(tense music)
- There's something you're not telling me, some secret.
I'm sorry.
It's been a long damn war.
(voice echoing) - adam, look!
(speaking ayahjuthum)
- Sorry I missed adam's funeral.
- It was seven years ago. I wouldn't worry about it.
- Mom? Let's go inside, momma. It's cold out here.
(camera shutters clicking)
(broadcaster): Last Thursday, about 200 indian leaders
From across the country went to parliament hill.
They met most of the federal cabinet
In the railway committee room where 12 alberta chiefs
In traditional headdress and white deer skin,
Offered a prayer, chanted a song
Asking for the guidance of the great spirit
For this historic meeting with prime minister trudeau
And his colleagues.
(camera shutters clicking)
There were blank stares on both sides of the room
As this symbolic gesture took place.
But before handing over their red paper,
The alberta chiefs handed back to the government
Its year-old white paper
Which outlined proposed, new federal indian policy.
To drive home their point, two chiefs alternated,
Reading first from the government white paper,
Then their red paper's counterproposals.
(native chief): Their white paper states:
There should be a positive recognition of the unique
Contribution of the indian culture, canadian life.
(tense music)
(native chief 2): These are nice sounding words
Which are intending to mislead everybody.
The only way to maintain our culture
Is for us to remain as indians.
(native drum beating)
(man on tv): As a result of this, we said,
Well let's abolish the indian act
And they become citizens of canada like everyone else.
But we've learned in the process
That perhaps we were a bit too theoretical,
We were a bit too abstract. We were not...
- Okay, james, we're gonna get you up now. Okay? Together.
Be careful.
(man on tv): We're here to discuss this.
You have said yourselves, it would take time.
It will take time.
But in order to reach some kind of agreement,
We have to trust each other a little bit.
Uh... But not completely.
We can be suspicious of each other
Because, you know, there's been some people in the past who...
(stammering) - I... Indian?
Oh.
- Come on.
(man on tv): ...But the left hand might be near a gun.
So, the chinamen makes sure that when they offer peace,
They hold both their hands.
And this way, they can't reach for a gun.
(native chief): There is no way that we are going to give up.
Especially when we are threatened
With cultural genocide.
(broadcaster): Yesterday, indian affairs minister, jean chrétien,
Refused to commit government funds
And support to a national indian committee
That would look at the state of the indian rights
And treaties.
- Can you turn the damned politics off?
It's giving me a headache.
Sorry, father.
(chuckling) still got that potty mouth.
Aline can do it.
(native chief 2): As far as I'm concerned,
The minister's statement was foolish.
- Sit for a minute, dear.
Whoever heard of a red paper?
Indians, that's who!
Indians think they can get everything for nothing.
When all we ever do is bend over backwards
Trying to give you people
Everything that we have worked for.
- Trudeau was just in new zealand
Dancing with the maori. Did you see that?
He's quite the character.
I think he might have come to a new understanding
Of what aboriginal means,
And I think chrétien just adopted an inuit boy.
Maybe this will somehow help to bridge--
- What're your children up to, aline?
You have a son and a daughter, I understand.
Did you ever have any dreams for yourself
Other than wiping my father's old ass?
(chuckling) sorry, father.
I'm always saying that I'm sorry.
You can speak freely here.
- Hmm.
- My daughter, taylor,
Graduates this week as a lawyer from queens.
And my son, jake,
Just got accepted into the royal college of art
In london.
Myself...
I wanted to be a concert pianist,
But...
Life makes decisions for us, doesn't it?
I work as a housekeeper during the day.
And then I come here
And I wipe your father's old ass at night
Because us "indian people"
We've been trying to clean your shit up for decades.
(tense music)
Hmm.
(exhaling sharply)
(upbeat music)
- Jake, honey. Will you grab the champagne?
- Yeah.
- Aw, mom!
It's so beautiful. I feel bad we have to cut it.
- I don't, I want to eat it all.
(laughing) - when we were younger,
We were only allowed to have one piece each.
But I think you'll have the whole thing to yourself.
- Uncle jake. - They're just jealous.
(chuckling)
- Thanks.
- To my daughter.
The lawyer.
Your dad would be so proud of you.
I'm proud of you.
You did it.
- I did it because of you, mom.
- Better cheers before someone starts crying.
(phone ringing)
- Oh, percy, you can just leave it.
- It's my turn.
(phone ringing)
- She can run off the sugar.
(sighing)
- Mm.
- It's for you, mom.
- Course it is.
Jake, can you help me with something?
- What is it?
- The case is going to the next stage.
- What's going on?
- It can wait.
- Now I really want to know.
- Mom.
- What?
Someone die?
- Sit down.
- There's been a case
Brought against father kenner from the church.
- I don't understand.
- There was a group of us boys...
Six of us.
He took...
He took pictures of us when we were young...
Until we told him to fuck off.
It's okay, mum.
- You didn't tell me.
I don't understand.
What kind of pictures? - Mom.
- Why don't I know about this? - I didn't know how far--
- Because jake was of legal age when the charges were initiated.
And jake, and some of the other boys
Have filed a civil court case.
The charge will likely settle out of court.
But they might say that jake being gay somehow...
Wanted it.
Deserved it.
- How?
- I don't know, it's just a tactic.
(solemn music)
(inhaling slowly)
- Where is father kenner now?
- We don't know.
- Father walter said that he was transferred
To another parish, nothing...
- Mom?
- Go, I got this. - Okay.
- Mom?
Mom?
(sniffling)
- I'm so sorry.
I had no idea.
- It's okay, mom. You didn't know.
- I know, but your father was right.
I... I just...
I thought things had changed.
- Mom, I love you.
Everything's gonna be okay.
- I love you.
My beautiful boy.
I'm so...
I'm so sorry.
I should have protected you.
♪ amazing grace ♪
♪ how sweet the sound ♪
♪ that saved a wretch ♪
♪ like me ♪
♪ I once was lost ♪
♪ but now I'm found ♪
♪ was blind ♪
♪ but now I see ♪
♪ 'twas grace that taught ♪
♪ my heart to fear ♪
♪ and grace ♪
♪ my fears relieved ♪
(applauding)
(indistinct chatter)
- Aline.
We'll see you at the lady's group on Thursday.
Oh, father kenner is starting
A boys' club on Wednesday nights.
It's great to have his positive energy with us
Here at the church. So, what do you think, jake?
Soccer? Games night?
- Sure.
I've been working really long hours
So, nice to keep him busy.
Thanks again, father.
- Oh, god bless.
It's nice to see you, taylor.
- Sneaky, sneaky little boys.
(giggling)
Where could they be?
Where could they be? Got you!
Stay there if you know what's good for you.
Now...
Where could...
Got you! Stand over there!
I hear you!
Run while you can, I'll catch you!
(footsteps receding)
- Now, where were we?
Turn around and face the wall.
Put your hands up.
Higher. Good. Good.
Spread your legs.
Now we have to make sure
That you're not hiding anything. Hmm?
- Father kenner?
- Yes. (breathing heavily)
I caught you red-handed.
And now you'll suffer the consequences.
Or so help me god...
(ominous music)
I want you to turn around slowly.
Keep your hands up.
Slowly...
Take down your hands.
Good.
Good boys.
Now I want you to...
Take off your shoes...
Step out of your pants...
And remove your shirts.
(ominous music)
(belt buckle clattering)
(unzipping)
(camera shutter clicking)
That's a good boy.
- Get the fuck back! Get the fuck outta here!
- You've been very bad boys.
But you liked it, didn't you?
- You don't have to answer, I know.
I see you, sweet jake.
I see everything.
Oh, no. No, no, no. Oh, no, no.
No need to cry. Sweet, perfect boy.
What do you think would happen if your parents found out
What you did, charlie?
What do you think would happen if...
Your mother found out what you did?
It would kill her, wouldn't it?
It would kill her.
(solemn music)
(percy speaking indistinctly)
- You okay, kokum?
- I'm fine.
- What was my grandfather like?
- Like you.
Fierce.
And...
Smart.
- It's going to be all right.
(tender music)
- I don't want anything bad to happen to you.
You don't let anyone hurt you.
- Promise. Can you write it for me?
In cree. Mom said you know how.
That it's buried inside of you.
- She said that, did she?
- Play something for me, will you?
You're going to be an amazing piano player.
Just like your kokum.
(eerie music)
Adam?
Adam? Are you getting dressed?
- I am dressed.
Every Sunday, you get dressed. Children get dressed.
All so pretty.
And every Sunday, you ask me the same question,
"are you getting dressed?"
Don't ask me again.
(dishes clattering)
What are you gonna do when they touch your precious babies?
I asked you a question.
Dear jesus...
Dear, dear, jesus. Please help me forgive...
Let them fuck me and my children
But help me forgive-- - enough!
- When is enough, enough?
It is enough, isn't it?
- Why don't you go have another drink?
- You okay?
Did I make you cut yourself? - Just--
- I'm the mad one.
Okay? It's me who's mad.
I can fight their goddamn wars,
But I can't get a job like a man should.
You want to know what an indian man's worth?
Aline, I'm talking to you. You wanna know what I'm worth?
My eye and my leg...
Are worth three $300.
The government wants to pay me 300 for my eye and my leg.
They took away my indian status because I joined the war,
But I can't be a citizen of canada because I'm an indian,
So I don't get any veteran pensions.
Three hundred f--...
(scoffing)
Thing is that's what happens
When you think the war is over.
(solemn music)
Don't go. Don't go now, stay with me.
- We'll go to mass and then...
We'll pick up a few things from the store.
Be home by noon.
(footsteps receding)
(door slamming)
- Fuck me.
(paper rustling)
Fuck them.
(tense music)
(crows cawing)
(soft music)
(sniffing)
(speaking ayahjuthum)
(ominous music)
I don't want you here.
You shouldn't be here, please.
Please go away.
(whispering): You're gonna see things you'll never forget.
You gotta keep it inside you.
(distorted indistinct chatter)
- Come along, we'll take you to the school.
(crows cawing)
(clock ticking)
(solemn music)
(taylor): I don't even know how you can believe in this,
After everything.
(bells clanging)
(indistinct chatter)
(taylor): I guess what dad said was true...
(aline): Taylor!
- Church is good for weak people.
(crows cawing)
(suspenseful music)
(clock ticking)
(door closing)
(priest): What are your sins, child?
- I'm sorry I didn't protect my son.
- Aline? - Did you know father kenner
Was sexually abusing...
Children in your parish?
- This is not the place.
- You've heard my confessions for years now, father.
It's time for me to hear yours.
I trusted you with my children.
I trusted you.
We trusted you.
(door opens)
- Aline.
Aline!
- Shame...
On you.
- Aline, I didn't-- - shame!
You knew.
(stammering) - aline, I didn't know.
- You knew!
I can see it on your face. You knew.
- I am the one who turned him in.
- After how long? To who?
- I was the one that stopped-- - after two years, father?!
Three?! Four?!
How many children do you think
He got his filthy hands on in that time?
- Aline, we need to come together...
To pray together.
- Where is father kenner now?
Tell me where he is.
What community is he in now?
- It's out of my hands, aline.
- Whose hands is it in, father?
(breath quavering)
- In god's hands.
It's not for us to judge.
(scoffing)
- I used to think that I could...
Separate what has been done,
What religion is capable of from the god that I loved.
That I could keep what I found
Beautiful inside me.
(solemn music)
I think we can agree on one thing.
This isn't god, is it?
- Aline! - Pedophiles.
- Father kenner.
Do you fully grasp why you're here?
- I've had some time to...
Think about it.
Pray on it.
God knows, I've prayed on it.
- Robert... - You have to understand...
I am deeply ashamed.
It's not easy for me to sit here and talk about this.
I'm confused.
I'm confused about my actions and yet...
I feel like they are natural.
I'm ashamed to even say it.
- This is a very difficult time in your life.
I realize how upset you are.
And I too share your grief.
- Is it wrong to love a child?
We're taught to believe that the age of reason
Is seven years old.
Don't you think that extends--
- I think you know the answer to that.
(exhaling deeply)
Do you somehow think
That by touching them in this inappropriate way,
You're expressing a need to save them?
To care for them? That you've confused
These two very different actions?
- Yes. (inhales sharply)
Yes. I'm confused.
I don't know what I'm doing. I just...
I know what it feels like when it comes on.
(eerie music)
- Let it out.
- I'm sorry, it's all been so stressful.
- We're here for you.
We've been praying for you.
- Can't tell you how much that means to me.
For you support and for the support of the church.
- Robert.
Can we?
(sniffling)
Oh, lord, jesus christ.
Redeemer and saviour, forgive our sins
Just as you forgave peter's denial
And those who crucified you.
Count not our transgressions
But rather our tears of repentance.
Remember not our inequities
But more especially our sorrow
For those offences we have committed against you.
(voice shaking) - amen.
(sniffling)
(birds chirping)
- I truly believe he wants to put all this behind him.
- Mm-hmm.
- I think he's learned his lesson.
We'll relocated him to a small parish in new brunswick.
Where no one knows him.
- No one from the families has come forward.
- No? Thank goodness.
The investigation was really initiated
By a senior priest at the parish.
Father walters.
He had some suspicions.
But really, he wanted to get father kenner
The help he needed before things got...
Out of hand.
(sighing)
- Should I keep his file here or--
- We're starting our own system at the vatican
For exactly that purpose.
- Thank you, your excellency miller,
For all that you do. God bless you.
- Likewise, doctor.
We are doing good work here.
It's of the highest order
To uphold our good name and character.
Good day to you, sir.
(ominous music)
(upbeat music)
(indistinct chattering)
- Hey.
You all right? You look weird.
It's done.
I did everything I could.
- I know.
I know that the money seems weird.
But it confirms that I'm one expensive lay.
(chuckling)
Hush money feels dirty in a not so good way.
- All these cases settled out of court.
The church is bartering secrecy for compensation.
And father kenner?
- They moved him before he was-- - I get it.
Not even an apology.
- You knew that.
- Yup.
But I was holding out for some sort of acknowledgement.
Maybe a--
- I know. - Do you?
- Okay. Come on.
Let's get out of here. I'll take you home.
- Let's celebrate. - Celebrate?
- Yeah.
This is a victory.
Finally, a victory.
At least someone in our family should have a happy ending.
(scoffing)
- Come on. I'll take you home.
- Why do you always have to be so serious?
- I'm a lawyer.
- My big sister, the big lawyer.
- Knock it off.
(chuckling)
(exhaling deeply)
(indistinct chattering)
- Uh, you, okay?
- I'm fine.
- Okay.
- Ladies, first.
- Such the gentleman.
- Yes, I am.
- Get in, jake.
(speaking cree)
- I love you too, asshole.
- Thanks for trying to look after me.
I can't go home right now.
7436 dundas street.
(cab driver): Got it.
- Jake.
- See you tomorrow.
(engine accelerating)
(piano music playing)
- You smell good.
- You smell like you've been drinking for two days.
- That's because I have been drinking for two days.
Which you already know.
I think you want to say more.
You want to say...
I look handsome despite myself.
- You do. That's what I want to say.
Are you good?
- Better.
Let off some steam.
- Do you want some breakfast?
- You just stay right here, love.
Just like this.
Me and the boys didn't finish cleaning up.
'cause, you know, we got carried away.
So, I'll finish. Back in a jiffy.
We'll start the day off right.
You just keep playing.
I love you just like this.
(piano music playing)
You look so beautiful.
(upbeat music)
(indistinct chattering)
(cheering, laughing)
(whistling)
(sniffing)
(man): Take another one.
(music distorts)
(father kenner): I want you to turn around, slowly.
(eerie music)
You've been, very bad boys.
(distorted upbeat music)
But you like it. Didn't you?
- You all right?
(indistinct chattering)
(soft music)
(chickens clucking)
- Good morning. It's time to get up.
Come on.
Good morning, sleepy head.
Hello.
(giggling) I'll make pancakes.
With blueberries. - Boo-berries.
- Blueberries. - Boo-berries.
(voice whispering in ayajuthum)
(horse neighing)
- Ted? You guys still here?
- Boo-berry.
(voice whispering in ayajuthum)
- Who's here?
Hey, there.
I don't think you should be here.
(indistinct whispering)
(haunting music)
- I should have stayed with them.
(speaking ayahjuthum)
- Okay.
(speaking ayajuthum)
(seagulls squawking)
(crows cawing, fluttering)
(engine accelerating)
- Adam!
- Wait! Wait for me.
- Come now, adam.
I'll take you to the school.
(voice echoing in ayajuthum)
- Grandmother's prayer stayed with me.
(praying in ayajuthum)
(thunder rumbling)
(thunder booming)
- It's in you. You're going to hurt them.
- I love them more than anything.
- It doesn't mean you're not gonna let it leak out.
Joseph did.
He couldn't handle it. How can you?
(haunting music)
- I'm a man.
- They made him beat other kids. Then made him hurt you.
- I would never do that.
- You say that but you're still in me.
I didn't feel anything when I saw him but...
- Relief...
You were relieved.
- What kind of monsters are we to feel that?
(creaking)
(panting)
- Adam!
Adam! Adam!
(shouting)
- Mom?
(sobbing)
(thudding)
- Please breathe. Adam.
Oh, adam.
You said we'd do this together.
You said we would do this together!
Stay! No! Stay there!
(grunting, panting)
(man): Hey, look at this.
(distant sirens wailing)
Fuckin' fag.
Too good to share a smoke?
- Sure, I'll share a smoke
If that's what you want me to do.
Fuck it, let's smoke.
- Fuck, let's do it.
(distant dog barking)
- Fuckin' good, eh?
- You look like you got some indian in you.
- Fuckin' indian fag.
- I'm a whole indian, you motherfucker.
You got that right? This indian fag
Is too good for you, you miserable piece of shit.
(grunting)
Fuck you!
Fuck all of you!
Fuck it all!
(grunting)
(haunting music)
- You know what you did.
(grunting)
And now... You'll suffer the consequences.
- Jed!
Come on!
(crow cawing)
(piano music playing)
(indistinct chattering)
- I wonder where jake is.
- Late to his own opening. That's our jake.
(indistinct chattering)
(tense music)
(camera shutter clicking)
Ah, I'm sure he's close behind.
(ominous music)
- It's jake.
We have to go to the hospital.
(piano music playing)
Mom.
- Let her play one last song.
All the way through.
- He's gonna be okay, mom.
- Why can't we just have this moment?