Unveiling the Dark Truth: 'Sugarcane' Exposes the Horrors of Indigenous Boarding Schools

Unveiling the Heartbreaking Truth: 'Sugarcane' Sheds Light on Indigenous Boarding School Abuses

In the wake of the discovery of unmarked graves at the Kamloops Indian Residential School, filmmaker Emily Kassie embarked on a mission to uncover the horrors of Indigenous boarding schools in Canada.

Her journey led her to Joseph's Mission, where 93 unmarked graves were found. There, she met Julian Brave NoiseCat, an Indigenous journalist whose family had a deep connection to the school.

NoiseCat's father was born at Joseph's Mission, and his grandmother attended the school. Through their investigation, they uncovered a dark history of infanticide and abuse.

The documentary, 'Sugarcane,' follows the stories of former students and their descendants, including NoiseCat's own family. It's a powerful and emotional account of the lasting trauma caused by these institutions.

NoiseCat's involvement in the film was a transformative experience. It allowed him to confront his family's past and inspired him to create a pathway to healing for other survivors.

Both NoiseCat and Kassie hope that 'Sugarcane' will encourage more survivors to share their stories and spark a broader conversation about the legacy of Indigenous boarding schools in North America.