KJIPUKTUK (Halifax) – Of course we always hope our weekend video finds an audience. This weekend’s video, Magit’s doll, however, is an absolute must see. If I could force you to watch this video I would. It’s that good.
In the documentary Elder Magit Sylliboy’s talks of her stay at the Shubenacadie Residential School when she was just four years old.
“I’ve seen a picture of them, sitting in a row, their hairs cut, shiny hair, sundresses. All of them were holding dolls, and I asked her, you had dolls? I told her we didn’t have dolls when we went there. She said they just had dolls for that one day, the picture taking. After they had their picture taken they had to give their dolls up again. And I said, that’s where my doll went!”
Magit shares her story with Mi’kmaq students, and shows them how she made rag dolls after her beloved doll was taken from her.
The documentary was produced by Halifax-based Ann Verrall, an award-winning director and producer, who specializes in working with youth. It was created by students of We’koqom’a Mi’kmaw School in Waycobah, Cape Breton.
You must watch this!
See also: Understanding our story: two books on the Shubenacadie Residential School
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