For Love

FOR LOVE is a film of resilience and resurgence. Colonization has led to many adverse impacts on the Indigenous population of Canada – most significantly on familial and societal structures. Due to colonial regimes, Indigenous children are vastly overrepresented in the child welfare system. In 2018, the Minister of Indigenous Affairs deemed the issue “a humanitarian crisis.”

Traveling across the country, Indigenous people tell their heartbreaking stories to reveal the atrocities inflicted by the Canadian child welfare system. The film shines a light on what is happening right now. It details the horrors of the past and reveals how Indigenous communities are taking back jurisdictional control of their children in order to ensure that their unique and diverse cultures are preserved for generations to come.

Awakening a revived respect for the matriarchal system, we learn about the need to preserve traditional practices, land-based activities and grass roots initiatives in order to keep having a positive impact on children and families – not only reducing the number of apprehensions, but also renewing Indigenous pride.

“The horrors of residential schools are finally starting to be understood by non-Indigenous Canadians and Americans,” says producer Mary Teegee. “I wanted this movie to create awareness about the generational trauma caused by residential schools. But it also celebrates the resilience of our people, and shows how communities across the country are rebuilding family connections and rich cultures.”

“For Love” is narrated by singer Shania Twain and directed by artist and filmmaker Matt Smiley. It is produced by Smiley and Mary Teegee of Carrier Sekani Family Services, who produced the documentary “Highway of Tears,” in 2015 about missing and murdered indigenous women. Mary Teegee is Gitk’san and Carrier from Takla Lake First Nation, and is a proud member of the Luxgaboo Wolf Clan.

Post-film discussion with Director Matt Smiley, producer and writer Mary Teegee, Executive Producer Lindsay Eberts and Dr. Paul Flack, Clinical Director, Warrior Spirit Outpatient.

Admission is free, but registration is recommended.

Part of the Raising Voices Series, supported with grant funding from Park City Municipal Corp, and Mental Health Awareness Month in Summit County.

Note from producer/writer Mary Teegee:

This film is for all the children who did not come home from residential school and all the survivors who are living with the hurt & trauma.

This film is for the parents and grandparents who lived and live with broken hearts at the loss of their child to the welfare system or succumbed to the impacts of colonization.

This film is for all the caregivers, advocates, clans, families and dedicated staff who work tirelessly and compassionately to better the lives of children and families.

This film is for all our Ancestors, Elders, knowledge keepers, cultural teachers, language speakers, Hereditary Chiefs and Matriarchs who have kept our culture and language alive through generations of cultural genocide.

This film is for all those watching and who are committed to work with us to right the wrongs of the past.

Most importantly, this film is for all our Indigenous children still in government care. This film is for you, for hope… For love.

COVID Policies for film screenings at the Jim Santy Auditorium:

• Tickets can be reserve in advance online or at the box office. After online ticket registration closes one hour before the scheduled start time for the film, tickets will be available at the box office.
• Masks are currently highly recommended for all patrons, but no longer required. Complete details on our Cinema Safe protocols can be accessed here.

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