By Cheryl Jahn

“For Love” releases tomorrow

Sep 29, 2021 | 2:53 PM

PRINCE GEORGE – A new documentary entitled “For Love,” produced by the Carrier Sekani Family Services and film director/producer Matt Smiley, will get a private viewing at the Vancouver Convention Centre.

“We travelled throughout Canada and finally we’re here,” explains Mary Teegee, Executive Director for CSFS and a producer of the film. “There were some delays due to COVID, but it seemed kind of appropriate that we release it on September 30th, the first National Day of Truth and Reconciliation.”

“For Love” exposes the link between residential schools and the 29,000 Indigenous children and youth in Canada’s child welfare system.

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“The horrors of residential schools are finally starting to be understood by non-Indigenous Canadians,” says 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.”

150,000 children attended residential schools until the last one closed in 1997. But Teegee says it was a cathartic project for everyone involved.

“Everybody wanted to do this film. Everybody wanted to share their stories because they knew we were doing it for love. For the love of our children and we were trying to give them the gift of hope and coming together ‘Look at how important [you are]. You belong to a vibrant Indigenous culture. You don’t belong to government care. You don’t belong to foster parents. You belong to us.’ And so we really wanted to instill that pride. Because as Indigenous people, we do everything for our children. We do everything for love of our children.”