The History and Impact of Residential Schools
Fortunately, where there are stories to be told, there are people to listen. Survivors are coming together to share their experiences, find connections and perhaps even heal by building new communities. That’s exactly what you’ll see in “Little Bird” and “Little Bird: Wanna Icipus Kupi (Coming Home),” plus an even more personal example of Indigenous storytelling.
“Little Bird”
“Little Bird” is a limited dramatic series led by an Indigenous creative team. It tells the interwoven stories of residential schools, forced adoption and reconnecting with lost family — all created with input from the perspectives of people who were close to the real events.
“Little Bird: Wanna Icipus Kupi (Coming Home)”
This documentary goes behind the camera to show viewers how “Little Bird” came to life. It’s an emotional, deeply personal look at making art that matters, particularly because the creative team and crew can all relate to the story in one way or another.
A Personal Story
Mike Mabin, an enrolled member and citizen of the Little Shell Tribe of Chippewa Indians of Montana and the President and CEO of Agency MABU, shares a story from the Crow Creek Indian Reservation in Stephan, South Dakota:
“On a more uplifting note, the spirit of Indigenous people wasn’t exterminated. Survivors, along with their children and grandchildren, are reviving their nearly lost culture, history, traditions, language and Native ways.
“For example, my youngest son recently visited the Indian reservation in South Dakota where my mom (his grandma) was sent to boarding school. Today, there is a modern-day school located on the grounds. It is run by the Crow Creek Tribe and is providing culturally focused, contemporary teaching to Native American children today. Despite the government’s attempts to eradicate the Indigenous people and cultures in Canada and the U.S., positive change is occurring.”
ncG1vNJzZmivp6x7sa7SZ6arn1%2BWv7W1wqWcrGeknbJutMisq6iqqWKur7CMoqSpmZOperCyjKucrKGUmru1tcClZKybmKS8rb8%3D