Original subtitles

Many aspects of this film are based on colonial violence and trauma

Downloaded from YTS.MX

that many aboriginal people have experienced, including the removal of children.

Some scenes may disturb or cause reactions to the audience.

Official YIFY movies site: YTS.MX

We honor your experience.

(wind blowing)

(soft music)

(vocalizations)

INSPIRED BY REAL FACTS

(wind blowing)

(crow cries)

TURTLE CROSSING, MANITOBA, 1800s

- Are you hungry ?

I said: are you hungry?

It's your lucky day.

The supplies have arrived. Come on !

Don't hang around! Faster than that !

Carry on! You are almost there!

Excellent. Come on !

Approach!

And There you go !

Alright. A few more steps!

Excellent. Approach!

(train whistle)

Come on, a little effort, that's it !

Come on ! Alright !

Approach!

Come on !

Approach! Hmm...

Alright. We have...

of flour, fresh meat,

vegetables, and fruits.

Hmm? Come on, come. Come on !

All right, young man. Approach, come closer.

Great, there you are.

And April Fools!

(laugh)

April Fool !

(laugh)

There is nothing.

It is an April Fools joke !

- Mr. Quinn, that's enough.

- It's a bloody joke! (fake laugh)

It's a joke!

How to say "joke" in shout?

(lyrics in Cree)

(He repeats.)

Eh ?

(laugh)

Ah, that's it, go away.

And you too, get out!

Come on, get the hell out! Get out of my sight, come on.

Hmm? Disappear!

what a bunch of fuckers good for nothing.

I said: are you hungry?

Well, if you're hungry, go to the reserve

that you were offered, filthy ungrateful parasites!

And you will go...

now, if not...

...I swear to God...

(neigh)

(dramatic music)

(weapon loading)

(gunshot)

(bird calls)

SHADOW OF CROWS

(soft music)

(songs in Cree)

♪ If my friend ain't got no money ♪

♪ And I say take all mine honey ♪

♪ Ain't nobody's business if I do ♪

♪ If I do do do ♪

♪ If I give him my last nickel ♪

♪ And it leaves us in a pickle ♪

♪ Ain't nobody's business if I do ♪

♪ If we do do do ♪

(in Cree): It's time to eat.

♪ Nobody's business if I do ♪

Come help me, Aline.

How did that happen ?

Aline caught one.

Tye is a good assistant.

He will be an excellent hunter one day.

As for Perseverance...

Perseverance wanted to make it pets.

- Oh, oh!

I will never eat them.

Ah!

(laugh)

(lyrics in Cree)

- Hmm...

Creator,

we thank you

for the moment and for eternity.

Creator, we thank you

for everything.

(soft music)

It smells good, mom.

(laugh)

- Oh...

This is for you, Aline.

Are you ready for tomorrow?

(laughs)

(traditional song)

Hey !

(screams in screams)

Yes mom ?

Come here !

This dance is reserved to men !

(in Cree): You are beautiful.

I am proud of you. You are my heart.

(man): Aline...

(piano music)

Aline ?

(urban rumor)

(piano notes)

Usually you smile when you play.

(piano stop)

(small laugh)

I'm here now.

- You have to get dressed.

We are going to be late at our own wedding.

(laughs)

- I could stay here for all time.

- Hmm...

Me too.

But life has others projects for us.

(soft music)

Hurry up !

MONTREAL CITY HALL, 1942

(hubbub)

Oh... Oh...

- Do you want to back off?

- No, it's just...

it's my shoelace.

- Oh!

Come on, give.

- You are talented !

(laugh)

- Don't worry too much about it!

- Is that really what you want?

- This is what I want since that I met you.

- All right.

(small laugh)

(hubbub)

- Do you have the ring? - HM hm.

- Do you accept this woman as your lawful wife?

- Yes, I want it.

- Do you accept this man as your lawful husband?

- Yes, I want it.

- I pronounce you husband and wife.

You may kiss the bride.

(in comox): It's a great day. You get married and go to war.

Thank you for coming to be with us. It is really appreciated.

- Hey.

It was good to see you. I'm going to tell mom and dad everything.

Take care of yourself. I'm serious.

(Aline): Thank you for coming.

(in Cree): Goodbye, Aline.

(in French) : Are you OK ?

(Adam): Yes, yes.

I had not seen my brother since a long time.

He always had more lucky than me.

But it's not him who married you.

(laughs)

And that makes me the man the luckiest in the world.

- I want you to be... - ...careful.

I believe it will be a careful war.

- Stop that.

- I'll be careful.

I have a wife now.

I will be careful.

(in Cree): I like you.

(in French): Dis-le.

(in comox): I love you.

(in French): There are no words of farewell in my language.

(in Cree): We'll see you soon.

- There are also no words farewell in my language.

(in comox): See you later.

(soft music)

(train whistle)

(whirring)

(inaudible screams)

NATIVE RESIDENTIAL SCHOOL, 1932

- Mr Miller.

- Sister Ruth.

Good afternoon.

It's lesson time of Aline's piano.

It's 3 p.m.

- I know how to tell time.

- Yes my sister.

- We have a lot of work, Mr. Miller.

Many of our children are sick.

We must therefore focus on the task and redouble our efforts.

I know you understand.

(small laugh)

- Forgive me, but...

(sigh)

...I do not know if Father Jacobs would be...

of the same opinion, my sister.

He wants Aline to play at a party

next week.

So she has to prepare

and repeat the song which he chose.

He's in his office if you want to talk to him about it.

- No, it won't. necessary.

Have fun, Aline.

You will resume your tasks later.

It's not everyone who is entitled to privileges.

Keep the row straight.

Look down.

Don't hang around.

Keep the row straight.

(door closing)

- We had a request of Father Jacobs.

And it's a piece quite complex, but...

I believe you will be at height.

- Yes, Mr. Miller.

(sigh)

- I told you, you can call me Thomas.

- All right.

- I would like you to close eyes, please.

Now I will take your hand.

And I will place it on mine.

Like this.

Now find my left hand.

(small laugh)

I want you to listen to the notes as I play them.

And let your hands on mine.

(piano notes)

(small laugh)

Let's go.

What do you feel ?

- I feel...

free.

- We have love in common music.

I see it when I look at you.

You can feel free...

in this room, Aline.

You can be free with me.

(neighs)

(dramatic music)

(piano notes)

ARMED FORCES TRAINING CENTER CANADIAN WOMEN, QUEBEC, 1942

(beeps)

(man): Watch out!

Rest.

(beeps)

YOU.

I'm Major Stevens.

- Aline. - Spears. I know.

You will soon graduate.

- Yes sir.

- Congratulations.

And for your wedding too.

Is it overseas?

- Yes, it was deployed all immediately after the wedding.

- Do you know where your husband is based?

- He's in London.

And it is from there that he will receive his next instructions.

- We will send you to London,

as soon as you have your diploma.

- I thought I understood that Morse code operators

were based here, in Canada, sir.

- That's right, but we put set up a special operation.

Your record says that you are Cree.

- Yes sir.

If that's a problem-- - No, it's the opposite.

Do you still speak fluently your language ?

You're welcome to be ashamed.

- No sir. Finally...

Yes sir, I speak always the cry.

- The mission I'm talking about

is to join a secret division

within the forces Canadian airlines.

It's very confidential.

You will find out more on the spot.

- Yes I understand.

- Are you able to keep a secret?

I don't mean to be inappropriate, but women...

...do not often have this ability.

- I have experience in the matter.

- Do you want to think to my offer?

- No sir.

- We'll see you later your graduation.

24 words per minute, what do we say?

- Yes sir.

Thank you for this opportunity.

Sir.

- Aline.

Your left hand.

- That doesn't stop me to do my job, sir.

I had a...

an accident in my youth.

- Maybe we can remedy the situation.

Is it something that interests you ?

- Yes sir.

THANKS.

(soft music)

(in Cree): Thank you.

(bell ringing)

CANADIAN ARMY HEADQUARTERS, LONDON, ENGLAND, 1942

(light hubbub)

(door opening)

- My name is Charlie Tomkins.

I'm from Alberta, near Grande Prairie.

I am Cree Métis.

Welcome.

- Uh... Aline Spears.

I am Cree.

- Would you like to follow me? - Yes. Of course.

- Our system consists of to translate into Cree

messages received, and vice versa.

We'll start right here,

then we will go in the other room,

where we will continue to translate over the phone.

It is not very complicated.

But there are some things for which

screams have no words.

For example, there is nothing for the Spitfire plane,

so I called it “iskotew”.

- " Fire ".

- Exactly.

For the Mustang plane, it's...

(in Cree): Wild Horse.

(in French): Among the other words used, there are...

(in Cree): Bee. Seventeen.

(in French): "Abeille", like "Bee".

- For B-17 bombers.

How would you translate the following message:

“20 B-17 bombers in sight”?

(in Cree): Twenty...

Bee...

Seventeen...

Rifles.

(in French): Excellent.

You will receive codes land in Cree,

then you will translate them to the commanders on the spot,

and vice versa.

The Germans still have not deciphered our codes.

How did you keep your language ?

- Secret codes.

- We have always been preparing, is not it ?

Call me Checker.

- Alright. Check.

(beeps)

(expiry)

(moving utensils)

(soft piano music)

- Our school has 324 students

that we submit on a strict diet.

- HM hm.

- Calories ingested daily

keep them in condition malnutrition.

little meat, few fresh vegetables,

and a flour bad quality

that we got at very good price.

As a result, we limit expenses,

and as you can see it,

this allows us to offer us luxury,

like this sumptuous meal.

(laughs)

- I think you forgot Most important.

How do you collect your data ? Hmm?

- By biochemical tests

to measure protein of growth.

We also have tests intellectual abilities

to see if it affects their ability to learn.

Nothing conclusive until now.

Of course, we observed an increase in disease,

especially tuberculosis and measles.

Diseases grow more

in contexts of poverty.

On another side, we give vitamins

and iron supplements to 126 of our students

and we watch them closely.

We keep the food under key,

and we keep records for all meals,

in order to better analyze the results.

(Aline): Perseverance.

- I find that excessive.

They need to eat more.

(laughs)

- Nonsense.

Balvernes, Thomas.

I am very concerned about the new generation.

She is too lenient.

And freshly arrived in the country, over the market.

(laughs)

I believe we must a proud candle

to your motherland, Mr Miller.

Because without England,

our boarding school system canadians

would not have emerged.

Industrial boarding schools...

- They were abolished in 1843.

- Industrial boarding schools gave to England all its greatness.

They served to colonize Ireland, South Africa,

Australia, New Zealand,

and now Canada.

Indians. These are only Indians anyway.

Devoid of the slightest ability to evolve.

So what is it called this MP...

Indian Affairs?

And what did he say exactly?

- That was the ultimate solution to the Indian problem.

Duncan Campbell-Scott.

- Yes Yes Yes Yes ! Yes that's it !

The least we can say, it's that...

Your excellence don't talk often

but when it does, you go straight to the point!

(laughs)

Oh, please, Thomas, don't make that face.

- John A. Macdonald said that the best way

to motivate an Indian was to starve him.

How can we dispute visionaries like him?

Progress spares no one.

- Thomas, go ask Aline to play Bach.

The part I requested.

- Oh yes.

- Thomas! Oh !

(laughs)

(piano music)

A little prodigy among us.

It's a real mystery than a child of her race,

without any education,

never having had access to the elements cultures that surround us,

get to play like a little wonder.

The ways of God are impenetrable, after all.

And his mercy has no limit.

(laugh)

Oh !

Young Thomas has a good news to share.

Go ahead, my dear.

- I just got accepted as a deacon.

- Cheer ! - Congratulation !

(mixed words)

- Oh! To our new recruit!

- Health !

- Welcome to the Brotherhood.

(clinking of glasses)

(crow cry)

(groans)

LONDON, 1945

- You've lost a lot of weight.

Are you OK ?

It'll be OK.

It is said to be a matter of months,

perhaps even...

two weeks.

- We will have our home to us soon.

And we'll start a family.

- I didn't hear the word "home" for a very long time.

You ?

- No.

We will have to decide where we want to live.

They will give us a land after our service.

- I wouldn't count on it too much.

The Indians who were expelled in Canada got nothing.

No land, no money.

You can count on no one.

- Things have changed.

- I know you think that...

than being in a unit special makes you different.

But wait, you'll see.

They will take everything from you and give you nothing.

Why can't you even tell your own husband what are you doing?

- I took an oath.

- Really ?

You also swore to me.

That doesn't count, does it?

What other secrets are you hiding from me, tell me?

- What are you talking about?

- How many men do you have slept before me?

(glass deposit)

(sigh)

I know that...

that there is something that you don't tell me.

You have a secret.

(panting)

(dramatic music)

I'm sorry.

I like you.

But...

...this damn war is endless.

This damn war is endless.

(rumbles of thunder)

NETHERLANDS, 1945

(shooting away)

(dark music)

(boy): Adam, look!

(in comox): Stop it...

Stop... what is it?

(in Dutch) : Everything will be alright.

(in French) : Everything will be alright.

(sweet song)

(sizzle)

(loud sizzle)

(surgeon): You seem Worried, Aline.

Your hand surgery will go very well.

You will not feel any pain.

- I wish it were true.

It could have been true.

- Let's do a countdown.

Ten, nine, eight, seven, six, five...

(in Cree): Four...

Three...

Two...

(dark music)

(child, echoing): Run!

(Ruth): We ask you to forgive the sins of these children.

In the name of Jesus, our saviour.

You really believed that your big escape would go unpunished?

The picket is waiting for you.

(dark music)

(heartbeats)

(echoing raven cry)

(Miller): When God Takes Us a thing...

...he gives us some another in return.

(chirps)

(hums)

(urban rumor)

LONDON, JULY 1945

- That was the song of my grandmother.

She sang it to us, to my brother and me.

- It's a little too early, you do not find ?

If ever...

did things go wrong?

- It'll make her stronger.

- "The" will return?

- It's a girl.

I'm sure.

- You are scared ?

- No.

We'll get through this.

And you ?

- Yes.

I am scared.

- That's why I'm here.

I have confidence in us.

You're leaving in a week, and...

and I no longer have only one deployment.

You are going...

finally find the use with your left hand.

You might even be able to play two-handed piano.

And we can finally live the life we ​​have talked about so much.

We'll have this little girl, and then we'll have a boy.

- I think you're getting carried away a bit too much.

(laugh)

(soft music)

- I am fair so happy.

So happy.

What's the matter ?

Talk to me.

- When things...

going too well...

...I'm still scared come and take them away from me.

You are so happy.

I don't want to ruin everything.

- You're not wasting anything do not worry.

The war is almost over.

What could happen?

- I don't know.

I've just the feeling that...

...something terrible awaits us.

And we can't protect them.

- Protect them from what?

(Aline): Of life.

(Father Jacobs): It's the law, Matthew.

You will go to jail if you don't sign.

You don't wanna go in jail, right?

Think about education that they will receive.

That's not what you want, Janette?

That your children are educated?

Think carefully.

They don't have to live in these poor conditions

for the rest of their life.

It's their chance to have a future.

- What I want,

it's that my children stay here, in their house.

children need of their parents.

We take good care of them!

And yes, we love them!

- I have enough of these jeremiads.

(Janette): Oh!

- What the squaw should know,

thing is that she can go to jail

and stay there for a very long time.

- It wouldn't be in the interest of your children.

(shaky breath)

(sobs)

(lyrics in Cree)

(dramatic music)

(pen opening)

(sobs from Janette)

(Father Jacobs): Ah.

Wise decision, Matthew.

One day your family will thank you.

You will see.

We don't always know what is best for us.

And that's why our government and our church

are the best placed to decide.

Hmm?

(sobs)

(in Cree): Mom... mom, look at me!

(in French): Aline.

Come.

(door opening)

(children's cries)

- No ! Leave me!

(shout)

No !

(screams)

(in Cree): Mom! Mom !

(dramatic music)

(in French): Mom!

(sobs)

(in Cree): Mom! Mom !

Do something ! Do something !

I curse you ! I told you not to sign!

I told you that's what they would do.

I curse you !

(screams)

Please, Creator, not that! Not that !

JUSTICE DEPARTMENT

(Aline): Perseverance.

It'll be OK.

(driver): Here we are. Wake up !

(police sirens in the distance)

(bottle banging)

(sigh)

(squeaks)

(gasps)

- Mom...

(baby crying)

- You bastard.

You're a dirty pig!

(groans)

(screams)

(police sirens)

(screams)

(door opening)

(driver): Everyone out.

JAIL FOR WOMEN MANITOBA, 1962

(audible warning)

(door closing)

(police officer): Suzanne, you are inmate number J-503445.

Rose, you are inmate number J-503097.

Perseverance, you are inmate number J-503448.

- You are number 58.

Number 58.

You understand ?

We are going forward !

(policewoman): You are inmate number...

(creaking, door closing)

- Big bully.

(door closing)

Oh shit!

What are we doing, NOW ?

- I don't think it's that bad.

At least we have a door locked that protects us.

It prevents us to go out, but...

...it keeps them out.

- Amen, my sister.

- Where are you from ?

- I am Dene, of Little Duck Lake. You ?

- I'm Cree.

I lived near Brandon. - Hmm.

You know, there are cries very famous

who have been imprisoned here.

Except you, of course.

Chief Poundmaker, Chief Big Bear...

- I feel at home NOW.

- Oh, and there was also someone crazy

who passed its time to scream.

She must be from my tribe.

(laughing): Shit.

- Hey, do you have kids?

- Yeah.

Three.

I signed papers for see them as soon as possible.

The Investigator and the Lady social services said

that was the best way to get them back.

- Hmm.

- And you ? - They took my son.

He is in foster care.

I haven't seen him since His birth.

- I'm sorry.

- How are you. It's from the past.

- When my sister comes,

I will ask him for help.

- Ah that's good !

You have an action plan.

(Perseverance): Tonight? (Aline): Hush!

- What do you mean ?

- We will wait for everyone is sleeping

and that Sister Theresa be alone to watch.

You're gonna get out of your bed and crawl to the broom closet.

And then you wait for I'm coming to find you, understand?

Look at me, Perseverance.

When we're gone, we won't can no longer turn around.

Johnnie and Tye will be waiting for us

in the tool shed.

As soon as the way is clear,

we will go away as soon as possible.

We will follow the path traps to our house.

No one will look for us there.

- We'll see dad again and mom, right?

We're going home and everything will be as before?

Promise?

(silence)

Promised

(tapping)

- Be careful.

(tapping)

(conversation rumor)

- Hi.

- Hi.

- You look... well.

(small laugh)

- Liar.

- Your turn.

- You look good, Perseverance.

(small laugh)

- Um... Anything.

I'm really awful.

- All right.

We can move on.

- Uh, I...

I'm sorry I missed Adam's funeral.

- It happened seven years ago.

It's not worth apologizing.

- They say you've settled down in Toronto!

- We needed of a new beginning.

- And it goes as you want?

- Uh...

How are you. - I want you to...

...that you find my children.

I want to know where they were sent.

You can do that ?

- Hmm.

I will do whatever is in my power.

- I promise ?

(soft music)

Promised

- Eight years is a long time, you know.

- Yeah. I'm used to waiting.

(small laugh)

And then they'll release me for good conduct.

(laugh)

- I doubt that.

- Sister, I have changed.

I am completely reformed.

HM hm. Yeah I am in AA, NA...

I learn from the trade.

(small laugh)

- You should rather say that you are learning “a” trade.

Not that you learn " of career !

(laughs)

- Oh...

How good to see you again.

(buzzer)

(police officer): Visiting hours are over,

Ladies and gentlemen. THANKS.

- It breaks my heart to leave you here.

- That's what you told yourself also at the time?

(coughs)

(wind blowing)

Aline, wait for me! Wait for me !

(ringing of keys)

(not approaching)

(door opening)

(door closing)

(Father Jacobs): Perseverance?

(with insistence): Perseverance!

Come here !

Come on !

(Perseverance): Yes, my father?

(dramatic music)

(Father Jacobs): Our Father who art in heaven,

hallowed be your name,

your kingdom come,

your will be done on earth as in heaven.

give us today our daily bread.

(wing beats)

(dark music)

(wind blowing)

(crow cry)

(gasps)

- Come on, Tye! We are almost there !

We have to move forward.

(mechanism engagement)

(howl)

(screams)

(Father Jacobs): Perseverance.

Tell me the truth.

What path did they take?

They are not on the main roads.

No ?

Oh...

I do not recognize you, Perseverance.

Hmm?

You are so Beautiful, Perseverance.

Come on, be nice and tell me where they are.

Right away.

(sobs)

I could kill you and go bury you in the garden,

and there is no one who would worry about your fate.

Talk to me, Perseverance,

or God help me!

(sobs)

(indistinct)

Oh...

(wind blowing)

(Aline): Tye.

We have to keep moving forward.

Johnnie, he's not breathing.

(crow calls)

- You did the right thing.

(Aline): How do they have found?

Missing Indians and murdered.

(dramatic music)

(urban rumor)

(small laugh)

- Mom !

(man): You fucking bitch!

- Oh, fuck you, asshole!

(groans)

Aline...

Hold my hand.

Aline.

(in Cree): Can you hold my hand?

(sigh)

Above all, don't worry about it.

There is no monster under the bed.

He is above us.

I like you.

(dramatic music)

- Shut your big mouth, dirty whore!

(muffled cries)

(Ruth): He left for a better world.

- Did you tell our parents? They must know it.

- What would you like what do I tell them?

That Johnnie and you had planning to run away?

that you have decided to take little Tye,

and that he froze to death?

I could tell them that he succumbed to the flu,

like many unclean children who are here.

It would be more merciful only the truth.

Head down.

Lord, we ask you to forgive Aline and Johnnie

for causing death of their younger brother.

We ask you to forgive the sins of these children.

In the name of Jesus our Lord. Amen.

(sigh)

Johnny...

Father Jacobs is waiting for you in his living room.

Go find him right away.

After this disaster, you you will never see your brother here again.

So watch it very carefully.

Perseverance, I have things to settle with your sister.

It's time to go back to your dorm.

(in a dry tone): Perseverance. Right away.

You really believed that your big escape would go unpunished?

I want you to withdraw your jacket right away.

Hurry up !

Excellent.

The picket is waiting for you.

(wind blowing)

(Taylor): Mom? What are you doing ?

Jack! Come here !

Mom ?

(Aline): I miss them.

Type...

was just a baby.

(lyrics in Cree)

- I know. I know, mom.

- Did you find something

about children of Perseverance?

Where are they ?

- We know more and more.

They were adopted I already told you.

They are in the United States.

I told you last week.

(Jake): Mom!

- You told me.

I know you told me.

- Mom !

Mom !

You have to get down from there.

You... You can come down.

(Taylor): Mom!

(Aline): I think that I lose my balance.

I believe that I lost my balance.

I want to fall.

Perseverance has not gone away.

She is dead.

His face...

her beautiful face.

(sobs)

- Let's go inside. Ok mom ?

It's cold outside.

- Mom, please.

- I would like to your father is here.

(shaky breath)

(wind blowing)

(crow cries)

- You thought you were superior to everybody ?

- No, my sister.

- You believed that your actions would have no consequences?

- No, my sister.

(shout)

(broken bone)

(screams)

- You are not superior to me.

you're just a little indian girl infamous among others.

Let's see if you will be still special

when you can't play the piano.

I know you believe yourself untouchable,

but God is omniscient,

and he will always know what you do.

(sobs)

(dark music)

My father.

- Hush!

- My father, she tried to...

- She's just an Indian,

but it was not an Indian like the others.

It is a miracle.

A small glimmer of hope, Ruth.

In a desert of mud and ignoramuses.

This child was the symbol

that the methods used in our boarding school

are superior to others.

Of a savage we do an international pianist.

Before, it was a possibility, but not anymore.

(Miller): Aline?

Aline !

(panting breath)

(sobs)

- Aline !

Aline !

(gasps)

(groans of pain)

- She has two cracked ribs because of his fall.

And his hand...

- But will she still be able to play piano ?

- I'm sorry.

- Can I ever play again?

(dramatic music)

- You have other talents.

You see, when God take one thing...

...he gives us some another in return.

(in shouting): Your God takes everything from me.

- Aline...

I know very well that you are suffering,

but be careful what you say.

(crunch)

(howl)

(Aline): Adam, you can go dress you?

(Adam): I'm already dressed.

Every Sunday, you dress smart.

And our children dress smart.

So elegant.

And every Sunday, you ask me the same question.

"Can you go get dressed?" »

Stop asking me.

(sink opening)

(clinking of dishes)

(sink closure)

What are you going to do when they go take it out on your beloved babies?

I asked you a question.

“Dear Jesus.

Dear little Jesus.

please help me to forgive them.

Let them fuck us, my children and me,

but help me to forgive them. »

(broken dishes) - Oh! That's enough !

- Then, I agree.

Don't you think that's enough?

(groan)

- Why don't you drink another drink?

- How are you ?

Did you cut yourself because of me? - Do not touch me.

- I'm the problem.

All right ? It was I who lost my mind.

They want that I fight for them

but they don't want give me work.

You want to know how much an Indian man in their eyes?

Aline, I'm talking to you. Do you want to know how much I'm worth?

(dramatic music)

My eye and my leg...

are worth $300.

The government wants to give me $300 for my leg and my eye.

They took me away my indian status

because I went to war,

but i can't be a citizen from Canada

because I am an Indian,

so i don't have the pension of veteran.

300 damn dollars.

(sarcastic laugh)

I imagine it is what is happening

when we believe that the war is over.

Do not go.

Don't go, stay with me.

- We're going to do some shopping at the supermarket.

We'll be there around noon.

(door closing)

- What shit.

(crumpling of paper)

To hell with them.

(television): Therefore, we can let them abolish

the Indian Act, and make them citizens of Canada

like everyone else.

But over time, we understood

that we may have been too theoretical, too abstract.

- All right, James. It's time to get up.

We will do it together.

Pay attention.

Come on.

(indistinct television)

- Oh...

You are...

(television): We all have to do proof of open-mindedness...

- You are...

In...

Uh, Indian?

Oh...

- Come.

(television): La grogne is felt

and the tension rises day by day,

hence the importance of addressing the subject peacefully,

and with respect.

It is out of the question that we give up the fight...

...Especially

when we are threatened of cultural genocide.

- Yesterday, the Minister of Foreign Affairs Indians, Jean Chretien,

refused to allocate government funds

and resources to a committee national of indians

who wishes to assess the rights and Aboriginal treaties.

The news was badly received...

- Can you turn off the damn politics?

It gives me a headache.

Sorry, my dad. I don't chew still not my words.

Aline can take care of it.

- And our Prime Minister also spoke

on the subject a little later.

- Sit down for a minute, my dear.

What is this Red Book story?

The Indians again!

The Indians believe

that they can have All they want.

While we, everything we do,

it's bending us over backwards to give you

everything for what we have worked so much.

(Walters): Trudeau just went in New Zealand

and danced with the Maori. You did see ?

It's quite a character.

He must now have great understanding

of what it means to be indigenous.

And I believe Christian is coming to adopt an Inuit boy.

Maybe this will help to heal the wounds that--

- What do your children become, Aline?

You have a boy and a girl, right?

Have you ever had some ambitions,

apart from washing the old behind my father?

Ah! Sorry, my dad.

I feel like I'm passing my time apologizing.

You can talk freely here.

- Hmm.

My daughter Taylor

going to get his law degree this week.

From Queens.

And my son Jake...

has just been accepted Royal College of Arts.

In London.

As for me, I wanted to become concert pianist.

But...

life decides for us, sometimes, right?

I work as a woman cleaning during the day.

And then I come here

and I wash the old behind of your father, every evening.

Because we Indians

we're just trying to erase the shit

you are doing for decades.

(dramatic music)

Hmm.

(♪ Come and Get Your Love ♪ from Redbone)

♪ Hey hey ♪

♪ What's the matter... ♪

Jake, my darling, go get the champagne!

- All right.

(Taylor): Oh, Mom! He is magnificent !

What a pity we have to cut it.

- I can't find it! I want to eat it whole.

(Jake): When we were young,

we were only entitled to a share of cake,

but i believe that it doesn't apply to you.

- No, Uncle Jake!

(Taylor): He is just jealous.

(small laugh)

♪ Bear with it baby 'cause you're fine ♪

♪ And you're mine ♪

- To my beloved daughter, the lawyer.

Your father would be so proud of you.

I am that.

You succeed.

- I succeeded thanks to you, mom.

♪ Come and get your love ♪♪

- Let's drink before someone start crying.

(phone ring)

- Oh ! Percy, you can let it ring.

- It's my turn !

(laughs)

- She needs to move.

- How was he, my grandfather ?

(Aline): Like you.

Keen.

And...

bright.

- Everything will be alright.

- I don't want it to happen to you the slightest misfortune.

Never leave anyone hurt you.

You promise me ? - I promise.

Can you trace it on my hand?

In Cree. Mom says that it's inside of you,

then you know how.

- Did your mom say that?

(soft music)

Promised

Play me something, will you?

(piano notes)

Ah! You will become an amazing pianist.

Like your kokum.

(piano notes)

- You smell good.

- You, you smell like someone who has been drinking for two days.

- It's normal, it does two days that I drink.

But you already know that.

And I believe you want tell me something else.

(little sigh)

You want to tell me...

I'm still attractive Nevertheless.

(small laugh)

- You're right, that's what I was trying to say.

How are you ?

- It's better.

I decompressed.

- Do you want to eat something ?

- Don't move, My love.

(groan of pain)

Stay here.

The guys and me we did not collect everything,

because we got a little let go.

So I'll go,

and I come back right after.

We're gonna start the day on the right foot.

Keep playing.

I love seeing you like this.

(piano notes)

You are so Beautiful.

(insect chirps)

(dark music)

(cackles)

- Hello you !

It's time to get up !

Come on !

Hello, my little groundhog!

Upright !

Ah! I'm going to make pancakes!

With blueberries!

- “Beuets”. - Blueberries.

- “Beuets”.

- Yeah ! You want some ?

(whispering voice in Cree)

(The voice becomes louder.)

(Adam): Ted?

Are you still there, guys?

(Jake): Beuets!

(comox whispering voice)

- Hey you.

You shouldn't be here.

(Whispers continue.)

(dark music)

(Adam, child): The prayers of grandmother have not left me.

(lyrics in comox)

But neither does the rest.

(crow calls)

(in comox): You are a good boy.

You're my favourite.

(in French): Come on, come on, Adam.

Joseph will accompany you.

(comox whispers)

(Joseph): Tears useless here.

You will see things you will never forget.

And you have to keep them inside.

(priest): Come on, boys. I take you to school.

(Adam, child): It's part of you.

You will hurt them.

- I love them more than anything.

- It does not mean that the evil won't take over.

As for Joseph.

He couldn't bear it. How could you?

- I will make it.

- They forced him to beat other children.

They forced him to hurt you.

- I'll never do that.

- That's what you think, but you still live in me.

I was not sad seeing him, but I was...

- Relieved.

We were relieved.

- We really need be a monster

to feel like that.

(dark music)

(sigh)

- Adam!

(soft music)

(door opening)

(dark music)

Adam! Adam! Ah!

(wind blowing)

(Taylor): Mom?

(Aline): Adam! Adam, please!

Adam! Adam!

(sobs)

(groans)

Ah! No, please!

Adam! Adam!

(sobs)

You said we would be always together !

You said we don't wouldn't let go!

Honey, please!

- Mom ? - No !

Stay here. Stay here.

Not moving.

(dramatic music)

THE VATICAN, 2009

(journalist): It's a day history in the making

since a long time. Finally, the survivors

residential schools from Canada

arrived in Rome, Italy,

to bring to light

what their people suffered between the walls of these boarding schools.

Friday will be the hearing General with the Pope,

and hope that the testimonies survivors

as well as the information collected this week

will get things done.

We will keep you posted developments

the whole week.

(in Italian): My brothers and my sisters,

I would like to thank the cardinal

to have organized the stay of the Canadian delegation.

I want to express our sadness

about the pain caused

by deplorable conduct of some members of the Church.

I also offer our sympathy and our sincere solidarity

to all who are still alive

with the consequences of their time in boarding schools.

Acts of aggression cannot be tolerated in our society.

Thank you all and god bless you.

(inaudible whisper)

- His Excellency would like to know if...

someone among the survivors boarding schools

wish to speak

to be heard of His Holiness.

(inaudible whispers)

(clearing throat)

- My mother would like to speak in his language.

In our language, the cry.

I will translate his words.

(lyrics in Cree)

“My name is Aline Spears.

I'm from the Cree Nation of Manitoba, Canada.

I am 86 years old. »

(lyrics in Cree)

"I would like to ask you if Cardinal Thomas Miller

is the same Cardinal Thomas Miller than the one who was chief

of the Royal Commission on sexual abuse in Canada. »

(lyrics in Cree)

“Is it the same as the one who was then Holy See

on the investigation of sexual abuse in the Vatican,

and who is now Vatican Treasurer? »

- Yes, it's him.

Cardinal Thomas Miller.

(lyrics in Cree)

“I knew Thomas Miller when he was 17

and that he taught piano at boarding school where I was sent. »

(lyrics in Cree)

“Then he became Deacon Miller,

and later, Father Thomas Miller. »

(lyrics in Cree)

“One day he became the man

who sexually assaulted me when I was 16...

...and got me pregnant. »

(tension music)

(echoing piano notes)

(piano notes)

(dark music)

(Miller): My turn.

(discordant piano notes)

(groan)

(dramatic music)

(dove cooing)

(soft music)

(Taylor): Are you okay?

- It's okay, I'm only tired.

- You should go to bed.

- You should put you to bed.

(small laugh)

I do not want to talk about it.

- I did not want to ask you.

- You're holding back.

I'm ready to go home.

- I know.

I know, mom.

You were very strong Today.

(baby crying)

(baby crying)

(gasps from Aline)

- I want my baby.

(gasps)

Give me my baby.

(Ruth): Your baby was stillborn.

- We heard him cry.

He is alive, and you know it.

- For you, he's dead.

It's better that way.

(Aline, shouting): For whom?

- I do not know.

- Where are you taking him?

- They'll take him close from the river to bury him.

- I will report you.

I'll tell anyone wants to listen to me.

(sobs)

- Do you really believe that will anyone believe you?

- If we can destroy the future of someone by trampling it...

- How could you?

How could you let them?

- I had no other choice.

- You're a woman too.

- You are no longer a child

now that you have yourself had a child.

We are both prisoners of our situation.

- Is that what you tell yourself?

(sigh)

This is how...

do you forgive yourself?

- I'm sorry.

If that's what you want to hear.

I'm sorry of what happened.

- I do not want of your apologies.

I want you to protect me.

You owe me that.

You know it will start again.

- You are an Indian.

I owe you absolutely nothing.

And even if it was,

how do you want that I protect you

when I can't even protect myself?

- You stole from me my shield...

...as soon as you broke my hand.

- I knew it.

I knew it.

(door closing)

(lock lock)

(dramatic music)

(insect chirps)

(Aline): I'm tired.

(groans)

(Ruth): You're almost there.

You will have to continue all alone.

- Where am I going?

- You'll know soon enough.

(engine roar)

(gasps)

(wind blowing)

(chirps)

(soft music)

(in Cree): Mom?

Mom.

My baby.

I know, my daughter...

I know.

- Hush...

Let's cleanse you now.

(traditional songs in the distance)

(sobs)

(hums)

(traditional songs)

(sobs)

(wind blowing)

- The minimum age is 16 years old,

even with consent from a relative.

- She is 16 years old, I assure you.

- We have a train leaving tonight for Montreal.

She will do her training over there.

She can leave today if it suits you.

- It will be perfect.

MANITOBA HEADQUARTERS OCTOBER 04, 1939 - ENROLLMENT OFFICE

(Aline): I don't want to to go.

I want to stay here with you.

And I want to see dad.

And Perseverance and Johnnie.

- I want exactly the same, my daughter.

But the only way to make sure

that they won't send you back In this school, it's...

send you to war.

It's crazy, isn't it?

Oh...

You have to promise me that you will try to forget us.

All right ?

And don't believe that you are selfish.

You have to do this, because...

...because you are our future.

Hmm?

(beats of the rain)

- Will you still be here when I will come back ?

- Your father and I will be always there, you know that.

- No, I mean: will you be physically here?

- I will do my best.

(rumble of thunder)

- There is nothing left for us here.

We no longer exist...

without our children.

And they no longer exist...

...without their parents.

(rumbles)

- Mom !

- Aline. Take this.

(sigh)

There will come a time in your life where everything will be absolutely perfect.

And when you feel darkness threatens you with...

to take away everything you have,

don't let her.

Never let them win.

I want you to lead the life that you always deserved.

You hear me ?

You hear me ?

- I promise.

(man in the distance): Boarding!

(sobs)

You remind me of her.

To my mother.

- People say that I remind them of you.

- Hum!

(phone ring)

(urban rumor)

- I wanted to see you Before leaving.

These were...

reunion instead dramatic.

Hmm.

They put me on probation.

I have to fly to Canada tonight.

To brave the storm, according to them.

Even though I was accused...

or found guilty...

...of sexual assault...

the Church Council will drag out procedures.

And with any luck...

I will die in the meantime.

Or we will both die.

A little leniency would be welcome,

due to our advanced age.

Do we really taught nothing positive

to our boarding school students?

Didn't you take it out just one advantage?

I'm sure we we learned something.

We sent you knowledge.

- The most important thing that I learned

defending the survivors boarding schools...

...who were at the time only harmless children...

...is that even if they lived in poverty,

they knew what it was love.

And during their years of exile...

...what you taught them,

it is to be endured your ruthless cruelty.

- Of course, she sent you.

You are his daughter.

The lawyer.

What are you doing now ?

- I am commissioner at truth and reconciliation.

- You were probably his spitting image

in your youth.

I see it in your eyes.

Did she manage to play it again?

Some piano ?

- Yes.

(sigh)

- Obviously.

She could have become--

- She could have become a lot of things.

But what she always was, and will always be...

...she's a mother exceptional.

What do you have made of the child?

how did you get it make it disappear?

- I do not know what you are insinuating.

For what kind of monsters do you take us?

(sarcastic laugh)

- You really want what do I answer?

- He was adopted.

By a couple who...

could not have children.

- How merciful.

I imagine there is no official document ?

One last thing...

...Your Eminence.

The Regulations at Indian Residential Schools

is only the beginning.

The Truth Commission and reconciliation

collect testimonials

of all the survivors from the residential school era.

Don't rely on your old age nor over time...

to offer you the slightest leniency.

Your name will be forever

associated with sexual predator that you are.

And we will remember you

as protector of many child molesters.

It will be your legacy.

Have a good trip.

(startle)

(sigh)

(Aline): I said everything what I wanted to say.

You know all about me NOW.

Well, not all but enough.

That's it, is it over?

(woman): Let us remove your microphone.

- Oh yes.

- Is there anything else

that you would like tell us today?

Your story is not probably not finished.

(dramatic music)

- Taylor, can you bring me

my purse near of my coat?

- You can give it to him, How's it going.

What is this ?

Looks like a sheet music.

- It is a song and it's a map.

It was the only way to...

to record everything without them knowing it.

(shaky breath)

The staves represent the edge of the river.

That is why they are rounded.

The bass clef is south,

the treble clef is north.

The white ones are trees.

And the circle represents...

the place where...

or they...

where they buried him.

Sighs are the places where there could be others.

- Who did they bury?

- This is the place where lies my little brother Tye.

He died at eight years old.

While... we were trying to run away.

(sobs)

(wind blowing)

(Taylor): Mom.

Mom.

- It's okay, I hear you.

- Oh! Sorry.

I just wanted to make sure that everything was fine.

- I want to go home.

- I know, Mom.

- I am...

I am tired.

I believe this story exhausted me.

My whole life has exhausted me.

(small laugh)

- We just have to stay seated here. one minute.

(sigh)

- You should get married.

- What ?

Why wouldn't it be you who would you marry?

- We never know.

I may be fine find me a man,

now that I'm 86.

(laughs)

- Would be nice to have a wealthy in the family.

See it as a sacrifice.

(laughs)

- There are so many things that I didn't know.

- I didn't want to put you more weight on the shoulders.

You have always been so serious,

to take care of everyone.

You are my voice.

You...

you are my dream.

- What about Jake?

- My inner fire.

(small laugh)

- Grandfather ?

- My love.

- And all those we lost?

- They're my marrow.

They are my bones.

They are our bones.

- I find you different.

- In which way ?

- I have the feeling that you bid farewell.

- We're not saying goodbye.

We say nikawapamitin.

- Nikawapamitin.

- HM hm.

(small laughs)

- Come on. let's get ready for the Percy gig.

(soft music)

(singing in English): I will see you soon.

I love you so much right now.

Illuminated by light.

You are so beautiful that I would cry.

And if I have everything I have.

It's because I missed you so much.

You are my anchor.

(♪♪)

I will meet you there.

Where the days will always be perfect.

I'll meet you at the top of the hill.

(in Cree): I'm free.

(singing): The wind in the hair.

The rays of the sun on the face.

To whisper.

You are my anchor.

You are in my bones.

Keep shining.

You are so beautiful that I would cry.

Keep shining.

You are my anchor.

You are my inner fire.

You are my song.

(♪♪)

(Aline): In our dreams, in your dreams.

In our bones, in your bones.

This dream is spreading over generations.

Do you believe that wishes can be realized?

It may seem impossible...

...but think again.

Aline.

- I'm Adam.

(Aline): We are there.

(♪♪)

(songs in Cree)

(♪♪)

(singing): I missed you.

And if I have everything I have.

It's because you are my anchor.

You are in my bones.

Keep shining.

You are my voice.

I promise you.

Keep shining.

You are my anchor.

You are my inner fire.

You are in my bones.

(soft music)

(in English): I knew this place was unhealthy from the moment I set foot there.

I was taken to boarding school

aboard a vehicle which resembled those used for transporting livestock.

I arrived at boarding school with my brothers and sisters.

priests and nuns arrived,

and my brothers left on one side, my sisters on the other hand, and I never saw them again.

The residential school system stole my language,

my culture...

and, and, um, my identity.

Psychological abuse...

physical abuse, sexual abuse...

I have seen so many things there,

things that neither money nor therapy won't be able to get me out of my mind.

And they rubbed us with disinfectant,

as if we were children disease-carrying animals.

Sometimes the food they were served was so bad it made them vomit.

Staff and supervisors made themselves serve eggs and bacon

at the other end of the cafeteria,

as if they were kings and queens.

residential school life, it was like prison.

A life in prison for a crime that we did not do.

Our only crime was to be Aboriginal.

They did not teach us to love.

They taught us fear.

I remember being woken up and exit the dormitory...

after that...

to have been assaulted sexually by the priest.

Residential school life kills the souls of children.

They said they wanted "bring the Indian out of the child",

but it's our humanity that they took from us.

priests and nuns failed in their duty

with native children which have been entrusted to them.

They broke us.

The real problem was them.

It wasn't me or the others boarders, we were only children.

The Truth and Reconciliation Commission has identified three thousand two hundred deceased children

in residential schools, but the actual number is higher,

despite the lack of documents to prove it.

Commission Chairman Murray Sinclair

states that the number of children who died could amount to six thousand.

I don't want to see myself as a survivor.

I want to fight in order to advocate justice, wellness and healing.

residential school survivor

They didn't kill the "Indian" in me!

(traditional songs)

In the late 1800s, the canadian government

took control of all aspects of Aboriginal life.

These policies allowed the government to forcibly withdraw

aboriginal children of their family environment.

Between the early 1800s and 1996,

more than 150,000 Aboriginal children have been sent to boarding schools.

Thousands of children have died due to bad conditions

in which they lived physical abuse, psychological and sexual they have suffered.

In 2008, the Government of Canada issued an official apology

and established the Truth Commission and reconciliation to compensate survivors

within the framework of the Convention Indian Residential Schools Settlement,

largest recourse settlement collective of Canadian history.

In 2022, a delegation of Indigenous survivors and activists met Pope Francis,

who apologized for the assaults “deplorable” acts committed by members of the Church

in residential schools. It is then came to Canada the same year.

While these historic apologies have been well received by many survivors,

the doctrine of discovery has never been addressed and the role of the Church

and the Government of Canada in the establishment of residential schools

as a means of genocide has not been recognized.

The bodies of thousands of children boarders continue to be discovered

in unmarked graves across the country.

You can reach the hotline

residential schools in 1-866-925-4419 24 hours a day.