It’s a tragic reality that the abuse and disappearances of Native American children in residential Indian schools went largely unnoticed by non-Indigenous people for decades. However, the dark truth behind this fact-based fiction is even more horrifying than imagined. Julian Brave NoiseCat and co-director Emily Kassie bring this truth to light in their powerful documentary, “Sugarcane,” which received a well-deserved jury prize for documentary direction at the Sundance Film Festival.
Uncovering the Horrors of St. Joseph’s Mission Residential School
“Sugarcane” focuses on the now-shuttered St. Joseph’s Mission residential school, located near the Sugarcane Reservation of Williams Lake in British Columbia. This film sheds light on the systematic abuse that occurred within its walls. Through interviews with survivors, including NoiseCat’s father and grandmother, the documentary uncovers the deep-seated trauma and memories that survivors have long suppressed.
A Century of Brainwashing and Sadism
St. Joseph’s Mission was one of many state-supported institutions that operated for over a century, aiming to assimilate Indigenous children into mainstream society. Operated by Catholic priests and nuns, these schools forced Native children to abandon their language and customs. The most notorious among them, including St. Joseph’s, were little more than prison camps, with priests and nuns subjecting students to unimaginable sadism.
Countless Lives Lost, Countless Crimes Committed
Through testimonials and archival material, “Sugarcane” meticulously documents the deaths of countless students. Many lost their lives while attempting to escape, while others tragically took their own lives. The documentary exposes the horrifying truth of priests sexually abusing male and female students, fathering children with helpless girls, and even disposing of unwanted babies. The trauma inflicted on survivors, like NoiseCat’s father, is a festering wound that continues to affect their relationships with their loved ones.
The Search for Justice and Healing
Charlene Belleau and Whitney Spearing, activists involved in the investigation, tirelessly pursue leads and gather evidence to expose the full extent of the crimes at St. Joseph’s. Despite facing limited support from government agencies and the reluctance of former students to testify, they remain determined. The documentary captures heart-wrenching moments, such as Belleau’s attempt to contact a surviving priest from the school, highlighting the frustrations and challenges faced by those seeking justice.
The Weight of Unanswered Questions and Unforgettable Memories
As viewers experience “Sugarcane,” the impact becomes increasingly unsettling. Unanswered questions and seemingly insignificant details linger in the mind. The documentary raises the profound question of why more tormented children did not report the abuse. However, it becomes evident that their pleas were ignored or silenced, leading them to bury their experiences deep within their hearts. The film serves as a reminder that these memories, although pushed aside, never truly fade away.
A Campaign for Justice and Change
“Sugarcane” is a testament to the humane and insightful filmmaking of Julian Brave NoiseCat and Emily Kassie, who are determined to ensure that the atrocities of the residential school system are never forgotten. Their moral outrage is channeled into demanding justice for the living and the dead. However, the documentary leaves us with the sobering realization that this campaign may be endless. The weight of unbearable memories continues to drive survivors to substance abuse and suicide.
The Fight for Truth Continues
As the search for unmarked graves continues at over 50 former institutions, Indigenous people still suffer the consequences of residential schools. While some have lost their lives, many others endure, resilient in the face of adversity. “Sugarcane” serves as a powerful reminder that the struggle for justice and healing is far from over. The filmmakers emphasize that words of regret from church leaders or political figures hold little meaning without concrete actions.