Bern Richards says he hopes an upcoming film screening in Yellowknife will “reignite the conversation” about truth and reconciliation.
Richards is the community wellness manager at the Tree of Peace Friendship Centre in Yellowknife, which is helping to bring a screening of Return to the Falls to the city.
The hour-long docudrama tells the true story of residential school survivor and Swampy Cree Elder Betty Ross from Pimicikamak Cree Nation.
The film recounts her experience being taken to St Joseph’s residential school in Cross Lake, Manitoba, when she was eight years old and how sacred teachings from her father helped her to survive trauma.
Since Return to the Falls was released in 2024, Ross and director Eppo Eerkes have been touring it across Canada. Richards said Eerkes reached out several months ago about holding a screening in Yellowknife.
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“I felt that it was a really important message to put out there,” Richards told Cabin Radio.
“It’s a moving film.”
Richards noted that many people who use wellness services at the Tree of Peace are survivors of residential school or family members of survivors.
“As Canadians, we need to do something about this and keeping it in the forefront is vital to the solutions,” he said, adding it is important to acknowledge the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s calls to action.
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Richards pointed to work under way to create a residential schools monument in Yellowknife. In its 2015 final report, the Truth and Reconciliation Commission called for residential schools monuments in each capital city.
The Tree of Peace Friendship Centre is hosting a meet and greet with Ross and Eerkes from 10am to 4pm on May 6.
A screening of the film will take place later that night at the Capitol Theatre, with doors opening at 6pm and the screening beginning at 7pm followed by a Q&A.
The event will be free to attend and the Tree of Peace will be accepting donations.
Richards said he hopes to see everyone from “the top executives to street people” come out, encouraging people to come with an open mind.
“This is a message that everyone needs to hear,” he said.
“I’m really hoping that the exposure will inspire people to either converse about what this is about – or to light a fire within them to be able to support these types of things – because I think they’re critical in the foundation of what we live with.”
