Nearly 70 years after a life-altering mistake, two Canadian men, Richard Beauvais and Eddy Ambrose, both 68, received a heartfelt apology from the government for being switched at birth. Born on the same day in 1955 at a hospital in Arborg, Manitoba, a grave error led to each being raised by the other’s biological parents.
The error came to light when Beauvais, who had spent his life believing he was of indigenous heritage, took a DNA test in 2020. The results revealed his true ancestry as a mix of Ukrainian, Ashkenazi Jewish, and Polish. Meanwhile, nearly 1,500 miles away, Eddy Ambrose’s sister, Evelyn Stocki, took a DNA test in Winnipeg, Manitoba, which astonishingly identified Beauvais as her biological brother.
This discovery prompted Beauvais to reach out to Ambrose, marking the beginning of a new chapter in their lives. The revelation of their true identities set them on a journey of rediscovery and adjustment. Beauvais had been taken from his family during Canada’s “Sixties Scoop,” a policy that saw indigenous children placed in foster care or adopted away from their communities. Ambrose, on the other hand, grew up in a loving Ukrainian family, unaware of his indigenous roots, and was later adopted after becoming an orphan.
Their lawyer, Bill Gange, highlighted the profound impact of the mix-up on their lives, noting that it stripped them of their identities and led to a significant adjustment period. Despite the challenges, the men have embraced their newfound heritage and family connections. Ambrose has joined the Manitoba Métis Federation, and Beauvais’ daughters have honored their newfound family lineage by getting “Ambrose” tattooed on their arms.
The formal apology from Manitoba’s Premier Wab Kinew, delivered in the Manitoba Legislative Assembly, acknowledged the long-standing error and its impact on the men and their families. Kinew’s apology emphasized empathy and compassion, recognizing the profound hurt caused by the mistake.
This story of mistaken identity, rediscovery, and reconciliation underscores the importance of acknowledging and rectifying past mistakes. It highlights the resilience of the human spirit and the capacity for forgiveness and growth amidst life’s unexpected turns.