We Were Children (2012)

For over 130 years till 1996, more than 100,000 of Canada's First Nations children were legally required to attend government-funded schools run by various Christian faiths. There were 80 ... See full summary »

Director:

Tim Wolochatiuk

Writer:

Jason Sherman

Stars:

Rene Batson, Glen Anaquod, Kohl Bohemier

2 wins & 2 nominations.

Cast

Credited cast:
Rene Batson	...	Glen, 6-7 yrs old
Rest of cast listed alphabetically:
Glen Anaquod	...	Self
Kohl Bohemier	...	Cree Speaking Altar Boy
Tyrone Brooks	...	Glen's Cousin, 6-7 yrs old
Lois Brothers	...	Glen's Teacher
Ramsey Bruce	...	Glen's Cousin, 12 yrs old
Glenn Cochrane	...	Lyna's Grandfather
Kayla Contois-Moar	...	Virginia
Justin Courchene	...	Glen, Adult
Alice Dano	...	Schoolyard Nun
Justin Ducharme	...	Glen, 18 yrs old
Darcy Fehr	...	Glen's Teacher Priest
Darren Felbel	...	Priest, Saskatchewan
Rebecca Gibson	...	Sister Mary
Alicia Hamelin	...	Lyna, 4 yrs old

Storyline

For over 130 years till 1996, more than 100,000 of Canada's First Nations children were legally required to attend government-funded schools run by various Christian faiths. There were 80 of these 'residential schools' across the country. Most children were sent to faraway schools that separated them from their families and traditional land. These children endured brutality, physical hardship, mental degradation, and the complete erasure of their culture. The schools were part of a wider program of assimilation designed to integrate the native population into 'Canadian society.' These schools were established with the express purpose 'To kill the Indian in the child.' Told through their own voices, 'We Were Children' is the shocking true story of two such children: Glen Anaquod and Lyna Hart.

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Genres:

Drama

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User Reviews

Very important heartwrenching movie, with painful truths.

Really heartbreaking to see the true story of the extreme conditions of child abuse in Indian Schools by christian priests. Children forced from their parents into hellish conditions under the false truth that they were to become better people, like their perpetrators thought themselves because of a faith they only misused for their own benefit. People should see this movie. With child abuse still happening all over the world. There should be a lot more focus on getting an end to violence and abuse from people with power over innocent children and people. Sad story. Though very well made.

Details

Country:

Canada

Language:

English French Cree

Release Date:

3 March 2013 (USA)

Filming Locations:

Portage la Prairie, Manitoba, Canada

Box Office

Budget:

$16,500,000 (estimated)

Company Credits

Production Co:

Eagle Vision, Entertainment One, National Film Board of Canada (NFB)

Technical Specs

Sound Mix:

Dolby

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.78 : 1