The terrible legacy of residential schools: Moose River Crossing

I had the opportunity recently of viewing the film "Moose River Crossing" at the Reel World Film Festival. Through the voices of six characters, all survivors of the residential school system, we are given a glimpse into the terrible impact that this shameful program had on our native peoples. I wrote more on the residential schools here earlier

The movie is wonderfully done, but powerful and (as it should be) disturbing. The film's writer and director, Shirley Cheechoo, herself a residential school survivor, attended the screening and the Q&A after, as did the producer and some of the actors. When asked by an audience member what could be done to make more Canadians aware of this sad chapter in our history, Ms. Cheechoo asked for help in getting the film to be included in our public school curricula, so that our children will at least know what our own government and churches did to several generations of native children. 

So if any of you are reading this and are a teacher or educator (or know someone who is), please point them to this movie and ask them to help. A contact page for inquiries about the movie is available here.