Movie spotlight
Our Spirits Don't Speak English: Indian Boarding School
This compelling documentary feature gives the Native American perspective on Indian Boarding Schools and uncovers the dark history of U.S. Government policy which took Indian children from their homes, forced them into boarding schools, and enacted a policy of educating them in the ways of Western Society. This award-winning film gives a voice to the countless Indian children forced through a system designed to strip them of their Native American culture, heritage, and traditions.
Insights
Plot Summary
This documentary powerfully recounts the traumatic experiences of Native American children forced into government-run and religious boarding schools across the United States and Canada. Through survivor testimonies and historical context, it exposes the systemic efforts to assimilate Indigenous youth by stripping them of their language, culture, and identity. The film highlights the devastating intergenerational impact of these institutions.
Critical Reception
The documentary has been recognized for its vital historical importance and its brave presentation of survivor stories. Critics and audiences alike have praised its unflinching look at a dark chapter in North American history, emphasizing the resilience of the Indigenous people who endured these experiences. It is considered an essential viewing for understanding the lasting effects of cultural genocide.
What Reviewers Say
A vital and harrowing account of historical trauma.
Features powerful and moving survivor testimonies.
Essential viewing for understanding Indigenous history and its ongoing impact.
Google audience: Information not available.
Awards & Accolades
Screened at various film festivals and educational institutions, garnering attention for its subject matter.
Fun Fact
The film's title is derived from a quote by a survivor, reflecting the forced suppression of Native languages in these institutions.
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