Cross Lake: “This Is Where I Live” - The Fifth Estate

Last winter, five young people killed themselves in the northern Indigenous community of Cross Lake, Manitoba. In the weeks that followed 140 more attempted suicide. Cross Lake declared a state of emergency. The Fifth Estate went to Cross Lake to find out why and spent nine months there, talking to people, filming -- and giving young people their own cameras to tell their stories.
We arrived expecting darkness but we also found plenty of hope and struggle. Young people let us into their lives and opened up about their fears, their concerns about their parents, their desire to protect their siblings.
They shared their dreams about finding a new life -- whether through sports, music or romance … and even by becoming young parents.
And we met the adults struggling to help them -- a dedicated principal trying to keep her students safe and a determined Chief fighting for a better future for her people.
Come meet the people of Cross Lake and take a journey you won’t soon forget.
---
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About the fifth estate : For four decades The Fifth Estate has been Canada's premier investigative documentary program. Hosts Bob McKeown, Gillian Findlay and Mark Kelley continue a tradition of provocative and fearless journalism. the fifth estate brings in-depth investigations that matter to Canadians - delivering a dazzling parade of political leaders, controversial characters and ordinary people whose lives were touched by triumph or tragedy.

[@malina1239]

When the boy Christian said “I want to be a hero someday” I thought, - you already are! Surviving a childhood like he’s had, he is a a hero, a warrior and a survivor . They all are. My heart bleeds for these kids😭

[@martytruelove5026]

Isolation and 80 percent unemployment...even Heroes would find this difficult.

[@johnmiller5678]

Very well said

[@K131399]

this is disneyland compared to the realities of the residential school controlled genocide system which stains our country but white liberals (who cant hate white people enough) choose to ignore it because to address it would/could possibly lead to understanding and solutions but definitely threaten the golden rule of degenerate liberalism which is "never let a crisis go to waste"

[@Kingj2real]

Malina 123 my heart died reading this. So kind thank you for the amazing uplifting comment.

[@beverlykorte8581]

Agree ✌🏼💜🙏🏼

[@iron_horse3581]

The young man in tears at the 11 min mark.....you are very brave speaking of such anguish on camera. I do believe you are much stronger than you know. Stay focussed, dream big, and always believe in yourself. Love from British Columbia.

[@sarabrown2663]

He broke my heart. The pain in his body, face, and voice can be felt.!

[@angelawierda760]

🙏🙏❤🙏🙏

[@juanitadebbiemorales9670]

I agree !

[@HerculesRockefellerESQ]

That was tough to watch.

[@doubleugly1594]

Absolutely, what a strong, proud young man.. Much love from the Yukon.

[@pamelagibbs3992]

I'm not native, but I'm from Ontario Canada and I'm ashamed at the way this community is treated. These people are suffering every day, the teens are so distraught, it is heart breaking...

[@damarustlaurent]

It’s communities across Canada, these indigenous ppl are segregated to reservations.

[@loganbothwell543]

Pamela Gibbs sick of being blamed for their problems.....when are they going to take responsibility instead of crying poor us. They have money for booze...drugs and casinos but cannot invest in their own communities!

[@loganbothwell543]

Damaru Saint-Laurent Did they ever hear the word MOVE if you don’t like your situation. Get your FREE education and join the rest of the taxpayers. Problem is they want everything for free and think they are entitled. Have some respect for yourselves!

[@opalgoon6154]

Damaru Saint-Laurent that's what they wanted ALL OVER North America, they were segregated by their own hands. Accountability is an incredible thing.

[@Biggest_fan]

They want to live alone and away from our communities but yet blame us for situations that they put themselves in and want everything free and handed to them i don't agree with that if you want to be apart of a Country you do simple as that. Instead of drinking and drugging why are they not building homes for each other and doing something meanful look at how they live day by day look at there house's and all the damage All Of That is Not OUR Fault. All the parents do is drink and fight and damage everything and the kids do the same instead of making holes why don't the fix them.

[@MsPascalex]

10:30 that left me speechless when Vince cried his heart out about his friend and at the same moment rain and thunder starts "Vince your friend his still around you and heard your pain 😢" "Keep working hard on your dream I know for sure you will achieve your goal ❤"

[@FishermanClay8108]

Everybody cares for each other in most communities everywhere. He has a big heart.

[@shiningstar3312]

Pascale.......What Pagan nonsense........his friend is dead and 6 feet under............no wonder they want to kill themselves.......to escape the responsibilty of growth and character development and all the pain that goes with it.....I am part Native......fortunately my grandfather left the reserve and embraced the Good news of the Gospel.......and he left behind a great legacy.......several homes/real estate and a store. (yes he worked hard but refused government handouts and assimilated with other communities (he was an orphan)......he left the pagan traditions behind and embraced Jesus...........unfortunately these days u cannot speak about the hope in JESUS as u would be "violating the civil rights" of others.........these kids should become missionaries in Africa, Asia etc

[@nicholassweazey987]

VINCE---honor your best friend by living AND BEING an AWESOME MAN HERE AND NOW in 2020. GOD BLESS YOU VINCE. you are in my prayers

[@margaretjohnston8055]

@@shiningstar3312 it was the good news of the bible that brought these people to this terrible place. BTW judging people is not one of the virtues taught in any Christian religion, but love, honor, respect that is what your God teaches and that will lead to understanding and support for the less fortunate. Every living creature has the spirit of god in his core.

[@beverlykorte8581]

🙏🏼🙏🏼🌹

[@jeremyhumphrey4559]

To all the kids in this film, My name is Jeremy I live in a small town in northwest Vermont. My brother took his own life when I was in my twenty’s I know how hard it is and can be I attempted suicide but two people came to my rescue I woke up in the icu just wanna say don’t do it!! You guys are so awesome!! Don’t let suicide be your legacy. Go back to your roots and find the right way. I promise you all that taking your own life is not the answer!! And like I said you guys are really awesome people!!!

[@saffiyya]

Sending hugs

[@CDN1975]

I just want to hug these teens and give them hope for the future. They deserve so much more in life.

[@joydot7620]

love don't pay the rent...

[@kathcasey2090]

Well I for one will petition my local MP in Ontario and inquire about the situation.

[@IRONMAN000]

Joy wants your wallet, not your kindness.

[@Miriam-fk9wr]

Oh I feel the same way you do as soon as I saw them I would have love to embrace them with a hug and tell them it’s going to be okay 🌷🙏🏻

[@lindaraymond1293]

This is absolutely heartbreaking. Shame on Canadian government for not stepping up with help. Is Canada going to continue to treat our indigenous peoples like this forever?

[@mirandascott8058]

Sadly its not just canada

[@ddrr003]

Linda Raymond what would you suggest be done

[@paulasydney]

@@ddrr003 I'd suggest Trudeau stop spending Millions on illegal immigrants walking into Canada with their suitcases and families!!! If they have Millions to spend on all these immigrants, where is the money for our own people?? It makes me sick to see how the Indigenous people are treated like garbage and basically forgotten and not cared about. Shame on this Government!!

[@amandau2738]

@@paulasydney seriously though! I am all for immigration but we need to set things right with the true owners of this land before we help people from other countries!

[@paulasydney]

@@amandau2738 Exactly!! I agree whole heartedly.

[@CDN1975]

Vince and Christian...you are good men. Keep on working towards having a better life. You can do great things. Maxine, just take one day at a time. You are here for a reason.

[@lindaspinks7927]

Graduate and you can do your dream with babies

[@robertmae3416]

8500 people and no hospital! This is absolutely not acceptable. But - we have government funding (our money, by the way) heading overseas to other people living in poverty.

[@paisleyprincess7996]

Robert Mae that's insane. Then to have them spend weeks at the hospital until they give birth. Even the reservations in the US have hospitals

[@robertmae3416]

It gets worse. The federal government is now housing illegal immigrants who are crossing the border into Quebec - at the Olympic housing site. But the natives can just go on living under worse conditions that these "well-to-do" Haitians the US let in. Check out the Rebel news on that one.

[@loganbothwell543]

Robert Mae maybe they should pay taxes like the rest of us instead of standing with their hands out. Build a hospital instead of a Casio!

[@adamatova]

These people need their land back, they lost their spirit when those dams were built.

[@scarletred1497]

@@loganbothwell543 does Crosslake reserve have a casino?

[@aliray1868]

Makes my heartbreak. :( Christian is a beautiful child. When he smiles he makes me want to smile

[@beverlykorte8581]

✌🏼💜🙏🏻🌹❤️

[@peachwedding]

Thank you Fifth Estate for bringing awareness to these issues and highlighting the importance of the government's involvement in these issues. I think we need more of these documentaries. I dont know if Canadians not on reserves are fully aware of how bad this problem is.

[@diamondeyes1559]

And to do something....but it seems to be all talk and forget

[@rochellewant5418]

Most of us as Canadians do know about these issues, but we too believe the empty promises from our federal government!! The only power we have as citizens is our VOTE...but even that sometimes is useless !!

[@missnellaful]

Has anyone investigated the music of CANADIAN rockers? They are not known for their ethics. Please look into their secrets and deep roots. This is torture and the frequencies that some broadcasting Winnipeg born musicians broadcast on are torture frequencies from wars and Medical devices!

[@rubylace9963]

Every time they cried, I cried too..so heartbreaking. I hope these teenagers are doing okay. And despite the dark history and the communities problems, the scenery is beautiful.. those lakes, trees, everything.

[@jaxhorn]

This community is amazing, but Why not put trades in the schools? Teach them how to build houses and how to be a come medical assistance. Give them something to help better their community and lives.

[@kymberlecheney4820]

Jaxon H that is a great idea and I'm sure would have a positive impact on this community if they were able to do what you suggest. it would take allot of funding on top of what little they are already getting to start and keep it going.

[@kymberlecheney4820]

Smelly Nelly great attitude!! lol but tell us how you really feel

[@anne-droid7739]

Hahaha! Look at the color of that icon--Smelly Nelly must have been blocked a million times to rate all the way down, down, down to magenta! What a sorry waste of skin.

[@RampantArtist]

A lot of the problems shown here are NOT related to it being a native community. I know that is a popular filter but it just isn't true. The rural areas of all provinces, but esp the smaller ones and the territories, have the exact problems... even the suicides. I lost 2 cousins this past year alone. That town in the video could be my hometown in most ways. A lot of drugs and booze, a lot of moms under 16, few jobs and a boatload of suicides. Rural means the trained outsiders don't want to be there even when there is money to pay them. There isn't a therapist within 4 hrs of that town i grew up in. So it isn't all about native vs not. People with professional careers want high pay and places to spend it. They don't want dinky reserves or rural towns.

[@kymberlecheney4820]

RampantArtist I'm sorry for your loss. It's happening here in the states as well. You and yours are in my prayers.

[@Gigi-ki5su]

I'm here watching this now. Made me hug my boys so tightly. A neglected, hurt and desperate child is the saddest thing to see.

[@catherined2876]

Everyone who participated in this program are such beautiful, compassionate, and strong people. Especially Christian--that kid is a star. Wow...such an amazing leader I hope to see him successful in the future! Everyone at Cross Lake we're behind you and are rooting for you!

[@jennigee51]

I find this absolutely shocking and unforgivable! Their land was taken from them, they have less and less to live on, they're discarded and forgotten about, it's shameful!

[@johnmaiurro4592]

I guarantee u they did not pay for the skate park the rec hall the ice rink the school the basket ball courts..the team uniforms skates ,balls, sticks...that is all stuff paid for by and with the gov't and many generous canadian companies churches and people.

[@13neverforget13]

Totally agree 👍

[@mandyshores1818]

Harsh and very unfair reality. Step a foot on a res and you immediately feel the oppression. So sad

[@toddbacon6738]

It is things like this that make me embarrassed to be Canadian. Help the people in our country before the government sends billions of dollars to other countries and then say, "We don't have anymore money to give."

[@kiminseattle3476]

Todd Bacon Same here in U.S.A.

[@pandastylearmy5938]

canadian government gives away an average of 4 million dollars a month in grants. there is a lot of money. they just dont give it to natives...because the government gave themselves power to control and spend any monies paid to the natives for use of the land. thats why the indians protest so much. the indian act keeps them beholden to the government. and then the media tells the public its paid from taxes..but that is not true. all native funding comes from the Indian Trust Fund. the payments canada and canadians pay for use of the land and resources. the treaties. but they not only dont want to pay what they owe...they made themselves legal gaurdians of the money owned by the very people they are stealing from.

[@stevenmakimot7754]

Very very true..a lot of countries are more than willing to donate millions to other countries in need! This is a good thing but take care of your own country first! Especially the young adults and elderly!

[@elinikolai7493]

@@pandastylearmy5938 Excuse me sir where can I find the link to this information?

[@dawnrichardson7179]

@@pandastylearmy5938 , Sounds like human rights abuse and neglect from your own government. Charity begins at home. The money sent to other Nations should be spent on your own people. Shame on the government. May they be troubled by the neglect of their own countrymen. Love from Australia.

[@bethroesch2156]

I live in a very small town and losing just one of our kids is heartbreaking. More than one would be devastating. Time to offer these folks the resources that they need. Doctors, housing, counseling and clean drinking water. Not unreasonable requests. How many people have to die before it matters??

[@shelley9955]

Beth Roesch why give them water when all they drink is booze...

[@stacycamacho59]

@@shelley9955 not all of them drink alcohol. I know because I live on a reservation but I am white. But these kids can break the cycle.

[@margaretjohnston8055]

@@stacycamacho59 it takes professional help to break the cycle and that is something that isn't available in this community.

[@wangus2998]

write letters of support, government has to listen to Canadians

[@heinrichmuller7974]

Welcome to the Rez... trying to undue the damage the "Indian Act" has done to 1st Nations Peoples is like shovelling water.

[@pandastylearmy5938]

they never gave up the land. instead they made business deal to share the land. to this day canada is a commonwealth because they only co-own the land. the treaty payments went into a bank account...quarterly interest...in the late 1800s...thats over 100 years of interest on a fund thats been collecting payments for over 100 years....and the indian act states that the money owing to the natives will be "held in trust" by the canadian federal government. if they ever got rid of the indian act they would have to dole out all that money...and canada is a big place...there is lots of rent payments made. when a rez demands funding they are not looking for a grant or free money, they are asking for the permission to spend their own money. but...indian act says "the government will hold these payments in trust for the indian". thats how come the funding for schooling is 6000 dollars less a student than the rest of the province. because its not funded by the same money. non native..funded privately or by taxes....native school..funded by native money "held in trust" by the government. the lesson here is...never let someone else control your money. unless they have guns, own all the jails and start a plan to kill you and your family. then your lucky if you live.

[@honestlilly8153]

@@pandastylearmy5938 I

[@junchiewins87]

this my town I love all of them and I always cry when I see someone doing something bad

[@Jolenesmart1980]

Your community is amazing. So is there internet there?

[@annadawn4610]

May I ask how things are there now????

[@socialmedia1276]

How are things now? Any change?

[@TheRealCrystalReid]

I don't understand how our Canadian Government can sit by and watch this go on. God bless these people and change the minds of the ones who have the power to make a difference.

[@iggle6448]

I'm not Canadian. I live far away. But I'm appalled, disgusted and indescribably sad at how these people are treated so very badly by the Canadian government. The same government that can spend a great deal of money on, for example, the latest political correctness involving enforcing new pronouns on the population. It's no consolation at all, but this dreadful type of treatment of minority groups that don't get onto the political correctness agenda is widespread throughout the world. No wonder these young people are suicidal.

[@PiXie232]

@@iggle6448 you clearly are vastly missing the point about why people use different pronouns than the typical he/she- and the reason why governments the world over have felt the need to change their laws to accommodate these people, is because they deserve it. They don’t fall under the typical only 2 choices.. and for many.. that can feel like a death sentence. They feel trapped in the wrong body, many are teased and bullied horribly throughout their lives- which leads to what the topic we watched in this video- suicide. So please.. do your homework before you go ranting about a government spending too much money on “enforcing pronouns”.. because a) that’s just a load of crap.. there’s very little that goes into the LGBTQ Community from the government, and the government spends as little as possible when it comes to anything that has to do with it. It’s just facts. It always has been. We’d get so much more accomplished if it were the other way around, but it’s not. I know you posted this 3 years ago, but I still feel like you needed to hear this.. cheers:)

[@iggle6448]

@@PiXie232 Nah. I didn't need to hear this despite your feelings.

[@PiXie232]

@@iggle6448 you really do

[@Erica-bo7nk]

@@PiXie232 Why should the government spend any money on someone’s sexuality? Why should the LGBT community get any government funding?

[@LisaCaudill001]

The pain of these young people is heartbreaking...I wish I could do something to help them....I want to hug them all...they have such potential

[@georginacat7667]

Its not pain. Its a coping strategy. They dont know how to deal with it so they are " suicidal" but they are not. If they were they would not be telling everyone they want to kill themselves. They would quietly make plans and go somewhere no one could stop them.

[@quotidian5077]

@@georginacat7667 maybe she is hoping someone will hear her and help her. She already tried 4 times starting at 9.

[@margaretjohnston8055]

@@georginacat7667 that's why the fifth estate is doing the story because they are not "suicidal". That's why there have been so many deaths because they are not "suicidal". Nobody is asking you to evaluate the story but they are hoping that people would atleast listen and hear them.

[@georginacat7667]

@@quotidian5077 no she didn't.... thats not how suicide works

[@kaisla6569]

@@georginacat7667 many people survive suicide attempts... someone gets there in time and stops them or gets them to the hospital, how gross of you to even say that there has to be one way to behave or it's just not valid, after how many of their friends already successfully killed themselves? sorry getting molested, having drunk parents who don't really care abt you, raising their neighbours kids and their siblings even tho they're just kids, losing their friends and family and living in poverty because they're denied basic rights in THEIR OWN country isn't pain? you sound so ignorant, they are suffering out of no fault of their own and are literally begging and crying for help, you honestly should be ashamed

[@cristyramirez7329]

When that young lady said "No one knows how much I want to take my own life" , my heart broke into a million pieces. Poor child, to feel that sense of desperation and pain that penetrated into her soul and bones is unreal. No child should ever feel that suicide is an option.

[@joydot7620]

how about the boy "i need to feel something". a teen in 2018

[@copypaste1725]

Maxine isn’t the type of child that one needs to be worried about. She can easily receive treatment if treatment was made available, because nobody fails 4 attempts at suicide. She would have had to tell her mother that she was going to kill herself prior to locking her door, hence the urgency on behalf of her mother. The kids you need to worry about are the children whom anguish in silence. They won’t threaten suicide repeatedly; they’ll successfully commit suicide and then the signs will emerge.

[@lorina9787]

Cristy Ramirez I’m barely watching this segment on Cross Lake, and the young girl, Maxine, really looks like a young girl I saw on Chosen Won. I believe it’s her% I’m trying to find the episode. I really hope it’s not Maxine because the girl I’m remembering was homeless and after she was taped, unfortunately passed away. I believe she was hit by a train. I’m still looking tho....

[@deborahlovallo8624]

very sad

[@IRONMAN000]

@@lorina9787 what's Chosen Won?

[@zumbagirly72]

This video made me want to go there and work with these teens..breaks my heart to hear their life stories

[@wangus2998]

go, sell ur stuff, go and do what u gotta do, seeing others willing to help n support, means their is love in this world!

[@mandybarraclough8785]

I’m in England and have watched so many documentaries on the natives of America and in Canada, I’m so disgusted how these beautiful people have been treated over the years and are not being treated any better now, shame on the government, so much shame on them, the children who are growing up in the reserves don’t see any future for themselves so are dying, please schools, teach them to be woodworkers, builders, some craftsmen where they can build a better life and again i shame the governments for allowing this life to go on, sending light and blessings

[@chadforsey3523]

Well said!!

[@johnmaiurro4592]

indeed they were treated poorly, almost every country on earth has history of injustice....since then...us Canadians who had nothing to do with the injustice bestrewn, will continue to pay, free education, free healthcare no taxes for all natives and part native..build them homes[which often are in shambles within 5 yrs] pay their law suites from the Native grab in BC in the 60's [ taking them away from drunk unstable homes] & being adopted by many other canadians who gave them a much better life..a few did not which instigated a class action law suite and each & one gets $40,000, and we give opportunities in cities..We do that for everyone that gets to live here..they just need to find the right channels...If we sent them 100 gallons of paint to fix up their homes maybe a few would ...its the parents ! they need help.

[@saffiyya]

Thay would never be treated like this here im in wales

[@paigeroth402]

There is such a lack of respect for our First Nations People from the government and police. It is true that their livelihood has been taken away and not just in Cross Lake.

[@paisleyprincess7996]

Peg Davis I definitely agree but I also think the mindset needs changing. When you've got the teenage dad of twins pretty much giving up and saying "better luck with these two" that's a society that's given up. No amount of government help will change the systemic problems unless the mindset is addressed

[@iggle6448]

Mindset is a product of experience both personal and ancestral. If your people have been systematically disempowered by a much greater power how on earth do you and your people get your own power back? This society has all but given up because they've been systematically marginalised and disenfranchised - they're realistic about the poverty imposed on them by successive callous governments. PP, your comment is redolent of the blame-the-victim reaction which is so very easy to dish out. Please do a lot more studying and thinking to reach a more balanced view than your trite comment.

[@paisleyprincess7996]

Oddvar Römer I'm not blaming anyone. I'm saying that there is a level of learned helplessness at play here. And you're right, for the most part. But how long can you keep replaying the tape without really trying to improve things? And it is a mindset, and even if there were jobs available and everything was in place...they've seen their folks, grandparents, and other relatives stuck, and that's all they see.

[@pandastylearmy5938]

would you say that to a concentration camp survivor? "oh you just need to focus on the positive and get over the negative". you wouldn't. you've been taught through media, entertainment and the justice system that one does not make light of the holocaust. it was a genocide...well genocide is what put the first Nations in the dire jeopardy they are in now. the last residential school (admitted to be the killing machine of a genocide by the very government that created them! yet there are those who STILL don't believe it was genocide) closed in 1996. so, if you were alive 23 years ago and are still alive today and are are lucky enough to be born in first nations...then you are a genocide survivor. dont tell people who have survived a genocide that all they need is a better attitude. ignorance seems to be the only virtue of your comment.

[@cindasana]

And not just from the government and police, reading some of the asinine comments here.

[@rubyarguello1202]

I'm not Native nor from Canada. This is the most heartbreaking story ever... My heart is breaking for everyone there. May God Bless all of you and prayers for all these teens and the ones helping them... Love to All of you.

[@Pollyanna_Nielsen]

I watched the entire documentary and I am left with a sense of loss. I don't understand even after watching it, hearing their stories, trying to make sense of their sorrow...I still don't understand how that many people would have killed themselves and the 140 who attempted it. This is such a sad story. God bless them.

[@samaniegoangel80]

Such a beautiful people. So sad the conditions they face.

[@Human4Peace]

A beautiful people. We need you all, especially the youth. I'm in East coast Canada. You are all important

[@tomduncan9806]

Trudeau & the rest of the government should be very ashamed of themselves! Give these people what was promised. NOW please.

[@katiegeeish]

@Cat. Wing and shame on you for wanting to protect those who should be held responsible.

[@katiegeeish]

@Cat. Wing Shouldn't those question be directed toward you, the person calling others ignorant and stating they shouldn't even publicly comment on it? You must be better informed than all of us.

[@katiegeeish]

@Cat. Wing "You're ignorant, go educate yourself, answer all my questions, think for yourself, I'm more informed"....while refusing to support any of their claims xD

[@melissajohnson1489]

Cat. Wing when the government lies to increase its wealth while destroying the land and income of the Natives, our sense of security is destroyed! Most importantly, the children are not responsible for the sins of their forefathers! My people, MSKVE, are successful because we focus on our children. We acknowledge the problem of alcohol and substance abuse and do not demonize it. Instead, we have abundant counseling and support groups. Until you have lived our lives, seen the poverty of our brothers, you should not judge. Indeed, you should never judge. Mvto?

[@PRETTYFACE816]

@@katiegeeish 😁 good one!

[@TainaDaSilva271]

All of these issues are seen on every single reserve in Canada. The Canadian government is fully to blame.

[@satanspy]

the government is too blame and not these savage alcoholics?

[@TainaDaSilva271]

Your comment is lacking grammar, and a sense of integrity. If you can't understand what has already been said on this video then maybe you shouldn't comment on something too far beyond your sensibilities.

[@satanspy]

Its always the white mans fault...but no one bothers to ask how come whites advanced their technology faster than everyone else and conquered nations. If you were too stupid to have ships and firearms and got enslaved then whos fault is it but your own primitive culture.

[@TainaDaSilva271]

There's nothing advanced about germ warfare, murder, and rape. Learn your history; modern day settler.

[@satanspy]

Yes there is. Because your people had spears and axes for weapons. And got conquered. Just like the Blacks.

[@shelleyhillier7581]

a few time i had tears in my eyes but when Vinces fathter was talking about how he had quit drinking and that he didnt want vince to follow in his footsteps.........my tears flowed...i wish there was something i could do to change the lives for these beautiful people

[@vincescott9107]

Shelley Hillier thanks for the thoughts ...but am contemplating.. of how.. am living my life...even with my kids...Even tho they're all grown up...but I am nappy ATM..my twin grand sons we're born on may 18..Vince Gill's

[@paisleyprincess7996]

Vince Scott I truly feel for all of you, and it broke my heart that your son said he had to pass his own dreams on to the twins. He's only 18, and he's already determined his life is over. I think that mindset is contributing to the suicides...seeing such bleak conditions and asking "is this it?," then falling into despair. The government must help, but unless the mindset is changed, no amount of money will make it better.

[@Skarlet79]

Shelley Hiller.... so did I. When Vince started to cry (10:18) while he was taking about his friend's suicide attempted really got me. I've hardly ever seen anybody cry so much. I just want to give him a big hug and hold him tight.

[@danielaberdeen1444]

Love the resilience , strength, durability , spirit and beauty ! Cudos! to you 5th estate for this inspiring and brilliant doc ! Prayers 🙏 for the community and much love God's blessings 🙌 to all .

[@joanneleadley5266]

Keep pushing through your struggles. You will find what your heart longs for. Blessings to you . All is well

[@gabriellar1859]

Being a Metis from Canada, I have been living in Switzerland foe 11 years. Due to my demographic and limited knowledge of the language I have experienced a lot of discrimination. There are so many people in the world who believe they are better than others for some apparent reason important to them. Sadly, my children have also experienced this prejudice. Watching this documentary I cried more than once. What struck me is how truly beautiful this community of people are. Their soft spoken way of sharing their hearts this the cameras. If only they could summon the respect from their culture, their community, their gorgeous landscape they live in and see how valuable they all are. In comparison here in Europe, there are the indigineous of Switzerland, they didnt let the French, Italians, or Germans take away the respect they have for their own culture. When this community and other indigineous communities stand up strong and united proud of who they are they will never be defeated.

[@Human4Peace]

Sadly many of my white counterparts believe they are better... and they are not. They have only proved how hateful, judgemental and racist they are. Afraid of other people being better then them. Hugs and love to our beautiful First Nation People.

[@lenitaa7938]

@@Human4Peace It is sad when Caucasians get an elitist or superior attitude! It's inexcusable! Unfortunately, this is common when there are minority groups in any country!

[@user-ym1mr1lj2y]

Discrimination in Switzerland? I just ask, not that i know..

[@alwayslernin4400]

It starts when you realize how weak someone must be to have to put someone else down to feel better about themselves. You should pity these people, not listen to them. Indigenous people have a proud history of survival and living off the land. Respecting and appreciating that same land. So much to be proud of.

[@bananamilk2605]

@@user-ym1mr1lj2y actually quite a bit of it! Even between the various European communities within Switzerland, let alone foreigners and people of colour. If ever you study social or immigration law (or are from a discriminated group) you will understand

[@amberfoster8089]

As a teacher i'd love to work with these teens and fellow teachers. I'm European and i'm shocked and heartbroken at the lack of adequate professional medical intervention and extra teaching support. These kids are beautiful and are bursting with potential. Very upsetting.

[@ek2137]

Vince, keep practicing, we all are rooting for you! Congratulations Tenera, you have a beautiful baby in Austin .

[@erikagyneth8222]

Tamara your children are beautiful, and you seem to be a very gentle mom, God bless you. Maxine you are such a pretty girl and I am so happy that,the love of your cute lil boy gives you something to live for. Bless you All

[@Hebrewmafia]

These beautiful children are very courageous to share their journey with us. I pray for each and every one of these kids to have their dreams come true.

[@blossomfleurie6335]

May the Almighty God bless them in aboundance. In Jesus Christ name. Amen!

[@debradesimone9777]

I can relate to this. This video is so full of despair and sadness. I feel that this community needs help so badly where is it? We stole their land and now have imprisoned them out of our sight and mind. My heart hurts. We send money overseas to help other countries when in our backyard we have this going on.

[@leslietylersmith430]

Thankyou @cbcfifth for sharing this important & heartbreaking story. The Company that built damns & destroyed the life of these people should be held accountable in some way. I'm here in Brooklyn, NY, but I hope people in Canada see this & do something for this community. Indian people have suffered so much. The young people & parents who find the will & strength within to pull themselves out of depression & live for their love of each other are heroes & spiritual warors. My prayers are with you we all realize we must all look out for each other😪🙏🏼❤🙏🏼❤️

[@margaretcourtoreille9380]

I would like to add that I lived with my grandparents from the time of birth, I don't know why I was passed to them to raise me but they lived in a reserve they named Big Point, it was a happy home which sat on a hill overlooking the great slave lake, Big Point was later known as Narrows. I was only with these beautiful people for a short 6 years of my life then I got scooped up. They were the pioneers of their days. We traveled by horse and wagon,my grandfather was a fur trader and hunted for survival, we lived off the land but we lived a life between the fine lines and I was very happy. I was also the youngest of the 8 grandkids they were raising. I don't know where my sisters and brothers were taken but we all got separated.This would be my journey getting scooped up. My life would never be the same. Imagine never seeing a desk, a pencil, a blackboard, other kids in a classroom that I didn't understand as to what am I doing here. My first thought was that I was being punished and I'd be laughed at because all I wanted was to go home to my kook_um and musuum, grandmother and grandfather. God all I want is to go home. Why?

[@eleonorbeall776]

I'm watching this documentary, tears running down my cheek, making myself watch and listen to these horrible stories, native people DO NOT DESERVE this kind of treatment, our future generations deserve better. All they're asking is to be treated fairly like the rest of the Canadians, I came from a third world country. my heart breaks watching these young people taking they're own life because they got nothing to live for, its very dishearting!!!!!!!!!!!

[@tigerdeer]

So sad that these kids have such a terrible foundation. A vicious cycle. I hope the Canadian government gives more attention to this part of the country. These people deserver it.

[@KAP1984]

This children are heroes for not giving up and I send much love and respect. May the love of all surround you always precious, precious beings

[@1angelwatcher]

I just watched this on TV. Absolutely devastating. Such beautiful, intelligent young people with such limited possibilities. How does our government deem it right and just to take away but not give back. "Are there no workhouses?" seems appropriate language here. Come on Canada, do they not deserve what every other Canadian deserves?

[@saraallison9469]

I feel terribly sorry for Christian. No parental safeguarding for this young man , so many worries and troubles he has to endure so young in life, sorry for all of these children

[@dancerbabe02]

Ok, so did anything improve here?! this is really outrageous and disgusting. They definitely should NOT have to beg for the basics. 149 on suicide watch and no team of support or outreach?! Come on, how can nothing be done about this? I am so saddened.

[@happeedaze1]

Nothing changed....it's gotten worse.

[@Kanieht.L]

because they tried with our ancestors to erase us from the world .. and when they couldn't they tried to break our families apart .. and in some cases succeeded with residential schools .. the government wants native people to no longer exist ...

[@deborahlovallo8624]

very very sad

[@11karz]

Thank you for giving these kids a voice.

[@ashketchum1377]

Im rooting for these people so hard. They are going against every odd. They will be warriors coming out !

[@stephanieaskew1011]

Why are they with out the basics...electric...water...decent medical? This is beyond injustice!

[@rosamariamendoza1466]

Like in the U S of A!😡

[@elinikolai7493]

@Carm Sacco Why hello doctor you seem to know so much. When you say those type of things it seems like you don't understand the situation or don't want to care enough to try to understand.

[@GottaWannaDance]

If you actually watched the whole doc you would've heard and seen the answers. Play it again and pay attention, k?

[@sophiabright8371]

The word you are looking for is GENOCIDE. STATE-SANCTIONED GENOCIDE.

[@shelleystroyan1190]

Listening to Maxine it broke my heart. All i wanted to do was give her a hug. It was nice to see her beautiful smile afterward and have a reason to live. I pray it always stays that way, a long happy life with her son.

[@vanessaa7602]

This was an extremely moving, heartbreaking & frustrating doc. I pray for all the citizens of Cross Lake who continue to suffer so much.

[@ebybeehoney]

That principle is a saint! All those teachers are working so hard. And I just want to give those poor kids a hug - which probably isn't what they need, but still! I really hope that everyone sees this and hears.

[@starlord2574]

These young teens broke my heart. They are all so beautiful and I wish I could take them in and help them all. We need to help them, shoving them in a reservation and forgetting about them is disgusting. We bring refugees here who are set up and life is magically easy for them. This is so disgusting that the Trudeau government has not done a thing to help them. How about getting on a plane and just going their to see how they are living. My god he and his government should be so ashamed. Truly an embarrassment to Canada. Thank you for showing us the truth!!! The 5th Estate, well done 💖

[@soulnurse3833]

These Native Teens are Wonderful Children.. I totally will support anything that the Canadian Gov't would propose to HELP THESE YOUTH!!!! Let's find a WAY TO HELP!!!!! AWWWWW

[@soulnurse3833]

Oh my, we NEED TO HELP!!

[@IRONMAN000]

🤣

[@melissamarie7598]

Said a prayer for everyone, especially Christian, Vince, and Maxine! I pray their lives blossom into something beautiful, they really all deserve so much more then this. . 💔 If any of you are reading I'm sending my love, and I hope you all are well! ❤❤❤❤❤❤❤ Just breaks my heart watching this. . . These parents need to take care and nurture their babies. They deserve that, and so much more 😢❤

[@gypsysoul9437]

These kids matter! These people matter! To ignore their pain and suffering is down right abusive in itself! Shame on not only the Canadian government for their continued two-faced/empty promises but also the corporations and individuals who feel entitled to freely ridicule or further abuse indigenous peoples. Canadians as a whole should be embracing their indigenous peoples rather then breaking them down. How 'nice' of Canada to support the native communities by letting them know how much they matter. Canadians are so nice. Pfft.

[@saraallison9469]

Gypsy Soul are you Canadian?

[@pandastylearmy5938]

are you?

[@saraallison9469]

pandastylearmy yes

[@navalukthrasher9269]

whiteman stealing land is history, now it is about Divisiveness.

[@pandastylearmy5938]

not in canada...the natives did not give up the land. they made business deals with the invaders called "treaties". of course the invaders STILL hate paying off their side of the deal.

[@Nerflover10097]

I hope the school is teaching these kids about condoms and contraception because girls raising 4 kids when they are 19 could have been preventable.

[@michellehean4941]

So true! And I don't understand why they don't move away! Oh, jesus, I just got to the part where the narrator says "and she's expecting again". OMG, why can't they practice safe sex?!?!?!?

[@manichairdo6346]

@@michellehean4941 they may not be financially able to move away...

[@donttalktomeyoureannoying8736]

manic hairdo they should be more responsible in a sense of stop having kids you can’t take care of.

[@alicekranyk4173]

The more kids they have, the more cash they get from welfare.

[@truecrime_and_everything_else]

How depressing.. this is sooo sad.. the government need to do MORE!

[@mainemermaid6596]

Well done documentary. Thank you. Sending prayers for the people of Cross Lake. ❤

[@ellielilac2]

So so sorry especially for the young lady who said she doesn't want to live. Why isn't the government putting money into this community it's appalling!! Just know lovely people we all have our struggles, here in the UK life isn't always easy,if you ever want to talk happy to listen, please take care., 😊😊

[@nitaynunez7555]

Hi All of You lovely kids , as I am watching your stories here in Hong Kong, and trying to understand , please know that our lives here is not that easy here too, we face discrimination and as much as we hope our kids would not go thru the same, if one is not a local here or a Caucasian, we as in Indians, Thai, Phillipines, and the rest of Asian communities, face racism, lack of opportunities etc. So, I wake up everyday and decided to CHOSE TO BE HAPPY EVERYDAY , as it will carry on and it's up to ME to run my life. People in my country suffer poverty etc etc, but we chose to laugh and laugh, get together, laugh and try a new direction instead of carrying get on feeling u are so cheated by your country etc. Band together and find solutions instead of all your focus is on what u don't have... just try... God bless all of u. Love Nicola and family

[@Skarlet79]

All the best for the people of Cross Lake. Please keep us updated on how everyone is doing, especially the young people we were introduced to.

[@lisahaynes8259]

All of the young people in this video has the most beautiful soul...I wish they could see what I see...PLEASE give yourself that opportunity to succeed...I don't know you but I love you and I KNOW you are IMPORTANT and you DO MATTER...the world needs smart..confident young men and women. ..YOU ALL MATTER...LOVE ALWAYS

[@angelinagulizio5830]

I grew up in a town that I knew there wasn’t a future I knew it would break my Moms heart but I loaded my car and drove into a better place where I knew at least I could say I tried It was the hardest decesion of my life and I have never questioned what I did I as proud of some of these young people because they have so much to carry and they love their families!!!!!!Dont wait on the government you’ll be a old man before help comes! BE PROUD OF YOURSELVES!!!!RIP to the lives lost 🙏

[@surfergirl1179]

Unbelievably heartbreaking !!!! Where is the government ? I am so devastated to see this. The counselor is correct / if it was white community, they would have so much aid ! Unreal.

[@lindaraymond1293]

Toyin: sorry to disagree. There should be no need for a therapist. They need housing, schools, hospitals,and respect. These kids need a reason to live...they need respect. White Canada, black Canada, yellow Canada owes red Canada respect...

[@chokinonashes6176]

Toyin Olivia Jibowu They absolutely need therapists. They need to be able to trust someone completely, who will not judge any of them. I am a therapist in the UK and would love to help these young people.

[@nancymcbride7153]

Our government that is "celebrating" this year, has broken the treaties, the promises. Acts of genocide have been concertedly waged against the original people of this continent. They refuse to acknowledge and change the way they look at these Indigenous people. It makes my heart break. I refuse to celebrate when the original inhabitants of this country continue to be treated with such blatant disrespect and forgotten by this government. I will not celebrate over 150 years of colonialism and genocide.

[@RampantArtist]

Don't celebrate. Don't bother to aim for anything better. THAT is the image that is constantly being shown to other Canadians who don't have firsthand knowledge of the situations. Go ahead... make that image true to life. That will totally make it all turn around, right?

[@nancymcbride7153]

RampantArtist I can choose what I want to celebrate. I never said I had the answers to these problems. They are ingrained in the way the government created this country. I celebrate the people of this country everyday. Not sure what I would be celebrating 150 years though if it is not celebrating the government? I believe we can celebrate when the treaties are honoured. Until then, I will continue to celebrate the original people and the immigrants and refugees that make the people of this country great. If I want to celebrate that, I would be celebrating more than only 150 years.

[@nancymcbride7153]

Dylan Joseph is the one people should be worried about, not immigrants and refugees. Spreading HATE is a sign of fear.

[@soniakiwi]

I feel your pain and sorrow. You are not alone. My heart cries seeing this. I pray that you find healing and hope. You are all incredibly strong and brave. ♥️ 🏩😍 🇨🇦 🇺🇲

[@blossomfleurie6335]

In Jesus Christ name. Amen!!

[@Hahaha12589]

Maxine Monias …. Rest In Peace .. January 16 2024 😞 😭

[@sca.regirls]

i heard… so sad 😢

[@TrishC5280]

Oh no 😢💔 I pray her son knows she loved him 🙏🏽💜

[@mitchyhanjoy]

Virtual Hugs from me to everybody.. life is hard 100% but as long as you don't give up fighting and looking forward no matter what then it is not yet game over..

[@jeantaua9053]

Please parents, stand strong for your children. They are beautiful. My prayers are with all of you. I hope they hang in there.

[@blossomfleurie6335]

In Jesus Christ name. Amen!!! Your children need you no matter what you have been through. Turn to Jesus Christ and the Almighty God for help, guidance, and strength.

[@sandyj556]

God loves you, He wants the best for you, Talk to him and he will help you, I can't imagine life without him, Praying for all of you and your parents 🙏🇺🇸

[@louisecampbell2628]

We have a similar situation with our indigenous peoples in Australia. This documentary was heartbreaking 😢😢. Seriously the Canadian government needs to get it priorities right

[@stormy8427]

Christian has got the most warm, wonderful smile that a 17 teen year old can have. Pray his life will be blessed🤍 My God, the pain in some of these young kids, unbelievable. Where are the authorities, the money, the resources? Shameful treatment of proud human beings, a proud people.

[@CelinaSpookyBoo]

Im from woodstock ontario, we had the same occurrence in 2016 we lost a student almost every month.

[@giovanna722]

Do you live in Six Nations ?

[@chelseaprettie8833]

I love your videos and its amazing to see that you watched this vid and I didnt even know you were from canada. your comment was 5 years ago before you had social media fame.

[@sTraYa249]

Can't be bothered with others?

[@kat0515]

Please do an update. I would love to know how this community, this school, and these young women and men are doing now.

[@sayswho3606]

I'll carry all those Cross Lake people in my heart forever, I wish for them a better life and happiness all they can get.

[@blossomfleurie6335]

In Jesus Christ name. Amen!!!

[@thomasbunn9426]

This my reserve I left when I was a child but my heart are with these people stay strong crosslake

[@prescottaurelius4026]

Those long dark far north winters don't help. Treatment might be needed for long, dark winter Seasonal Affective Disorder.

[@athislotusfeet]

Agreed

[@celinavincent]

These kids are amazing people.

[@Monk-eee2]

While he was getting interviewed and speaking of the suicides it started raining. It seemed symbolic and like the dead were speaking, showing their pain.

[@laineyfabriccio5984]

I have watched, studied and read about the American Indians and the migrants that went to Canada, it's so shameful to the 'white' population to have treated the indigenous population with such disregard for their life and livelihood. They were stripped of everything and why cos of the fkin church again, they HAD to learn English and not speak their native tongue HOWEVER, the Pakistanis, Russians and other migrants can speak their native tongue, so what's the difference people? Why hasn't their land been given back to them, why hasn't their culture been allowed to grow again and become what they are? The people who stole their land off them are nothing more than thieves and anyone who is living on American Indian ground should give a majority of that land back to the Indians, after all THEY WERE THERE FIRST. OH and before anyone jumps on the bandwagon, ALL LIVES MATTER and I am English so swing on that trolley folks

[@dreamweaver7797]

Lainey Fabriccio absolutely disgusting

[@hollylove2650]

They all seem so young to have so much stress and hardship~

[@kayjay460]

Great Spirit watch over our Cross Lake Youth. You matter and there is a place for you in the world. Please don''t give up.🙏❤🙏

[@ShellB249]

thank you for the video...best of luck to all of them.

[@arosencrantz18]

My former neighbour was put in the Native American state school. When she was a married lady and was having trouble getting pregnant, she went to the doctor and he asked her history and she said that when she was 14 the school sent her to the hospital to take out her appendix. He examined her and told her unfortunately that was not her appendix they took out, but her uterus to sterilize her without her knowledge. That was standard procedure at that time. Especially because she was mildly physically disabled with cerebral palsy.

[@heidih7679]

I lived in Pikangikum for 1 year and Fort Severn for 4 years. There were more children's graves than others in Pik. Gassniffing mostly. Many little graves surrounded by white picked fences, toys put inside, left on the graves. Being from Europe - where we hold Natives and their culture in high esteem, I was horrified when I first went to live on a reservation.

[@loveisthedrug3579]

Omg I can’t stop crying. I have been suicidal myself but I was a young adult. For a child to feel that way it’s just absolutely heartbreaking. 😔

[@melissafarrugia9531]

These beautiful people are suffering. It is so heartbreaking to see them in pain that stems from the past. I want them to know how important they are. Love to Ron, keep fighting for the younger generations of your people, You're going to train others to help as You do.

[@aldenerowe5334]

How has the rest of Canada allowed this to go on??

[@linamar123456]

LOVE TO CROSS LAKE FROM IRAQ , BLACK LOVE BROWN PRIDE.

[@myraabe732]

After watching this episode I want to live in Cross Lake and help this kids and the people who really love to help them

[@lonnielameman7929]

I WISH THE BEST FOR THESE YOUNG KIDS . . . ..

[@johnnyk.2911]

Hyper normalisation...I wish I could help Maxine, she's sound so sweet, she's damaged.

[@dawnmicah9833]

"our parents we love them so much we wanted to watch them go every step of the way I guess they didn't want to watch us grow every step of the way" I understand this on so many levels. The comment took my breath away. What pain this young man feels. God I send Christian a prayer of love and a prayer of Hope. Amen

[@taylorjoe100]

These people have been so strong and loving. It takes a government to bring them down. I pray for them.

[@damselcausingdistress81]

Vince and Christian you both are beautiful souls! You can be whatever you want to be! You have the world at your fingertips. You are not defined by what happened to you rather by what you learn from it.

[@doberman1ism]

This is very heartbreaking. My heart and spirit go out to the people of Cross Lake. It is never too late to learn to look within yourself and grab onto that one ray of hope and light that you carry within yourself. Try hard not to let other people's decisions detour you for doing what is right that you know is for yourself and what is right for your family. Unfortunately this serious problem also takes place in America and on countless reservations. Acclaimed journalist Diane Sawyer did a documentary about the Pineridge Reservation that is very similar to the conditions found at Cross lake. I learned an expression that has helped me throughout my whole life and times of difficulty and in times of goodness. "To thine own self be true." In other words be true to yourself. Be good to yourself. In the eyes that all is alive you are worthy. Another thought that has helped to keep me strong throughout my entire life is the knowledge that "This too shall pass." Every step is a learning process and every step in the positive direction makes you stronger. Please stay strong. Although you don't know me all of you are in my heart, my soul and my spirit.