Photo description:

Ruth Bonneville / Free Press LOCAL - 60's scoop airport reunion Photo of Jonathan Hooker gets emotional as he meets his biological mom. Patsy George for the 1st time after many years at the airport Wednesday. Jonathan Hooker, who was taken from his family in Northern Manitoba in the 1970s, arrives with his wife Charmaine Hooker (green vest) after travelling from their home in New Zealand to meet his biological mom, Patsy George and family at the James Richardson Winnipeg International Airport Wednesday. Story info: He’s one of an estimated 30,000 Indigenous children taken from their homes during what has become known as the Sixties Scoop. A time period that spanned from 1951-1991. Jonathan was adopted by a white middle-class family in Manitoba, and they moved to New Zealand. A big welcome party took place with Drummers and Indigenous leaders, family and friends to celebrate his return home. His birth mom, Patsy George with her sister, Flora McNabb (grey sweater), granddaughter Nellie McNabb (rust shirt) and many other family members and friends gather at the airport. Aug 27th, 2025