SLEEPING CHILDREN AWAKE

A docudrama outlining the history of the Residential School System
and how it affected generations of
First Nations

Residential Schools operated in Canada from the 1800's until mid 1980. These schools were a primary weapon of the government and the missionaries in their attempt to systematically destroy Native culture. Generations of First Nations people have been scarred from the affects of that policy.

Grand Chief Phil Fontaine (a residential school survivor) said, "The first step in healing is disclosure."

In this spirit, "Sleeping Children Awake" illuminates the voices of the many former residents and their families, including Elijah Harper(M.P.) and the late Art Solomon ( Elder, Author).

These recollections and experiences are bridged with dramatic excerpts from Shirley Cheechoo's autobiographical play, "Path with No Moccasins". Shirley shares an emotional account of her experiences in residential school, a subsequent destructive lifestyle and her journey back info wholeness.

The documentary features the songs of Maria Linklater and artwork of various accomplished artists. "Sleeping Children Awake" is both a personal record of this nations' history and a tribute to the enduring strength of Native Cultures.