Birth of a Family

The Third Documentary Screening in the Real2Reel Documentary Film Festival 

The changing season in September brings us closer to the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, a day of remembrance, reflection, action, and learning, we’d like to invite everyone to a screening of the film Birth of a Family on September 26th.  This documentary is an informative and poignant story detailing the truth about the “Sixties Scoop” and the impact these destructive events had on the families, heritage, tradition, and identities of Indigenous Peoples. The screening will be followed by a panel discussion.

 

About the Documentary

Synopsis: In this deeply moving feature-length documentary, three sisters and a brother meet for the first time. Removed from their young Dene mother during the infamous Sixties Scoop, they were separated as infants and adopted into families across North America. Betty Ann, Esther, Rosalie, and Ben were only four of the 20,000 Indigenous Canadian children taken from their families between 1955 and 1985, to be either adopted into white families or live in foster care. As the four siblings piece together their shared history, their connection deepens, and their family begins to take shape.

Event Details

Date: September 26, 2023

Time: Screening & Panel Discussion 6:30 – 9:30pm

Panelists:

Heather McIntyre: Working Together – Wiijinokiiwag Project Coordinator and Lead Facilitator, Mamaway Wiidokdaadwin.

Myiingan Minonaakwhe (Jeff Monague): Elder and a knowledge keeper in his community, Language Carrier, Educator, musician, former Chief of the Beausoleil First Nation on Christian Island, former Director of Treaty Research with the Anishnabek (Union of Ontario Indians), a Canadian Forces Veteran, and Park Superintendent of Springwater Park.

Steve Beaupre: Skaabawis- Community Helper, Sixties Scoop Survivor, Red Road to Recovery Team Facilitator and Educator (BANAC, Mamaway Wiidokdaadwin).

Grandmother Renée Thomas-Hill is of the Mohawk Nation Turtle Clan from the Six Nations of the Grand River Territory. As an Haudenosaunee Woman, she is charged to pass on the teachings of our way of life and the message of Peace, Power, and Righteousness (Sacredness).

Jennifer Brunell: An entrepreneur, artisan, teacher, musician, and storyteller who weaves her life lessons and history into the creations she makes and the music she shares throughout the community.

Location: Midland Cultural Centre, 333 King St, Midland, ON

Get Involved: Sponsorship Opportunities

We are looking for sponsors for this event or if you would like to be a part of an engaging and informative community-building event in the future, please contact::

Rosi Martin

Relationship Manager
rmartin@uwsimcoemuskoka.ca

705.726.2301 x2035

Event Sponsored by Enbridge. Life takes energy.