Birth of a Family

Running time: 75 mins

A government policy separated their family. The natural beauty of the Banff wilderness provides a paradoxical backdrop for the exposure of an ugly chapter of history known as the “Sixties Scoop.” An emotional family “reunion” brings together Betty Ann, Rosalie, Ben, and Esther, now in their 50s, who were callously taken from their indigenous mother and deprived of the opportunity to grow up together. Reunited, these siblings who are essentially strangers to each other spend one precious week together. As they share fleeting memories, they painfully piece together their mother’s life and the heritage they were all forced to abandon. Their touching saga and courageous story is a testament to the power of family, as they learn to connect with their roots and with each other. – Shari Clare Preceded by the short film: Broken Hill; dir. Peter Drew; USA; 5 min. Sponsored by Applied Materials Foundation