2009
Against the Grain - The Legacy of the Indian Residential School System
Directed by Curtis Mandeville
Synopsis: This film explores the legacy of the Indian Residential School system by looking at its history, present conditions and hopes for the future.
It focuses on the varying social and political challenges facing former students, their families and communities, and highlights various attempts to cope and overcome the impacts.
Distribution Contact: WFG
More Details
RUNTIME: 24 Minutes
GENRE: Documentary
LANGUAGE: English
LOCATION: Northwest Territories
KEYWORDS: Aboriginal, Residential School, History, Government, Kids, Family, Legacy, Assimilation, Indigenous Filmmaker
Director's Statement: “I am Metis. I grew up in a small northern Aboriginal community. Through life experience I got the sense that not many people understand how significant the impact of Indian Residential Schools was and continues to be on Canada's Aboriginal peoples.
Most of my family attended Indian Residential Schools. However, I was not even aware of the impact, or how I was impacted, until I started researching and asking some of my family about their experiences.
This experience, and the realization that probably most Canadians are not aware, has inspired me to tell a very important story about Canada's history. A story that I hope will help educate the public and bring to light the long-lasting effects of Indian Residential Schools.
Furthermore, I hope this video helps in the much-needed healing process."

Director: Curtis Mandeville
Writer: Curtis Mandeville
Producer: Curtis Mandeville
Producer: Eileen McCord
Trailer/Clip: