NEWS RELEASE
UNITED WAY SIMCOE-MUSKOKA
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United Way Simcoe Muskoka will be screening the award-winning film Birth of a Family at the Midland Cultural Centre on September 26, 2023, as part of the 2023 Real2Reel Film Festival. The local charity is partnering with the Barrie Area Native Advisory Circle and Mamaway Wiidokdaadwin to host the evening in recognition of Truth and Reconciliation Week.
“They say that there can be no reconciliation without truth,” said Brian Shelley, United Way Chief Executive and Philanthropy Officer. “It is important to create space for those with lived experiences to share their stories so that we can begin to move forward with reconciliation in a good way.”
In this deeply moving feature-length documentary, three sisters and a brother meet for the first time. Removed from their young Dene mother during the infamous Sixties Scoop, they were separated as infants and adopted into families across North America. Betty Ann, Esther, Rosalie, and Ben were only four of the 20,000 Indigenous Canadian children taken from their families between 1955 and 1985, to be either adopted into white families or live in foster care. As the four siblings piece together their shared history, their connection deepens, and their family begins to take shape. Following the film, Barrie Area Native Advisory Circle’s Heather McIntyre will moderate a panel discussion to further explore the impact of the Sixties Scoop.
United Way Simcoe Muskoka’s Real2Reel Film Festival is sponsored by the RBC Foundation and aims to reduce stigma and raise awareness of complex community issues. Net proceeds raised through this event will support the United Way’s funding of the Wiijinokiiwag project delivered in partnership between CMHA and the Barrie Area Native Advisory Circle.
When: September 26, 2023 – 6:30 to 9:30 p.m.
Where: The Midland Cultural Centre, 333 King St, Midland, ON L4R 3M7
Who: This event is open to the public. Tickets are $7.53
More Information: https://uwsimcoemuskoka.ca/
This film contains material of a sensitive nature, including the Sixties Scoop, that may be triggering for some individuals. Please take part as you feel comfortable.
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