Discover the power of Indigenous storytelling in Sugarcane, a compelling documentary uncovering truths about residential schools, followed by a meaningful discussion with the U of T community.
Indigenous Film Collective Presents: Sugarcane (2024)
SUGARCANE premiered at the 2024 Sundance Film Festival where it won the Directing Award: U.S. Documentary, and has since garnered over a dozen awards.
A stunning tribute to the resilience of Native people and their way of life – SUGARCANE, the debut feature documentary from Julian Brave NoiseCat and Emily Kassie – is an epic cinematic portrait of a community during a moment of international reckoning. Set amidst a ground-breaking investigation into abuse and death at an Indian residential school, the film empowers participants to break cycles of intergenerational trauma by bearing witness to painful, long-ignored truths – and the love that endures within their families despite the revelation of genocide.
Event Agenda
- 5:00pm - Doors Open, light refreshments
- 5:30pm - Opening Remarks and Smudge
- 5:45pm - Film Screening (107 mins) - Sugarcane
- 7:30pm - Q&A/Audience Discussion and Reflection, Giveaway
- 8:00pm - Event Ends
Please be aware that smudging, which involves burning sacred herbs such as sage or sweetgrass, may be present during this event. We acknowledge that some participants may have smoke allergies or sensitivities to scent. If you are affected by such conditions or need any other accessibility accommodations, please let us know so we can accommodate your needs. We are committed to ensuring a safe and inclusive learning environment for all participants.
Please note: Sugarcane may depict sensitive and potentially distressing content. The film explores the traumatic experiences of Indigenous peoples experiences with racism; descriptions of child abuse, residential school trauma, and genocide. These portrayals may be triggering for some viewers.
Please take care when watching and seek support if needed. Viewer discretion is advised.
Mental Health Resources
- Anishnawbe Health Toronto Mental Health Crisis Line – 416.360.0486 or 416.920.2605
- Indigenous Wellness Counsellor – mentalhealth.hwc@utoronto.ca or 416.978.8030 (select option 5)
- St. George Health & Wellness Centre (416.978.8030)
- Toronto Rape Crisis Centre – 416.597.8808
- U of T Wayfinder (utoronto.ca)
Have questions about this event?
Contact Andrea Johns, Program Manager, Indigenous Initiatives Office - Faculty of Law at iio.law@utoronto.ca
This event is part of
