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We Were Children

Name: We Were Children
Director: Tim Wolochatiuk
Released: 2012
Duration: 88 min

Representation Score

6.6/10

Good

2012

Director

Tim Wolochatiuk

Runtime

88 minutes

Average Rating

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New Showbiz Analysis

We Were Children functions as a powerful corrective narrative that centers underrepresented voices to reconstruct suppressed histories. It successfully dismantles the perceived moral authority of Western religious and governmental structures by prioritizing the lived experiences of Indigenous survivors. The film's strength lies in its post-colonial framework, moving beyond including someone from a minority group without giving them real depth to provide a deep look at the impact of colonial assimilation. It uses the specific identities of its protagonists to drive the entire narrative structure. While the film excels in racial and cultural representation, it lacks explicit LGBTQ+ themes and focuses more on the systemic abuse of patriarchal hierarchies than on modern gender dynamics.

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Category Breakdown

Does We Were Children have LGBTQ+ representation?

Minimal

The film focuses on the historical trauma of the residential school system and does not include explicit depictions or thematic focus on LGBTQ+ identities or non-traditional gender expressions.

How does We Were Children portray gender?

Fair

The narrative depicts a rigid, patriarchal hierarchy where authority rests with male religious and state figures. Survivors Glen Anaquod and Lyna Hart reclaim significant roles in driving the story through their personal histories.

How racially and ethnically diverse is We Were Children?

Excellent

This documentary serves as a profound exploration of Indigenous ability to act and resilience. By centering First Nations survivors, the film disrupts the traditional Anglo-centric historical canon through deep, layered storytelling.

How does We Were Children represent religion and culture?

Excellent

The film critiques Western institutions, portraying the state and church as engines of cultural erasure. It prioritizes the reclamation of Indigenous spirituality over forced assimilation into Christian norms.

Does We Were Children include disability representation?

Fair

While not focusing on physical disabilities, the film provides a visceral look at the psychological consequences of systemic trauma. Intergenerational trauma serves as a central, driving force within the narrative.

Present on Screen

Centering Indigenous ability to act and the lived experiences of First Nations survivors.
A profound critique of the Canadian state and organized religious institutions.
Effective use of personal narratives to disrupt traditional Anglo-centric historical canons.

Limited or Absent

Lack of explicit representation or thematic focus regarding LGBTQ+ identities.
Limited exploration of specific physical or neurodivergent disabilities beyond psychological trauma.

Official Synopsis

For over 130 years till 1996, more than 100,000 of Canada's First Nations children were legally required to attend government-funded schools run by various Christian faiths. There were 80 of these 'residential schools' across the country. Most children were sent to faraway schools that separated them from their families and traditional land. These children endured brutality, physical hardship, mental degradation, and the complete erasure of their culture. The schools were part of a wider program of assimilation designed to integrate the native population into 'Canadian society.' These schools were established with the express purpose 'To kill the Indian in the child.' Told through their own voices, 'We Were Children' is the shocking true story of two such children: Glen Anaquod and Lyna Hart.

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