September 30th is National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, also known as Orange Shirt Day. This day honours the children who never returned home, the Survivors of residential schools, and the families and communities affected by Canada’s history of residential schools and the enduring impacts of colonialism.
Telling the truth and publicly acknowledging this tragic and painful history are crucial steps in the reconciliation process. We invite you to watch films and documentaries that delve into the experiences of Indian residential schools and their grave and far-reaching impact on generations of Indigenous children, families, and communities. These stories provide an opportunity to reflect on the strength, courage, and resilience of Indigenous peoples, as well as the perseverance required to confront this colonial legacy, foster healing, and move forward on the path to reconciliation.
Bones of Crow
A powerful drama that follows the lives of Indigenous children who survived Canada’s residential school system, focusing on their resilience, trauma, and the intergenerational impact on their families.
5 Episodes
Watch on CBC Gem
Indian Horse
Based on Richard Wagamese’s novel, this film tells the story of a young Indigenous boy who survives the horrors of a residential school and finds strength and escape through hockey.
101 min
Watch on CBC Gem
The Fifth Estate | S47 The Reckoning: Secrets Unearthed by Tk’emlúps te Secwépemc
A documentary exploring the discovery of unmarked graves at a former residential school and the impact on the Tk’emlúps te Secwépemc community and beyond.
46 min
Watch on CBC Gem
Finding the Secret Path
Inspired by the story of Chanie Wenjack, this emotional film sheds light on the tragic experiences of Indigenous children who tried to escape from residential schools, bringing attention to Canada’s painful history.
43 min
Watch on CBC Gem
Pour toi Flora (Dear Flora)
A poignant narrative of two young Anishnaabe siblings who attended a residential school in Quebec and are now seeking peace with their past.
6 Episodes (French)
Watch on CBC Gem
We Were Children
A harrowing and powerful documentary that recounts the deeply traumatic stories of residential school survivors and the profound impact on their lives.
82 min
Watch on NFB
Holy Angels
A short documentary that captures the story of a young girl named Lena Wandering Spirit, focusing on her experience in residential schools and her spirit’s resilience.
13 min
Watch on NFB
Second Stories: It Had to Be Done
A short documentary featuring personal accounts from residential school survivors, focusing on their experiences and the courage it took to share their stories.
22 min
Watch on NFB
Sugarcane
An investigation into abuse and missing children at an Indian residential school ignites a reckoning at the nearby Sugarcane Reserve.
107 min
In Theatres
Content about the Canadian Indian Residential School system and survivors’ experiences can be deeply emotional. If you find yourself overwhelmed, please refer to this comprehensive list of healing and wellness resources for Indigenous and non-Indigenous individuals, including learners, staff, and faculty.