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

Review from a Native in Canada.

Hello my name is Julian, I am currently 17 years old and born 1997 to let you know my age for the future. It was an experience to see my people back in the day and also sad. I am a Cree Native and never really got to learn my language fully, though I believe the people in my community gave up on that since we aren't getting classes for it now from grade 9 to 12. But focus on the movie, it was so sad and inspired me to make a story. Not going into full detail just that this movie is a must see for those who want to know our history and others who want to know from a different race. I believe race shouldn't matter, its sort of stupid to judge someone based on their skin. What if aliens exist? They would say we are stupid for fighting each other. Sorry if this review isn't mostly about the movie but I have to speak my mind on how it made me think through it, not to mention I don't want to spoil too much. Just watch it, trust me. Look at my ratings I find myself a movie critic and this is great.

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

Runtime:

88 min

Sound Mix:

Dolby

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.78 : 1