News Release
August 27, 2024

UBCIC Urges Public to Watch SUGARCANE: a Poignant Documentary about Residential School Truths 

(xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish) and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil Waututh)/ Vancouver, B.C. – August 26, 2024) The Union of B.C. Indian Chiefs (UBCIC) applauds the breathtaking documentary SUGARCANE which investigates the history of abuse and missing children at the former Residential School St. Joseph Mission. For more information about SUGARCANE and to buy tickets for screenings across North America, click here.

Grand Chief Stewart Phillip, UBCIC President, stated “SUGARCANE is a powerful film that contributes to the growing body of evidence documenting what Indigenous peoples have always known of the abuses suffered at Residential Schools. Increasing broad awareness and education about what happened is an incredibly powerful action that we must all commit to doing. The leadership of Williams Lake First Nation, the survivors, families, investigative team, and filmmakers demonstrate a depth of spirit, courage of character and resilience in the telling of this powerful account, which no Canadian should turn away from.”  

“On January 25^th of 2023, Williams Lake First Nation released the results of their Phase II Geophysical Investigation into the former St. Joseph Mission Residential School. The report detailed new reflections which displayed characteristics indicative of potential human burials. SUGARCANE beautifully navigates the intergenerational impacts of these hard truths and showcases the complexities and pain of the legacies of Residential Schools and subsequent investigations that First Nations across the country are leading to document their histories. UBCIC holds Williams Lake First Nation, and all survivors and intergenerational survivors of Residential Schools in our hearts and shares our prayers for peace and healing,” stated Chief Don Tom, UBCIC Vice President. 

“Amid a rise in Residential School denialism and racist backlash to the accounts of abuse of Indigenous children in Canada’s concerted effort to ‘kill the Indian in the child’, SUGARCANE is an important documentary for upholding the truth of what happened at St. Joseph Mission, one of Canada’s most notorious Residential Schools. It is a reminder of Canada’s history of policy and legislation that promoted forced assimilation, intimately known by Indigenous people and documented by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission. UBCIC shares our heartfelt congratulations to everyone involved in the production of SUGARCANE and extends our support for Indigenous communities everywhere who will undoubtedly share in the anguish of bringing to light this collective history as we move towards reconciliation, justice and healing,” concluded Chief Marilyn Slett, UBCIC Secretary Treasurer.     

A national Indian Residential School Crisis Line is available to provide support for survivors and those affected. People can access emotional and crisis referral services by calling the 24-hour service at 1-866-925-4419.

Mental health counselling and crisis support are also available 24 hours a day, seven days a week through the Hope for Wellness hotline at 1-855-242-3310 or by online chat.

Upcoming SUGARCANE Screenings in B.C.:

Vancouver: Vancity Theatre

Vancouver: Rio Theatre  

Victoria: The Vic Theatre

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Media inquiries:

Grand Chief Stewart Phillip, President, 250-490-5314
Chief Don Tom, Vice-President, 604-290-6083
Chief Marilyn Slett, Secretary-Treasurer, 250-957-7721

UBCIC is an NGO in Special Consultative Status with the Economic and Social Council of the United Nations.

For more information, please visit www.ubcic.bc.ca

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