A doc on a deeply sad topic that captures so much love and trust.
Kendra was adopted by white parents. As an adult, she tracks down her biological mom, who was also adopted. Together, they explore their Native heritage and the history of the U.S. government systematically splitting up Native families.
One archival clip pans across a group of Native kids, all forcibly removed from their families; the celluloid is deteriorating, so their bewildered faces crumble and crystallize, over and over — the accidental poetry of ephemeral technology.
The emotion peaks as both women attend a Lummi pow wow and are welcomed by their extended families, strangers with open arms and tales of strength and persecution. Finally among their own blood, they’re essentially tourists.
In a tight 67 minutes, Native director Brooke Swaney touches on centuries of loss and renewal. It’s well worth the watch.