Hi! I’m Kristal and Chrystal
Kelowna adoptees Kristal and Chrystal continue their conversation with 60’s scoop survivors Tina Taphouse and Nadine McSpaddan as they courageously share their journey back to their roots and inform us on one of Canada’s darker times in history.
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“I felt like a lost girl, searching for connection and family—looking at every face, wondering, ‘Is that my mom?’”
Recap of “Because She’s Adopted” Podcast: Personal Stories of Survival, Adoption, and Resilience
In this deeply moving episode of Because She’s Adopted, hosts Kristal Park and Chrystal Redpath continue their conversation with Nadine Mpen and Tina Tap House, two survivors of the Sixties Scoop. In this second part of their story, Nadine and Tina open up about their personal experiences with adoption, reconnecting with their biological families, and navigating the complexities of identity and belonging.
Nadine’s Story: A Journey of Loss, Discovery, and Healing
Nadine Mpen, born Nadine Rose Eugene, shares her experience of being adopted into a non-Indigenous family and the challenges of growing up disconnected from her culture. Adopted at four and a half years old, Nadine always felt like an outsider in her family and struggled with questions of identity. Her foster-to-adopt home, though providing the basic necessities, left her emotionally unsupported. She recalls being told to be grateful for her adoption while yearning for a connection to her birth family and Indigenous roots.
Her journey to reconnect with her biological family was both painful and transformative. Nadine recalls her first visit to her community, filled with hope but also fear of rejection. She discovered that her birth mother had passed away, but through her aunt and uncle, she began piecing together her story. Over time, Nadine reunited with siblings she never knew, each encounter filled with emotional highs and lows. These reunions revealed the systemic trauma inflicted on her family and deepened her understanding of her own resilience.
Nadine reflects on the emotional cost of being a bridge between her adopted and Indigenous worlds, but she has found strength in embracing her identity. Today, as an educator specializing in Indigenous studies, she channels her journey into helping others understand the importance of cultural connection and healing.
Tina’s Story: A Journey of Connection and Advocacy
Tina Tap House was adopted at birth and grew up in a predominantly non-Indigenous environment. Her parents made efforts to expose her to Indigenous culture, taking her to powwows and providing books about her heritage, but she still felt a profound disconnection. Tina recalls searching the faces of people at powwows, wondering if her birth parents were among them.
Her journey of reunion began in 1994 when her biological father found her through an adoption registry. The experience of meeting him and her nine siblings was a whirlwind of emotions, from joy to realization of how different their lives had been. Tina admits to grappling with feelings of superiority due to her upbringing, a painful recognition of the effects of assimilation. Through self-reflection and time, she has worked to heal these divides.
Tina later connected with her biological mother, discovering the immense sacrifices her mother made to protect her from attending residential school. Their relationship blossomed, and Tina cherishes the nine years she had with her mother before her passing. She describes how her community’s cultural practices around death and grieving have given her a new perspective on loss, emphasizing the importance of family and ceremony.
Today, Tina is a passionate advocate for raising awareness about the Sixties Scoop, using her voice to educate others and support fellow survivors. She sees herself as a bridge between two worlds, helping others navigate their own journeys of identity and healing.
Final Thoughts
This episode is a powerful testament to the resilience of Sixties Scoop survivors and the transformative power of reconnecting with identity and culture. Nadine and Tina’s stories illuminate the deep, lasting impact of the policies that removed Indigenous children from their communities and highlight the ongoing journey of healing for survivors.
Their courage in sharing their stories is a call to action for greater understanding, advocacy, and support for Indigenous communities. As Kristal and Chrystal note, reclaiming identity is a form of resistance against the erasure of culture—a journey of personal empowerment that inspires others to find their voice.
Listen to the full episode on “Because She’s Adopted” to hear Nadine and Tina’s heartfelt stories in their own words. Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and leave a review!
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Now, we’d love to hear from you!
What part of Nadine and Tina’s powerful stories of resilience and reconnection resonated most with you? Have you experienced a moment in your life where reconnecting with your roots, navigating cultural identity, or healing from past trauma has reshaped your journey?
Share your thoughts in the comments—your story could be the spark someone else needs to take their first step toward understanding and healing.
Remember, the more detail you share, the more meaningful your impact. Thousands of listeners come here seeking hope and guidance. Your experience could inspire someone to find their own path forward.
From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for adding your voice to this community. Together, we make this a space of courage, healing, and connection.
With gratitude and appreciation,
Kristal and Chrystal
