Sixties Scoop survivor James Mast held in U.S. immigration custody

Key Takeaways

• James Mast, Sixties Scoop survivor, detained in U.S. since April 14, 2025, lacking adoption documentation from Alberta.
• Unlawful re-entry charge dropped due to Mast’s Cree heritage; awaiting Alberta adoption records to confirm citizenship.
• Sixties Scoop separated 20,000–23,500 Indigenous children; many adoptees face legal, identity, and family reunification challenges.

A Sixties Scoop survivor’s struggle with U.S. immigration custody has brought renewed attention to the ongoing challenges faced by Indigenous adoptees with cross-border histories. James Mast, a 60-year-old Cree man born as James Cardinal, has been held in U.S. immigration custody at the Clinton County Jail in Plattsburgh, New York, since April 14, 2025. Mast’s detention highlights the complex legal and emotional issues that continue to affect thousands of Sixties Scoop survivors, especially those whose lives were uprooted across international borders.

Who, What, When, Where, Why, and How

James Mast, a survivor of the Sixties Scoop, was detained by U.S. authorities after crossing the St. Lawrence River by boat from Cornwall, Ontario, and landing on the U.S. side of the Akwesasne reservation. Mast was trying to reach Oklahoma to care for his ailing adoptive father. He was stopped by St. Regis Mohawk Tribal Police, who found he had no identification. The police handed him over to U.S. Border Patrol, and Mast has remained in U.S. immigration custody for over six weeks as of May 23, 2025. The main reason for his continued detention is the delay in receiving adoption records from the Alberta government, which are needed to confirm his Canadian citizenship and legal status.

Immediate Legal Developments

At first, Mast faced a charge of unlawful re-entry as a deported alien. However, this charge was dropped after his federal defender, Michelle DiBella, argued that Mast’s Cree heritage gave him certain legal protections under U.S. law. Indigenous individuals with cross-border heritage often have unique legal standing, but Mast’s lack of documentation has left him in a difficult situation. U.S. immigration authorities are now waiting for Alberta to provide the necessary adoption records before deciding whether to deport Mast to Canada or release him.

The Sixties Scoop: A Brief Background

The Sixties Scoop refers to the period between the 1950s and 1990s when an estimated 20,000 to 23,500 Indigenous children were taken from their families in Canada 🇨🇦, often without consent. Many of these children were adopted by non-Indigenous families, including families in the United States 🇺🇸. This policy led to widespread loss of cultural identity, family ties, and legal status for thousands of survivors. The effects of the Sixties Scoop are still felt today, as many survivors struggle with documentation, citizenship, and reconnecting with their families and communities.

Key Facts About James Mast’s Case

• Name: James Mast (born James Cardinal)
• Age: 60
• Date of Detention: April 14, 2025
• Location: Clinton County Jail, Plattsburgh, New York
• Reason for Detention: Lack of identification, cross-border travel as a Sixties Scoop survivor
• Legal Status: Unlawful re-entry charge dropped; awaiting deportation decision
• Key Issue: Awaiting adoption records from Alberta government
• Broader Context: Sixties Scoop, cross-border Indigenous adoptee documentation

How the Detention Happened

Mast’s journey began when he crossed the St. Lawrence River by boat, moving from Cornwall, Ontario, to the U.S. side of the Akwesasne reservation. His goal was to reach Oklahoma to support his adoptive father, who is in poor health. However, without any identification, Mast was stopped by the St. Regis Mohawk Tribal Police. He was then handed over to U.S. Border Patrol and placed in immigration custody at the Clinton County Jail, about 115 kilometers from Akwesasne.

Legal Proceedings and Indigenous Rights

After his detention, Mast was charged with unlawful re-entry, a serious offense for those who have previously been deported from the United States 🇺🇸. However, his lawyer, Michelle DiBella, successfully argued that Mast’s Cree heritage meant he could not be prosecuted for re-entering the U.S. under certain legal precedents. These legal protections recognize the unique status of Indigenous people whose traditional territories cross the U.S.-Canada border. As a result, the charge was dismissed, but Mast remains in custody while authorities wait for proof of his Canadian citizenship and adoption history.

The Documentation Problem for Sixties Scoop Survivors

Many Sixties Scoop survivors, like Mast, do not have clear documentation of their citizenship or adoption status. This lack of paperwork makes it very hard for them to travel, prove their identity, or access basic services. In Mast’s case, the U.S. authorities are waiting for the Alberta government to send adoption records that confirm his Canadian citizenship. This process can take a long time, especially when records are decades old or incomplete.

Step-by-Step Process in Similar Cases

Cases like Mast’s often follow a similar path:

1. Detention: The individual is detained by border or tribal authorities for lacking documentation or suspected unlawful entry.
2. Transfer to Immigration Custody: Without identification, the person is handed over to U.S. immigration authorities.
3. Legal Review: Charges may be filed, such as unlawful re-entry. Legal counsel can argue for dismissal based on Indigenous status and relevant treaties or legal precedents.
4. Verification of Status: Authorities request adoption or citizenship records from Canadian provinces or federal agencies.
5. Decision: Once documentation is received, authorities decide whether to deport, release, or grant other relief.
6. Repatriation or Release: If citizenship is confirmed, the individual may be deported to Canada 🇨🇦 or released to family.

Personal Toll and Family Separation

Mast’s case is not just about legal paperwork. It is also about the personal pain and family separation caused by the Sixties Scoop. Mast has said, “I want to return home, and I’m exhausted from the pressure immigration and others put on me, claiming I am not American. I was raised in the States.” His adoptive family in Oklahoma is waiting for him, and the delay in his release is causing stress and sadness for everyone involved.

Broader Implications for Sixties Scoop Survivors

Mast’s situation is not unique. Many Sixties Scoop survivors face similar problems:

• Documentation Gaps: Survivors often lack clear records of their citizenship or adoption, making it hard to prove who they are.
• Legal Limbo: Without proper documents, survivors can be detained for long periods while authorities try to find old records.
• Family Separation: The trauma of being taken from their birth families is made worse by new separations caused by immigration problems.
• Ongoing Trauma: The Sixties Scoop caused deep wounds that still affect survivors today, especially when they try to reconnect with family or return to their communities.

Legal and Policy Context

There have been no recent changes to U.S. or Canadian immigration policy that specifically address the needs of Sixties Scoop survivors in cross-border situations. However, Mast’s case has brought attention to the need for better recognition and support for Indigenous adoptees who were displaced across borders. Legal experts point out that Indigenous individuals with cross-border heritage may have unique legal standing under U.S. and Canadian law, but the lack of documentation remains a major barrier.

Advocacy and Government Response

Advocacy groups like the National Indigenous Survivors of Child Welfare Network continue to push for broader recognition and support for Sixties Scoop survivors, especially those affected by international adoption and displacement. In 2017, the Canadian government reached an $800 million settlement with Sixties Scoop survivors and established a healing foundation. However, many survivors remain excluded from these settlements, especially those who were adopted out of country or lack status documentation.

For more information about the Sixties Scoop settlement and support resources, readers can visit the official Sixties Scoop Settlement website.

Multiple Perspectives on the Case

• Survivor Perspective: Mast’s experience shows the personal cost of displacement, loss of identity, and the struggle to reconnect with family.
• Family Perspective: His adoptive family in Oklahoma is waiting for his return, highlighting the ongoing impact of separation.
• Legal Perspective: U.S. and Canadian authorities face real challenges in verifying decades-old adoptions and citizenship, often leading to long detentions.
• Advocacy Perspective: Indigenous organizations are calling for easier processes and better recognition of the unique situations faced by Sixties Scoop survivors.

Historical Context: The Sixties Scoop

The Sixties Scoop was a government policy in Canada 🇨🇦 that led to the removal of thousands of Indigenous children from their families between 1951 and 1991. These children were often placed with non-Indigenous families, sometimes in the United States 🇺🇸. The policy caused a loss of cultural identity, family connections, and legal status for many survivors. Although the Canadian government has since apologized and offered compensation, many survivors still face problems related to documentation and citizenship.

Legal Redress and Ongoing Issues

In 2017, Canada 🇨🇦 agreed to pay $800 million to Sixties Scoop survivors and set up a healing foundation. However, not all survivors are included in the settlement, and many still struggle to prove their identity or citizenship. This is especially true for those who were adopted outside of Canada 🇨🇦 or who do not have clear records.

Policy Implications and the Need for Reform

Mast’s case shows that there are still big gaps in how governments handle the needs of Sixties Scoop survivors, especially those with cross-border histories. The lack of clear documentation can leave people in legal limbo, separated from their families and unable to move freely. Advocacy groups are calling for changes to make it easier for survivors to get the documents they need and to recognize their unique situations.

Future Outlook

The outcome of Mast’s case depends on how quickly the Alberta government can provide his adoption records. Delays in getting these documents could mean he stays in custody even longer. Advocacy groups hope that Mast’s case will lead to changes in how similar cases are handled in the future, making it easier for survivors to prove their identity and reunite with their families.

Practical Guidance for Sixties Scoop Survivors

If you are a Sixties Scoop survivor facing cross-border issues, here are some steps you can take:

• Contact Advocacy Groups: Organizations like the National Indigenous Survivors of Child Welfare Network can offer support and advice.
• Gather Documentation: Try to collect any records related to your adoption, citizenship, or family history.
• Seek Legal Help: If you are detained or face legal problems, ask for a lawyer who understands Indigenous and cross-border issues.
• Use Official Resources: The Government of Canada – Crown-Indigenous Relations website provides information on support and services for Sixties Scoop survivors.

Summary Table: Key Facts

Conclusion and Next Steps

James Mast’s case is a powerful reminder of the long-lasting effects of the Sixties Scoop and the urgent need for better support for survivors. The delays and legal hurdles he faces are not just bureaucratic problems—they are real barriers that keep families apart and add to the trauma of those already affected by past government policies.

Key Takeaways:

• Sixties Scoop survivors often lack clear documentation, making cross-border travel and legal recognition difficult.
• Legal protections exist for Indigenous individuals with cross-border heritage, but paperwork delays can still lead to long detentions.
• Advocacy groups and legal experts are calling for reforms to make it easier for survivors to prove their identity and reunite with family.
• If you are a survivor facing similar issues, seek help from advocacy organizations and use official government resources.

As reported by VisaVerge.com, cases like Mast’s highlight the need for governments to work together to support Indigenous adoptees and prevent further trauma and family separation. The hope is that Mast’s experience will lead to positive changes for all Sixties Scoop survivors, especially those with cross-border histories.

For more information on the Sixties Scoop settlement, support services, and legal resources, visit the Sixties Scoop Settlement official website or the Government of Canada – Crown-Indigenous Relations page.

If you or someone you know is affected by the Sixties Scoop and needs help with documentation or legal issues, reach out to the Sixties Scoop Healing Foundation or call the settlement information line at 1-844-287-4270.

Learn Today

Sixties Scoop → Policy removing Indigenous children from families in Canada (1950s–1990s), causing identity loss and legal issues.
Adoption Records → Official documents confirming a person’s adoption status, critical for citizenship verification in legal cases.
Unlawful Re-entry → Charge for returning to the U.S. illegally after deportation, which can be contested by Indigenous rights.
Cross-border Heritage → Indigenous lineage with traditional territory across U.S. and Canada borders, affecting legal protections.
Immigration Custody → Detention by immigration authorities while legal status or citizenship is evaluated or resolved.

This Article in a Nutshell

James Mast’s detention highlights the legal and emotional challenges of Sixties Scoop survivors. Lack of adoption records stalls his release, showing urgent need for clearer documentation and support for Indigenous adoptees displaced across the U.S.-Canada border.
— By VisaVerge.com