We Were Children

We Were Children is a 2012 Canadian documentary film about the experiences of First Nations children in the Canadian Indian residential school system. Directed by Tim Wolochatiuk and written by Jason Sherman, the film recounts the experiences of two resident school survivors: Lyna Hart, who was sent to the Guy Hill Residential School in Manitoba at age four, and Glen Anaquod, who was sent to the Lebret Indian Residential School in Saskatchewan. We Were Children combines interviews with the two with dramatic recreations of their experiences. According to Hart, her participation in the film marked the first time she had shared the full story of her time in the school. She has stated she regards her involvement in We Were Children as a key step in her healing process. Anaquod died in 2011 before the film’s completion; a private screening of the film was held for his family. Lyna Hart died in 2015 after the release of the film.