Screening and discussion of Sugarcane
February 11, 5:00 PM - 8:30 PM
National Art Gallery auditorium (380 Sussex Drive, Ottawa, K1N 9N4)
PSAC-NCR and the Regional Indigenous Action Circle (IAC) are honoured to host a viewing and discussion of the documentary movie Sugarcane, a documentary film set amidst a ground-breaking investigation of abuse and death at an Indian residential school. The film empowers participants to break cycles of intergenerational trauma by bearing witness to painful, long-ignored truths – and the love that endures within their families.
Where: National Gallery of Canada auditorium (380 Sussex Drive, Ottawa, K1N 9N4)
When: Tuesday, February 11 from 5:00-8:30 PM
All are welcome to attend, including union members and community members from across the National Capital Region. Please note that the film includes challenging and/or triggering subject matter, including discussions around child abuse, racism and colonial violence. This event seeks to support healing, correct the historical record, provoke dialogue and seek accountability from the church, government and individuals.
Knowledge Holders and peer workers will be onsite for trauma support.
To attend this free event, please register on Eventbrite to give a sense of the number of attendees.
About the film
In 2021, evidence of unmarked graves was discovered on the grounds of an Indian residential school run by the Catholic Church in Canada, sparking a national outcry and setting off searches across North America. After years of silence, the forced separation, assimilation and abuse many children experienced at these segregated boarding schools is coming to light. Set amidst a groundbreaking investigation, Sugarcane illuminates the heartbreak and beauty of a community breaking cycles of intergenerational trauma and finding the strength to survive.
Sugarcane is a debut feature documentary from Julian Brave NoiseCat and Emily Kassie and won many awards in 2024. Sugarcane has been nominated for Best Documentary Feature Film, 97th Academy Awards (2025). This movie is rated R for language.
For more information on the film, visit the Sugarcane film website.
Accessibility
- The film will be screened in English with French subtitles.
- Masks are not required at this event. If you have symptoms of respiratory illness, organizers ask that you please stay home.
- PSAC-NCR strives to ensure our events are scent-free. We ask that attendees avoid using any scented products (including perfume, cologne, hairsprays, lotions, etc.) so that those with severe allergies are able to attend the event.
- Paid parking is available at the venue.
- The venue is wheelchair accessible. Chairs have arms and are fixed to the floor.
- Accessible and gender-neutral washrooms are available. Washrooms with changing tables are also available.
- Decompression spaces will be available, as well as Knowledge Holders and peer workers for trauma support given the content of the film.
Mental Health Resources
This event aims to be trauma informed and recognizes the effects of trauma on individuals and communities. We prioritize safety, choice, empowerment and connection. PSAC-NCR recognizes that this gathering covers topics that are upsetting and/or triggering. We encourage attendees to attend the screening with a friend or trusted support person and want to highlight the following mental health resources available to anyone experiencing distress.
The Ottawa and Region Distress Centre is a 24/7 call line is the first point of public access to the world of mental health services for people who are experiencing serious mental health issues including situational crisis. The Centre can be reached at 613-238-3311.
The National Indian Residential School Crisis Line provides 24-hour crisis support to former Indian Residential School students and their families toll-free at 1-866-925-4419. First Nations, Inuit and Métis people seeking immediate emotional support can contact the Hope for Wellness Help Line toll-free at 1-855-242-3310, or by online chat at hopeforwellness.ca.