As the inaugural kickoff event that will mark the beginning of our Indigenous Movie Cafe, Indigenous Education and Engagement is presenting a virtual screening and panel discussion of the film Indian Horse. An adaptation of Ojibway writer Richard Wagamese’s award-winning novel, this moving and important film sheds light on the dark history of Indian Residential Schools in Canada. (movie trailer 1) (movie trailer 2)
For Indigenous peoples in Canada and across the world, this story may be deeply familiar and personal. Both the book and the film provide an opportunity for educators to engage with a resource that fosters empathy, healing and understanding of Indigenous experiences and histories in Canada. Honour the survivors and the children who never returned home from Indian Residential Schools this September 30 on Orange Shirt Day by wearing an orange shirt and using the hashtag Every Child Matters.
Synopsis of the Story:
In late 1950s Ontario, eight-year-old Saul Indian Horse is torn from his Ojibway family and committed to one of Canada’s notorious Catholic Residential Schools. Denied the freedom to speak his language or embrace his Indigenous heritage, Saul witnesses all kinds of abuse at the hands of the very people who were entrusted with his care. Despite this, Saul finds comfort and fascination in the unlikeliest of places and favourite Canadian pastimes — hockey. His talent leads him away from the misery of the school to a Northern Ontario native league and eventually the Pros. But the ghosts of Saul’s past will always haunt him.
Film Screening Date: The film is available online to watch on you own, please register in the link below to receive the link.
Panel Date: Post-Film Panel Discussion - Monday, September 28, 2018, 6 to 7:30 p.m.
The film screening and panel is open to all faculty, students and staff. Please note, entire courses are welcome! This is an excellent opportunity to engage Indigenous stories from Indigenous perspectives.
To RSVP for yourself, members of your faculty/department or a course please register here.
If you or anyone you know is affected by this film, please connect with the services that are available to support yourself or them in the attached poster.
Please feel free to post the poster in your school or department, and disseminate far and wide!
