Ep 2. Dawnland

In Independent Lens season 20 episode 2, titled Dawnland, the documentary takes us on a journey to Maine, where a truth and reconciliation commission was established by the Wabanaki Tribe alongside non-native state government representatives and citizens. The commission aimed to address the historical trauma and systemic abuses Native American children faced in foster care systems.

The documentary opens with interviews of adult Wabanaki Tribe members recounting their traumatic experiences as children in state-run foster care systems. This sets the tone for the rest of the episode, which explores the effects of the Indian Child Welfare Act of 1978, whose main objective was to keep Native children with their families and within their tribes. However, the law was not implemented properly, leading to a mass removal of Native children from their homes and placement in non-Native foster care systems for extended periods of time.

We follow two passionate individuals working with the commission: Esther Anne, a social worker and former director of child welfare for the Wabanaki, and Denise Altvater, a Passamaquoddy tribal member with a background in social work. They are tasked with gathering testimony from Wabanaki people who were affected by the Indian Child Welfare Act and writing a report on their findings to the commission. The testimonials shared on camera are harrowing, as we hear first-hand accounts of physical, emotional, and sexual abuse inflicted on children by their non-Native foster parents.

The documentary dives into the history of Maine and how government policies, including boarding schools and assimilation tactics, have tried to systematically wipe out Native culture and identity for centuries. This history is also reflected in the demographics of Maine, where Native people make up just 1% of the population.

Throughout the episode, we see the challenges faced by the Dawnland commission in their efforts to bring justice to Native people who were wronged by the system. State officials express concern for the testimonies gathered and the possibility of reparations, as well as their role in the commission and who should have a say in its decision-making.

The documentary also delves into the intricacies of trauma and healing, especially among Wabanaki peoples. Many have faced generations of trauma that have been passed down from their ancestors, making the healing process especially difficult. The commission acknowledges this in its work, with plans to establish a cultural preservation program for Wabanaki peoples.

As the episode concludes, we see the commission's final report being delivered to the State of Maine, and the subsequent press conference that follows. The report calls for the creation of an educational resource center for Native children in foster care that prioritizes cultural awareness, as well as support for Wabanaki families and their youth. The documentary ends on a hopeful note, with Wabanaki members expressing their gratitude for having their voices heard and their histories acknowledged.

Overall, Independent Lens season 20 episode 2, Dawnland, is a poignant documentary that sheds light on the struggles of Native people in Maine and their journey towards healing and justice. The episode explores themes of both historical and generational trauma, systemic abuse, and the importance of cultural preservation. Through its compelling storytelling and personal testimonials, Dawnland is a must-watch for anyone interested in understanding the complexities of Native American history and culture in the United States.