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WARNING: This story contains details that may be disturbing to some readers. Discretion is advised.
A documentary that investigates claims of abuse and the disappearance of children at the former St. Joseph’s Mission Residential School in Williams Lake has received an Oscar nomination.
Sugarcane is nominated for the Best Documentary Feature category at the upcoming Academy Awards this winter.
Directed by Secwepemc filmmaker Julian Brave NoiseCat and Toronto-based journalist Emily Kassie, the film delves into the disturbing allegations that priests associated with the school fathered children with students and then had the infants destroyed.
NoiseCat expressed the personal significance of the film, noting that his father was born at the school. “The nomination’s impact resonated with me, not just for our collective efforts, but for the acknowledgment of this crucial narrative,” he stated.
Kassie shared her emotional response upon learning about the nomination, highlighting the team’s dedication. “We have collectively invested ourselves in something that transcends our individual roles,” she emphasized, commending the courage of the participants who shared their stories.
On May 27, 2021, the Tk’emlúps te Secwepemc announced a discovery of over 200 potential unmarked graves of Indigenous children at the former Kamloops Indian Residential School, a revelation that propelled the making of Sugarcane.
The need for the investigation into the St. Joseph’s Mission Residential School was sparked by this monumental finding. NoiseCat noted, “This project draws from the collective experiences of many, including those no longer with us, uniting to present this important story.”
Regional Chief of the BC Assembly of First Nations, Terry Teegee, remarked on the significance of the documentary’s nomination, asserting it validates the historical narrative surrounding colonial policies inflicted on Indigenous Peoples. He stated, “Understanding the genocidal impact of these colonial agendas is essential, and there’s a long journey of healing ahead for our communities.”
Teegkee further stressed the importance of the film, suggesting its Oscar nomination elevates the conversation around these crucial issues. “This recognition encourages viewers to engage with the historical context and its lasting effects,” he added.
NoiseCat’s father, Ed Archie NoiseCat, who was born at the Williams Lake residential school, appears in the film alongside his son, grappling with the complexities of his past.
Despite the deeply personal nature of the story, Julian NoiseCat expressed gratitude towards those who entrusted them with their narratives. He acknowledged the challenges and the responsibility he felt to convey the truth about the experiences of those born at St. Joseph’s Mission. “It is essential to honor these stories and the pain associated with them,” he noted.
The R-rated documentary premiered at the 2024 Sundance Film Festival and has already secured numerous accolades. It has been acquired by National Geographic Documentary Films andis set to be available on Disney+, with National Geographic scheduled to broadcast the film on February 16, 2025.
The Academy Awards ceremony is set for March 2 in Los Angeles.
The Indian Residential Schools Crisis Line (1-800-721-0066) is available 24 hours a day for those affected by their residential school experiences.
Additional support is provided by the 24-hour National Indian Residential Schools Crisis Line at 1-866-925-4419.
The Hope for Wellness Help Line offers culturally competent counseling and crisis intervention for Indigenous peoples dealing with trauma and distress, reachable toll-free at 1-855-242-3310.
Source
globalnews.ca