The Union of B.C. Indian Chiefs (UBCIC) is urging the public to watch SUGARCANE, a powerful documentary that investigates the history of abuse and missing children at the former St. Joseph Mission Residential School.
SUGARCANE is set to screen at The Vic Theatre in Victoria Aug. 29 at 7:30 p.m., Aug. 31 at 5 p.m., and Sept. 3 at 7:30 p.m.
UBCIC emphasizes the importance of the documentary in educating Vancouver Island residents about this crucial aspect of Canadian history. The documentary comes at a time when awareness of residential school impacts is particularly relevant to Vancouver Island communities.
"SUGARCANE is an important documentary for upholding the truth of what happened at St. Joseph Mission, one of Canada's most notorious Residential Schools. It is a reminder of Canada's history of policy and legislation that promoted forced assimilation," said Chief Marilyn Slett, UBCIC Secretary-Treasurer, in a release.
While the documentary focuses on a school in Williams Lake, its themes resonate deeply with Vancouver Island's Indigenous communities, many of which have their own painful histories with residential schools. The screening in Victoria offers locals a chance to engage with this history and contribute to ongoing reconciliation efforts.
The UBCIC leadership stressed that the Victoria screening is not just for Indigenous viewers but for all residents of the city and surrounding areas who wish to better understand this chapter of Canadian history. They hope the documentary will spark important conversations within the Victoria community.
Tickets are available at https://www.victoriafilmfestival.com/theatre/#vic_theatre_cal.
