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The records on our site emerge from the cultural and physical genocide that the Canadian government and churches conducted through the Indian Residential School System, including the ongoing impacts.

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Rebirth in the face of darkness

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Rebirth in the face of darkness
Pacific Mountain Regional Council Archives

Archival Item
1996
Video
Description
Valerie Dudoward interviews Alberni Indian Residential School survivor, Willie Blackwater. Content warning: This video contains disturbing content. Self-care and awareness is advised when viewing it .See here for healing and wellness resources.
Curatorial Comment
Willie Blackwater was 10 years old when he was taken from his family in Kispiox and sent to Alberni Indian Residential School. In 1994, he led a criminal law suit against Arthur Henry Plint that resulted in Plint's setencing to 11 years in prison, on 18 counts of sexual assault on students at the School. In this interview, Willie Blackwater tells of his experience at the School, its impact on his life, the criminal trial (Blackwater v. Plint), and the group action civil suit against the United Church and federal government. Infused is a message of hope and healing.
Notes
Video. "Valerie Dudoward with Residential Schools survivor, Willie Blackwater." Original file name: 2168-9.mp4

Themes

Daily life > Language (themes)

More Information

Holding Repository
Pacific Mountain Regional Council Archives
Holding Repository Identifier
MI_2168_9
Commission Object Identifier
38f-c001581-d0003-001
Extent and Medium

1 digital video (29 min., 07 sec.) : mp4

Terms Governing Use and Reproduction
Copyright holder: The United Church of Canada
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