Sugarcane

It’s a well-known fact that institutions associated with the Catholic Church have been responsible for an immeasurable number of historic cases of abuse that have scarred the lives of generations. In documentary Sugarcane, filmmakers Julian Brave NoiseCat and Emily Kassie turn their attention to the “Indian schools” in Canada that have been terrorising Indigenous children for decades. Specifically, the film focuses on the horrors that occurred at St Joseph’s Mission in British Columbia as a newly launched investigation into unmarked children’s graves reopens wounds that never fully healed. Speaking to those who witnessed the abuse first-hand, the filmmakers create a powerful portrait of generational trauma.

Although St Joeseph’s and the other schools like it have long since closed their doors, the painful memories remain. Alongside carvings on the walls from past students dating back decades being a poignant representation of just how many children suffered there, tearful accounts from those who witnessed or endured abuse are inescapable reminders of the unthinkable things that happened. Some talk about watching fellow students being lashed until they passed out, others bravely tell of being assaulted by male members of staff, and another of the film’s subjects was saved from being incinerated as an infant. This trauma has continued to trickle down to younger generations, with the tragedies also being closely connected to the filmmakers.

Equally as shocking as what happened all those years ago is the lack of action that has been taken against those culpable. Just as historical records tell of how events were swept under the rug back then, those in power are still reluctant to accept any accountability for what happened, with vague apologies from politicians and even the Pope conveying a tone of indifference towards the community.

Despite everything that these people and their families have endured, their resilience remains strong. Through showing small moments of asking an elder how to say certain words in their Secwepemctsín, a father and son singing traditional songs together, or people coming together to attend a dance, the sense of community is what keeps them united.

Detailing the unspeakable events that terrorised an indigenous population alongside the continued lack of action against those responsible, Sugarcane is a devastating and deeply moving documentary.

Andrew Murray

Sugarcane is released in select cinemas on 20^th September 2024.

Watch the trailer for Sugarcane here: