Dawnland is a documentary that has recently exposed the narrative of indigenous child removal in the United States, particularly in Maine. The story depicts Native American children that were taken away from their families by authorities and placed in white households.
First there’s pain, then there’s healing.
The film follows non-Natives sent out by the first government-sanctioned truth and reconciliation commission to hear the traumatic tales of those directly affected. Emotions run high as these people work together toward healing the pain and effects from loss of community and culture these people faced in their formative years.
This gut-wrenching film is “a history lesson that you’re ashamed to have never learned but whose truths you’ll likely never forget,” as stated by Crosscut news. This bold emotional journey is remarkable to many folks, from many walks of life. You name an interest you have and this film includes it; criminal justice, psychology, social science and more.
It’s kind of a big deal!
This screening is being talked about all over! Check out the NPR radio broadcast from yesterday featuring the Co-director Ben Pender-Cudlip being interviewed about his work on the project. He sheds some eye-opening information on the subject of his film. A great preview of the full feature that you’ll want to hear.
Or for a shorter read, take a look at the article about this screening in the Daily Freeman!
Your official golden ticket.
We invite you to behold the first-hand stories and emotions of the Natives that were displaced. This documentary is an inside view of a recent event that continues to have lasting effects in an area very close to home. Come and be a part of a historical investigation! By bearing witness to the moving accounts of adults that were devastated as children by the state’s poor child welfare decisions.
The screening (that you are more than welcome to attend no matter who you are) will take place on Wednesday, November
28, from 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. We will gather in the College Lounge, in Vanderlyn Hall on campus.
For a bit more info, visit our Facebook event page!
Take advantage of this unique opportunity!
Lucky you, not only are you invited to attend this special screening that is being shown for the last time locally here at SUNY Ulster..
We also invite you to bring your notepad and an inquisitive mind along! Filmmaker Ben Pender-Cudlip will be in the house to introduce the documentary and have a discussion after the film. This event is free of charge and open to all members of the community. Experience for yourself the healing on the path toward reconciliation, truth, and the survival of indigenous culture.
