What happens when the children and grandchildren of residential school Survivors inherit not only the memories of the past, but its wounds?

In WaaPaKe (Tomorrow), Cree filmmaker Dr. Jules Arita Koostachin brings together Indigenous families and Survivors to confront the lasting effects of Canada's residential school system. Through intimate conversations and deeply personal stories, the film explores how trauma has travelled across generations — shaping relationships, identity, parenting, addiction and the ways families understand themselves.

But this is not simply a film about pain. It is a powerful exploration of what comes after trauma: the courage to speak, the importance of listening, and the possibility of breaking cycles that have endured for generations. By creating space for difficult truths alongside moments of connection, humour and hope, Koostachin asks what it might take for Indigenous families to move toward healing.

WaaPaKe — meaning “Tomorrow” — is ultimately an act of love and reclamation, looking toward a future in which the next generation can carry forward strength rather than inherited trauma.

Notes:

- Online screenings of this film are only available in Canada (and not the USA)

- For a number of years EwB has been funding not only after-school programming at schools in South Africa, but has also several first nations projects in Canada. As a result of these connections we are starting to add a few Canadian First Nations films to our line-ups each year. We hope you enjoy them.

Awards:

- Winner of five festival awards, including Best BC Film at the Vancouver International Film Festival and Best Canadian Feature at Junction North International Documentary Film Festival.