Stolen Spirits delves into the heart-wrenching history of the American Indian boarding school system, shedding light on a tragic chapter that may have claimed the lives of tens of thousands of Indigenous children.
Presented by journalist Stan Grant, this short documentary follows a community in Nebraska determined to unveil the painful truths surrounding one of the nation’s largest boarding schools—the Genoa Indian Industrial School.
Following the unsettling discovery of over 1,000 graves at former boarding schools in Canada, archaeologists are now working to locate the graves of Native American children who lost their lives at the Genoa Indian Industrial School.
American Indian boarding schools, also known as residential schools, were instituted in the United States from the mid-17th to the 20th centuries with the misguided goal of “civilizing” Native American children. The film sheds light on the heartbreaking reality of children forcibly separated from their families, stripped of their identities, and forbidden from practicing their own culture and language.
The documentary discloses that a minimum of 86 children died at the Genoa Indian Industrial School, though the actual death toll is suspected to be even higher. An investigation is underway to uncover the full extent of this tragedy. Having endured a severance from their culture, the community is now engaged in a process of healing from a painful past, addressing international trauma with a commitment to reclaiming and reviving their cultural heritage and language.
This powerful documentary compels audiences to reflect on historical injustices and the resilience of communities striving to reclaim their cultural identity. Informative yet concise, it is exceptionally well-suited for classroom viewing.
What kind of film collection would this title be suitable for?
Stolen Spirits would be suitable for a film collection featuring documentaries and films addressing historical injustices, particularly those related to the experiences of Indigenous communities.
What schools or colleges is this documentary appropriate for?
Stolen Spirits would be appropriate for high schools and colleges with programs in history, social studies, Indigenous studies, and related fields. Specifically, it aligns well with courses that explore colonial history, the impact of assimilation policies, and the cultural resilience of Indigenous communities.
What can this educational documentary be used as a resource for?
Stolen Spirits is a versatile educational resource that can spark critical discussions on cultural assimilation policies, historical trauma and cultural resilience. For educators and professionals in fields related to education, the documentary can serve as a tool for professional development.
In 2021, in the small rural town of Genoa Nebraska, a harrowing search commenced to locate the graves of Native American children who were taken from their tribes and sent to the Genoa U.S. Indian Industrial School, one of America’s largest and longest running boarding schools for indigenous children. Stolen Spirits is a powerful and haunting story of one community’s attempts to uncover the truth about a painful past.
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FILM FESTIVALS
- Best Short Documentary – LA Film Awards, USA
- American Indian Film Festival, USA
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STOLEN SPIRTS
EPF16054 ● ISBN: 978-1-933724-94-2 ● UPC: 6-82086-16054-2 ● Color ● 31 Minutes ● 2022 ● Not Rated ● NTSC ● English
Click here to buy DVD: $19.95
Click here to buy DVD w/ Public Performance Rights: $200
Click here to buy DSL and DVD w/ Public Performance Rights: $275
For purchase orders, to book screenings and for other inquiries, please contact:
Larry Rattner - larry@epfmedia.com