Watch Finding Dawn

Finding Dawn is a powerful documentary film directed by Christine Welsh that explores the issue of missing and murdered Indigenous women (MMIW) in Canada. Released in 2006, the film examines the systemic violence that Indigenous women face and the ways in which society and the justice system have failed to address this crisis. The film begins with the story of Dawn Crey, an Indigenous woman who disappeared from Vancouver's Downtown Eastside in 2000. Through interviews with her family and friends, as well as archival footage and photographs, Welsh reconstructs Dawn's life and the circumstances that led to her disappearance. We learn that Dawn was part of a large family that was torn apart by the residential school system, and that she struggled with addiction and poverty as a result of these traumas.

As the film progresses, Welsh introduces us to other Indigenous women who have gone missing or been murdered across Canada. We hear from their families and friends, who describe the pain and frustration of trying to find answers and justice in a system that often dismisses the value of Indigenous lives. One of the most heartbreaking moments in the film comes when we hear a recording of a 911 call made by a young woman who is being attacked, and the dispatcher seems to question whether or not it's a real emergency.

Throughout the film, Welsh also interviews activists, scholars, and politicians who are working to raise awareness about MMIW and push for change. One of the most compelling voices in the film is that of Dr. Karla Tait, a member of the Wet'suwet'en Nation and a researcher who has worked extensively on the issue of MMIW. Tait's research emphasizes that the violence faced by Indigenous women is not a random phenomenon, but rather a result of systemic racism and colonialism. She argues that addressing the crisis requires a fundamental shift in the way that society thinks about Indigenous people and their lives.

The film also explores the ways in which Indigenous women have resisted this violence and worked to reclaim their power. We meet women who have started organizations, held rallies, and spoken out about their experiences in order to demand change. One powerful scene shows a group of Indigenous women marching across the Highway of Tears in northern British Columbia, where many women have gone missing or been murdered. As they march, they sing and drum and carry signs that read "Stop Killing Us" and "We Want Justice."

Finding Dawn is a difficult film to watch at times, as it depicts the extreme violence and trauma experienced by Indigenous women. However, it is also a film that provides a platform for these women to tell their own stories and to demand justice for themselves and their communities. Through powerful images, interviews, and historical context, the film illustrates the ways in which colonialism, racism, and misogyny have created a situation in which Indigenous women are so often victimized and ignored. However, it also provides hope that through collective action and solidarity, change is possible.

Finding Dawn is a 2006 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 13 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.1.