Historical Trauma & Boarding School
This documentary provides a harrowing first-hand account of the traumatic experiences of Indigenous children who were forcibly taken away from their families and placed in boarding schools. The film sheds light on the devastating impact of this government-sanctioned policy, which aimed to assimilate Indigenous children into Eurocentric culture.
Viewers will hear from survivors who were subjected to physical abuse, such as spanking and hitting, as well as emotional abuse, including being told that their families and traditions were evil. The children were forced to eat food that made them sick and punished for speaking their native language. Sexual abuse was also prevalent in these institutions.
The documentary highlights how this experience has caused lifelong trauma for survivors and their families. However, it also features stories of hope, as survivors share how they have been able to reconnect with their culture and communities as adults. Through speaking with Elders and unpacking their trauma, they are learning to be their true selves. This powerful film is a call to action for reconciliation and healing.
Workshop Info
In this professional development course, educators received comprehensive support to engage students in documentary filmmaking. Participants learned how to utilize primary sources from the Library of Congress and incorporated local resources such as Elder interviews, artifacts, photos, and documents. This training equipped teachers with the tools to create enriching, historically grounded educational experiences through the art of documentary filmmaking.
More videos from this workshop:
Alaskan Paths become Alaskan Highways
This film explores the evolution of Alaska’s roads, tracing their origins from paths created and used by ancestors and the […]
Visiting Ancestors at the Initaq by Nuiluk Itchoak
An Inupiaq film by Nuiluk Itchoak. Initaq is the Kigiqtaq term for meat drying rack. From Nuiluk Itchoak: “This film […]
Our Way of Life
This video explores the rich cultural heritage of the Yup’ik people and how it has been affected by colonialism, focusing […]
The Alaska Native Dance
This video explores the rich tradition of Alaska Native dance, illustrating how it is passed down through generations. It emphasizes […]
Huslia
In this interview, an elder shares his vivid memories of the early days of transportation for people and supplies in […]
Dot to Dot
This video illustrates the evolution of a small creek in Alaska, highlighting its historical and cultural significance. It delves into […]
A Village Run by Women
A Village Run by Women by Deb Eberle, Huslia, Alaska, Anchored Histories Spring 2023 A look at Huslia, Alaska, a […]
Tlingit and Haida Regalia with the Soboleff Family
Explore the rich heritage of Tlingit and Haida Regalia in this captivating documentary. Delve into the profound historical importance and […]
The History of the Musk Ox Farm
Explore the fascinating world of Musk Oxen and their historical significance in Alaska. Delve into their journey of reintroduction after […]
Crossroads Alaska
Ronald Reagen and Pope John Paul II had a friendship that changed the world. Not only did they share similar […]
Fairbanks Native Education
In 1819 the federal government decided it should be responsible for the education of all American Indian children. Starting the […]
Decolonizing Place Names
Three sixth-grade students from Dillingham Alaska work together to have a local creek’s name changed. In their previous year of […]