Sixties Scoop, they were separated as infants and adopted into families across North America.

Betty Ann, Esther, Rosalie, and Ben were only four of the 20,000 Indigenous Canadian children taken from their families between 1955 and 1985, to be either adopted into white families or live in foster care. As the four siblings piece together their shared history, their connection deepens, and their family begins to take shape.

From Birth of a Family by Tasha Hubbard

Instagram - @realstoriesdocs

[jennr]

My father fought for over 30 years with the government of Canada for his rights as an indigenous person. He finally won 3 years after he had passed away my family got notice that he received his status. Now my sister, brother and our children can claim our rights as part of the Canadian indigenous people. I grew up learning about my native ancestors, going to our local Indian friendship centre, pow wows, loving the sound of the men signing and playing the drums. When my nephew passed away 2 years ago my brother, his wife, his living son, and our family celebrated his life and his spirit journey in the way of the native people. It is the most beautiful celebration I've been a part of.

[Marachelle]

I got mad, I cried, I laughed- and I’m so happy that they found each other 💕

[terridibella]

A heartbreaking look into the damage caused by racism, privilege and superiority. A heartwarming look into the awesome power of strength and resilience. Thank you for enlightening me.

[amylivingston]

So happy for you all!!! I’m not a Canadian, but feel the government was so wrong in what they did. My daughter (we are white) is married to an indigenous Costa Rican man. Through him and his very tight knit family, I have witnessed how important their culture is to them. They have two local farms and have a classroom where they teach about their heritage and the Bri Bri religion. Bless you all for finding each other!!

[kathleenreid]

Heartbreaking. May past Canadian governments never rest in peace. What was done to these innocent people is shameful.

[franniesfarm]

I didn't find out until a couple of years ago my Canadian grandfather was half First Nation's, he was taken from his mother and given to his white grandparents to raise. He wasn't told until he was adult, but he never mentioned it to anyone. My Aunt found out when doing the genealogy of our family. It's very sad what was done to our ancestors.

[NancyCronk]

This story simultaneously breaks my heart and makes it whole again. How anyone can separate a child from their family is impossible for me to wrap my head around. I cannot comprehend the level of pain endured by a mother whose children were torn from her loving arms, as well as the pain of a baby to lose their mother. A piece of my heart will stay with these four siblings after watching this.

[jillhansen]

Betty Ann is a wonderful communicator. She could talk for hours and I would be happy to listen. So calming and loving.

[McRambleOn]

This was heartbreakingly depressing and amazingly, joyously, beautiful at the same time. Can’t fathom how they feel, but I’m blessed to have a chance to learn a tiny bit of it, and I thank them enormously for sharing it with us all.

[spygurl]

This is so heartbreaking and heart warming I can’t imagine how many siblings suffer the same. God bless them

[debbieherrera]

This brakes my heart. I am a bio mom to my first son. I have 9 children (same father) and while I made the choice to give my son up for his benefit (I was 16 and didn’t know how I could ever raise him) it broke my heart. Can’t imagine how bad it must have been for there mother. While I am luck that my son contacted me when he had his first child I still think that every child deserves to know as much as possible about there biological parents.

[pettiestofbettys]

As an African American I feel the same type of disconnect tonight from my ancestry and it is terribly sad. I would love to learn about my heritage but I will never get the chance because my family history was erased. Not having that piece of you and having all the questions is definitely a load to bear

[AprilAiteen]

Betty-Ann is such a wonderful big sister. ❤️

[foridor]

One of the 60s scoop children grew up in our community in Ontario, a friend and classmate of my 3 sons. This young man was forever scarred by living outside his cultural roots and always knew deep in his heart that he didn't fit! He became an alcoholic, was in a serious accident in his late teens that left him a quadriplegic, and died 7 years ago. A tragic outcome of our Canadian government attempting to take the Indian out of an Indian!! It is small comfort to know that some attempts have been made to offer an apology, but his life was filled with misery. The family in this story epitomizes forgiveness at its best! Thanks for yor deeply heartwarming story. I hope the reunions continue and bring you all much joy.

[christinasornbutnark]

To the woman that said she was 56; you look great girl!!! You all look great. I’m from the US and am very ashamed of what our governments did to the original land owners. I’m so sorry this happened to each of you.

[rebeccadickinson]

I’m so happy that all 4 of them got to be reunited after so long…what was done to them was horrible! Patience & love brought them together!

[mitty_]

While watching, I couldn't held my tears. I'm happy for these guys that after so many years, they found each other.

[eviekelpie]

I just love documentaries like these. So glad they still have so many more years together. Can't imagine what their poor Mum went through having her 4 babies taken away. Best wishes to you guys❤️

[boysrus]

Thank you for publicly sharing your story. It was horrible the way families were separated. I hope you will continue to find peace as you continue to find each other. I hope all your nieces and nephews, and in-laws are able to meet each other...the next generation needs to be connected!

[elainehink]

As a mother is broken my heart to see this baby boy crying. I hope they spend a lot of time together☺️