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The Road Back To Cowessess

The Cowessess Residential School of Saskatchewan operated from 1898 to 1997, started by the Canadian Government and later operated by the Catholic Church. It was finally closed in 1997. For decades former students of residential schools across the country have complained about abuse and mistreatment while attending school. In the summer of 2021 ground penetrating radar discovered 751 unmarked graves on the grounds of the Cowessess Residential School. Six survivors of the school return to pay their respects, to reflect on the impact of the past, and demand reconciliation.

  • Sean Parenteau
    Director
  • Kevin Nikkel
    Writer
  • Sean Parenteau
    Producer
  • Sean Parenteau
    Director of Photography
  • J. Wapioke
    B Cam Operator
  • Kevin Nikkel
    Editor
  • Project Type:
    Documentary, Short
  • Genres:
    Indigenous, reconciliation, Documentary
  • Runtime:
    11 minutes 11 seconds
  • Completion Date:
    December 16, 2021
  • Production Budget:
    6,500 USD
  • Country of Origin:
    Canada
  • Country of Filming:
    Canada
  • Language:
    English
  • Shooting Format:
    1080i
  • Aspect Ratio:
    16:9
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    Yes
  • Student Project:
    No
  • Hotdocs Film Festival
    Toronto, Ontario
    Canada
    May 2, 2022
    World Premiere
  • Gimli International Film Festival
    Gimli Manitoba
    Canada
    July 23, 2022
    Manitoba Premiere
    Best Manitoban Short Film Award
  • Athena Film Festival
    New York
    United States
  • American Indian Film Festival
    San Francisco
    United States
Director Biography - Sean Parenteau

Red Roots Productions (RRP) is a strictly Indigenous knowledge based video production business started and owned by Sean Parenteau.
With deep roots in Duck Bay (Treaty#4) and Cross Lake (Treaty #5). The idea for this business was gifted to Sean as he is a knowledge keeper, navigator, director, producer, director of photography
and artist. This company is a direct reflection of his Cree & Ojibwe ancestry, connection to the Redhawk clan and to his Indian name ´Flocks with Eagles. Sean is gifted as a Storyteller and his spirit guides are the ´Sabe & Wolf who walk with him to these important places to tell the stories of his people and ancestors.

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