We Were Children

The story

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.

Cast

L Lyna HartSelf R Ross McMillanFather Y G Glen AnaquodSelf A Alicia HamelinLyna (4 Yrs Old) J Jade HamelinLyna (10 Yrs Old) J Jennie MorinLyna (18 Yrs Old) R Rebecca GibsonSister Mary R Rene BatsonGlen (6-7 Yrs Old) B Brun MontourGlen (12 Yrs Old) J Justin DucharmeGlen (18 Yrs Old) J Justin CourcheneGlen (Adult) T Tyrone BrooksGlen's Cousin (6-7 Yrs Old)

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R Rachel SeenieGlen's Aunt G Glenn CochraneLyna's Grandfather F Fawnda NeckowayLyna's Mother M Maggie NagleSister 1 S Shawney MoarGirl at Sink K Kohl BohemierCree Speaking Altar Boy T Tasha WeightSupervisor R Robert KostyraBlack Robe Priest J John B. LoweDeputy Minister C Curtis MooreFather X J Jon Ted WynneInspector K Kayla Contois-MoarVirginia K Kristen HarrisSaskatchewan Nun C Carlos SwampyTimothy D Daina LeitoldSister Margaret J Jeff SkinnerPrincipal - Saskatchewan J Janelle McPhersonSewing Girl R Rivers ThomasSecond Boy D Darcy FehrGlen's Teacher (Priest) L Lois BrothersGlen's Teacher A Ashley HirtNurse D Darren FelbelPriest - Saskatchewan R Ramsey BruceGlen's Cousin (12 Yrs Old) A Alice DanoNun 1