Separated From Birth: The Reunion (Family Documentary)| Real Stories

In this deeply moving feature-length documentary, three sisters and a brother meet for the first time. Removed from their young Dene mother during the infamous Sixties Scoop, they were separated as infants and adopted into families across North America.
Betty Ann, Esther, Rosalie, and Ben were only four of the 20,000 Indigenous Canadian children taken from their families between 1955 and 1985, to be either adopted into white families or live in foster care. As the four siblings piece together their shared history, their connection deepens, and their family begins to take shape.
From Birth of a Family by Tasha Hubbard
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[@franniesfarm]

I didn't find out until a couple of years ago my Canadian grandfather was half First Nation's, he was taken from his mother and given to his white grandparents to raise. He wasn't told until he was adult, but he never mentioned it to anyone. My Aunt found out when doing the genealogy of our family. It's very sad what was done to our ancestors.

[@jaydkay30]

I’m so sorry for what happened to your family and so many others. There’s just no excuse for this kind of human cruelty. 😢

[@franniesfarm]

@@jaydkay30 I just now found out that this was common practice in Canada, no wonder why my grandfather immigrated to the U.S.

[@jusmecatalina]

There's still generations of trauma from this not properly dealt with. The government throws money to the bands in hopes the chiefs will deal with it within the community.

[@franniesfarm]

@@jusmecatalina my mother is 84 and only found out about her First Nation's heritage 2 years ago, she was raised in the U.S. as a white person. She married my dad who was half Native American, but my grandfather his father hid his native heritage because companys wouldn't hire Native Americans. When does it end.

[@dianesteels6680]

Such an eye opener. My eyes leaked a few times. How dare they try to wipe out their heritage. No apologies could even come close.

[@kathleenreid8332]

Heartbreaking. May past Canadian governments never rest in peace. What was done to these innocent people is shameful.

[@crustybastard1068]

What about the drunken abusive parents ? When will they be judged and held to account ?

[@tianachecketts5084]

who caused the drunkenness in the first place? and what arrogance to assume it's better for the children to be uprooted from their birth parents

[@gma6886]

The same thing happened in Australia causing intergeneration trauma.

[@GypsyGirl317]

@@crustybastard1068 generations of incredibly deep trauma leave an emotional pain that is impossible to put into words. That's why the stuff we see happens - it's a travesty in several nations where these things have happened. The pain flows down the generations. 😪💔🌿 Much acknowledgment and healing needs to happen. 💖

[@honeyoconnor3743]

It happened in the USA too. Amazing that humans thought these racist views and policies were acceptable. Governments did much damage to many native people and families.

[@Marachelle7]

I got mad, I cried, I laughed- and I’m so happy that they found each other 💕

[@biddiemutter3481]

Me too

[@jillhansen5054]

Betty Ann is a wonderful communicator. She could talk for hours and I would be happy to listen. So calming and loving.

[@jennr1787]

My father fought for over 30 years with the government of Canada for his rights as an indigenous person. He finally won 3 years after he had passed away my family got notice that he received his status. Now my sister, brother and our children can claim our rights as part of the Canadian indigenous people. I grew up learning about my native ancestors, going to our local Indian friendship centre, pow wows, loving the sound of the men signing and playing the drums. When my nephew passed away 2 years ago my brother, his wife, his living son, and our family celebrated his life and his spirit journey in the way of the native people. It is the most beautiful celebration I've been a part of.

[@blazefairchild465]

Bless your father for being able to pass this on to his children that’s nice you & brother were able to take part in all the activities & learning about your ancestors in the centers even though your family wasn’t legally indigenous person status. What rights does it make if you are a legal member of your tribe ? If they excepted you all anyway.

[@SomethingAboutBeautee]

As a Canadian I’m so sorry what our government has done to you. ❤

[@jennr1787]

@@SomethingAboutBeautee it was long difficult process but my father finally got his wish to leave his legacy behind. I thank you very much!

[@terridibella5100]

A heartbreaking look into the damage caused by racism, privilege and superiority. A heartwarming look into the awesome power of strength and resilience. Thank you for enlightening me.

[@carmenwright6731]

I can just feeling how happy they are meeting each other my self did not get mush of my mother and its hurt . i am happy for them

[@AnitaSouthall]

That is so well said, thank you

[@3mastiffsme]

How about religion?! That’s the real culprit. You’re probably religious in one way or another, so easy to pretend there’s something more at play. No one believes their religion could ever be wrong. It’s still being done today, u don’t know history. Past & present

[@siggyretburns7523]

Enough with the "Racism/priveliged" bs. These people were adopted. It was at that point their race was separated from any privilege. Would their race be effected if they were adopted by white people? How about black people? No. They would still be the same race they were born with. Would they be priveleged? They got adopted, didnt they? What if they were adopted by whites? Or blacks? Or mixed? What if they chose to not do squat with their life after being priveleged? Would they still be priveleged living on the streets? What if they were adopted by bums but made something of themselves anyways? Would they be priveleged? Read my comment above. What I didnt mention because its not important was that she was a very dark skinned Hawiian. Adopted when my father was in the USMC stationed in Honolulu after WWII. She was only 3 months old. She grew up in a predominantly white neighborhood in Ca. And we heard it all. We also took pity on the ignorant. In the end, we all grew up the same. Same friends, same opportunities. Everything but the same cocoa butter. She married a short hungarian guy that was, and as far as I know, is deeply in love with her. I can honestly say she was my pops favorite, as he pampered her butt her whole life. There were no special priveliges from anyone else, nor privileges denied. Nobody cared if she was black, white, green or whatever. Just the very rare idiot that soon got the message from her friends. The "Racism/white priveleged" garbage is Marxist propaganda that you bought hook line and sinker. And the sooner you realize that, the picture will become a lot more clearer. I wish you well on it. I'd rather have more friends than enemies.

[@good1day726]

@@siggyretburns7523 agree; what is the endgame meant to be with all the promoted demonizing of folks with the racism label? I wish i knew the languages and culture of the old world. immigrants dropped that soon after getting off the boats (whether by pressure or voluntarily to fit in.) people have lived with the resulting emptiness and zero identity for decades, a century, or more, and especially after ww2 when communities (multi gen homes) were separated by pressure to move out of the cities (streetcars taken away - couldn't get around) and to follow jobs necessary to afford the cars now needed for transportation.

[@daniellebitzer304]

The brother’s laugh is awesome 😇

[@kieranhart5776]

It’s a beautiful thing. Separating siblings is a crime. You can tell they had good jeans. 4 different upbringings and they all turned out similarly beautiful people.

[@nooronkolisvlogusa361]

These siblings should stay together, they are so happy finding each other.

[@NancyCronk]

This story simultaneously breaks my heart and makes it whole again. How anyone can separate a child from their family is impossible for me to wrap my head around. I cannot comprehend the level of pain endured by a mother whose children were torn from her loving arms, as well as the pain of a baby to lose their mother. A piece of my heart will stay with these four siblings after watching this.

[@acewing24]

Still being done by our governments, just in other countries.

[@marciehall541]

They will remain in my heart also. 💜

[@danadukes6163]

... and my heart also😢

[@christinasornbutnark1208]

To the woman that said she was 56; you look great girl!!! You all look great. I’m from the US and am very ashamed of what our governments did to the original land owners. I’m so sorry this happened to each of you.

[@carolashlee8002]

The same happened here in Australia Aboriginal children yanked from their families and put in to white peoples homes. They tried the white / bleach them out. Shocking.

[@thirupillay6993]

They did that to all the countries they colonised. To date many families and affected people do not speak of these atrocities. It was bad. How do you explain many generations later when a black or Indian person has a child with blond hair and blue eyes. We never heard of a white person married to a grandmother so the unspeakable happened and to date this is buried and died with them never to be spoken about.

[@mangotree7346]

Bloody Poms did some terrible things. It all comes from the English, a cruel race they were.

[@carolashlee8002]

@@mangotree7346 yep

[@texasgina]

Exactly! I’m part Muscogee Creek Indian. They made everyone go to Oklahoma.

[@AprilAiteen]

Betty-Ann is such a wonderful big sister. ❤️

[@ynesmiller7641]

Betty-Ann, I did as outstanding job of keeping up with the family, mother, cousins etc and documents: letters, newspaper articles.I am sorry for your anger and pain.

[@JenShea]

As an adopted person who will never have an opportunity to meet birth parents (I’m aware he died in a plane crash when I was about 9 and my bio-mother didn’t want to meet me then I learned she died at 70) despite the atrocities that fell on this family (and so many thousands of indigenous families) I’m so happy they found each other. They have a beautiful bond and respect for each other.

[@debbieherrera1605]

This brakes my heart. I am a bio mom to my first son. I have 9 children (same father) and while I made the choice to give my son up for his benefit (I was 16 and didn’t know how I could ever raise him) it broke my heart. Can’t imagine how bad it must have been for there mother. While I am luck that my son contacted me when he had his first child I still think that every child deserves to know as much as possible about there biological parents.

[@amylivingston3860]

So happy for you all!!! I’m not a Canadian, but feel the government was so wrong in what they did. My daughter (we are white) is married to an indigenous Costa Rican man. Through him and his very tight knit family, I have witnessed how important their culture is to them. They have two local farms and have a classroom where they teach about their heritage and the Bri Bri religion. Bless you all for finding each other!!

[@kylady124]

They weren't raised together, but they all have sanguine-type personalities, fun-loving and laid back. I can't for the life of me-- understand why the United States and Canada took it upon themselves to relocate indigenous children. It's a very dark historical time for both countries. But it was such a joy to see this family reunite! They came together, face to face to see the wonder of their rich and spiritual culture that is rightfully theirs, and reclaim what had been wrongfully taken away from them. Thank you so much for sharing your family history with us! ❤

[@pettiestofbettys]

As an African American I feel the same type of disconnect tonight from my ancestry and it is terribly sad. I would love to learn about my heritage but I will never get the chance because my family history was erased. Not having that piece of you and having all the questions is definitely a load to bear

[@inashesumi8783]

Am from India and I pray that one day you'll find out what you've been looking for, good luck and may my Lord lead you to your answer, don't lose your hope mam!

[@brileydad]

I hear your heart BettyJean, and I pray you take the first steps in that journey.

[@pettiestofbettys]

@@brileydad my family has done the ancestry and genetic testing thing but my great grandfather was also adopted in the late 1800s and there's nothing prior to being brought over to Florida really. And the genetic ancestry is so broad! Maybe one day

[@siggyretburns7523]

My parents wouldnt stand in the way of my sister, if she chose to research it. It wouldnt have hurt them, I dont think. But she never even considered it. She was a sister to me and my brothers, and they felt the same...except for one brother. Ironically none of my other siblings consider him a brother. 😂 She passed way too early. It broke all of our hearts. Of all the peeps in my family, we were the compatible ones. Anyone that ever met her loved her. She was that sweet.

[@priscillalutter2136]

What about DNA testing? Can you do that to find family connections?

[@foridor]

One of the 60s scoop children grew up in our community in Ontario, a friend and classmate of my 3 sons. This young man was forever scarred by living outside his cultural roots and always knew deep in his heart that he didn't fit! He became an alcoholic, was in a serious accident in his late teens that left him a quadriplegic, and died 7 years ago. A tragic outcome of our Canadian government attempting to take the Indian out of an Indian!! It is small comfort to know that some attempts have been made to offer an apology, but his life was filled with misery. The family in this story epitomizes forgiveness at its best! Thanks for yor deeply heartwarming story. I hope the reunions continue and bring you all much joy.

[@McRambleOn]

This was heartbreakingly depressing and amazingly, joyously, beautiful at the same time. Can’t fathom how they feel, but I’m blessed to have a chance to learn a tiny bit of it, and I thank them enormously for sharing it with us all.

[@joanhaughton3391]

Well said !

[@rebeccadickinson9035]

I’m so happy that all 4 of them got to be reunited after so long…what was done to them was horrible! Patience & love brought them together!

[@boysrus61]

Thank you for publicly sharing your story. It was horrible the way families were separated. I hope you will continue to find peace as you continue to find each other. I hope all your nieces and nephews, and in-laws are able to meet each other...the next generation needs to be connected!

[@spy79gurl]

This is so heartbreaking and heart warming I can’t imagine how many siblings suffer the same. God bless them

[@mitty_916]

While watching, I couldn't held my tears. I'm happy for these guys that after so many years, they found each other.

[@jennasis204]

I can identify with what this family has gone through. I worked as a Social Worker in Montreal in the late 70’s and it was heart breaking to see how the indigenous people were treated, I fought against the cruel indiscriminate way that chiens were senselessly removed from their families, there was no consideration of the emotions and feeling of the children or the parents. Because of that experience I came out of Social work and went into the medical profession, while in social work I cried for what those poor families went through, I kept advocating to keep the families together, help them where they were, only if the children were in danger would they be removed. I am sad that this mother could not see he children, I dread these experiences. I pray that they enjoy the rest of their life’s together

[@sallyrickerson9139]

Same here in USA. Most Tribes were swindled, lied to, or pushed off their land, and plunked into a "Reservation", (Same idea what the Germans did to the Jews, but they were called "Ghettos"), stuck them on welfare, took away EVERYTHING they knew as a way of life. This resulted in them to drink. They were stripped of everything.

[@ianandalisonstewart4710]

I am a white English New Zealander. This was a vile time in history that has yet to be put right. Watching your video brought to mind the similarities with what happened in New Zealand and Australia (at similar times). Man's inhumanity to man ..... Having said that, I am thrilled that you have begun a life together and I pray God's richest blessing upon you.

[@user-qg8gz4bc7w]

so you know what happened to Maori and Indigenous Australians then, and the residential homes set up all across australia and nz, strapped from speaking there own languages, YES definitely INHUMANE practices. The rabbit proof fence was a good documentary highlighting this. Maori had tribunals hearings throughout the country, with huge payouts for some tribes, which is a good start for the healing process to begin.

[@angelah.3402]

😡 every 3 months take a baby, put it in a new home, new people, new routine, new enviroment, TRAUMATIZE it every 3 MONTHS so the ADULTS don't get attached!!!!????? OMFG....this infuriates me, and makes me literally sick to my stomach!!

[@starlight_44]

Think it's great that she (eldest) was always looking for her siblings👍she loved them and found each of them, shows the power of love in families, apart or broken.🙏Bless them all.🌟

[@eviekelpie1]

I just love documentaries like these. So glad they still have so many more years together. Can't imagine what their poor Mum went through having her 4 babies taken away. Best wishes to you guys❤️

[@deevillarreal9475]

🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏💔indeed the very best to you all. 💔💔💔

[@carolashlee8002]

Wow I was crying in the first 5 minutes. A lovely way to get to know each other.

[@cindycardoza4717]

I’m in Tears this story just made me miss my youngest Sister who passed FRM Covid in September 10 th Our Sister bond will never be Broken in life or Death I miss you Patty 😭😭😭 rip 🙏🏼🙏🏼

[@pinktights747]

This is a wonderful and heart warming story. Thank you for such a positive story to begin the new year.

[@ynesmiller7641]

I was this in Feb. 2022. May God continue to give you love and time for each other. Loved the documentary.

[@elainehink100]

As a mother is broken my heart to see this baby boy crying. I hope they spend a lot of time together☺️

[@LK-dx2oq]

This is such a heartbreaking and heartwarming story. So happy they found each other. My heart goes out to all of them. As a mother, I can’t imagine what their mother went through. It must have been agony to have them taken away. God Bless All !

[@mikijnkowski1624]

I feel like more people would've clicked on the thumbnail if it had the word "Indigenous "in it. The first time i saw the thumbnail, i cruised right by it. After i read the description though, I had to watch it. The injustices pressed upon Natives/Indigenous people are just incomprehensible to me... This doc was very bittersweet

[@glynn5455]

If you focus on what you can't or don't have, you will never be happy. Those who appreciate what they do have a better chance at happy lives. I hope they can get past the injustices and enjoy the time they have left together.

[@pettiestofbettys]

The privaledge of being able to have your history while telling those whose history your people have erased to move forward for happiness is the biggest reach of the whitest privaledge you could've brought to these comments. Just incredible and so tone deaf

[@glynn5455]

@@pettiestofbettys I'd rather be tone deaf than hearing things that haven't been said. 1st of all, who says I am white? Racist presumption? 2nd, my worry is that they focus on time lost with their Mother to the point they can't appreciate the time with each other. You know where you can stick your race card Also, is it white privaledge to know how to spell privilege?

[@pettiestofbettys]

@@glynn5455 white privaledge is a classification of the tone of your comment. You don't have to be white it still shows the same thing. White privaledge. Not racist so you should probably look up those two words to help with your confusion on how to use them and gain an understanding of what's being said when they are used. And part of appreciating the time you spend with people whose culture was also ripped away is exploring that and trying to gain understanding and maybe even get some of that culture back. What they are doing is beautiful and shouldn't have to be done If not for the exertion of a precious white privaledge. But sure.... Continue on

[@glynn5455]

@@pettiestofbettys Looked it up and 'white privaledge' doesn't exist. Have a google yourself. You're trying to make yourself sound clever & woke but you're just someone with a chip on your shoulder looking to whine. Take it elsewhere please. Not welcome directed at me and certainly pointless

[@piero17y65]

@@glynn5455 oh I didn't know that you weren't ◻️. I thought you were. My bad. Anyway this girl is a wannabe. Miss Give Me All The Attention 👩.

[@zippan]

What an incredibly beautiful family.

[@btstakescareofmewhenimsick4892]

Brother: "oh great... i am the shortest"

[@faithm9284]

This was sweet to watch. Estranged from my sibs, so living through you 4.

[@dianapulido1807]

I had heard about the schools, but I had not heard about children being taken from their parents. Both situations are very sad. I'm glad you found each other and I hope you have many trips together. I can relate to your story somewhat because I was adopted and I recently found out I have siblings. I hope that one day soon we can have a family union like yours.

[@kristinebailey6554]

YES! I was thinking the same, I have seen videos on how they made them leave home to attend distant schools. Absolutely criminal.

[@xdrachel]

What a sad, beautiful story. I feel so much sorrow for their mum.

[@bettyhudson979]

OH‼️ I feel the pain of the siblings. I had a similar separation from my brothers and a sister

[@lilwil-ns3uo]

The sigh of relief during the group hug at the table was absolutely palpable. I don't have words yet about all the emotions this has released in my very soul.

[@inashesumi8783]

I don't know how many times I cried watching this, just imagine being in their shoes.....

[@prettyastounding7924]

You are all so kind and sensitive to each other. Have fun forever in your love for each other.

[@Nancy-mi3xe]

Good for them for working on the emotional scars, and on building a better future. I'm so glad for them that they have each other now. As a Jewish woman who lost family in the Holocaust and sees the way the trauma travels down the generations, I can relate.

[@mariecurran9365]

Loved it. I'm thinking about how fortunate you all are to be together again 🙂💞

[@bradleyclutton4564]

Brilliant documentary

[@PK-bh1ww]

The brother is right. It's not about the $ that makes a family good. It's the love and memories you make together.. The times together. Even the poorest families can be wonderful because they are full of love and fond memories of special moments and good times. They are something $ can't buy and nothing can replace. So glad they found each other and will be able to create memories.

[@christinamiller1323]

I remember watching when these 4 siblings met for the first time.. Tears then, tears now on Thursday morning 5/19/22..

[@jomaro8]

They all look alike, sound alike and seem to have similar personalities...even with their different upbringings. Amazing.

[@diannekhan5199]

Blessed that you all met. Bless your mom may she RIP

[@jennivanrooyen5963]

I accidentally came across your story. Your poor mother, she must have suffered a lot, I am glad she got to meet one of you at least.

[@marynarkevicius5977]

It is so sad that these people were stripped of their heritage. Indigenous people were here first on the North American continent. They are the true North American people. I’m ashamed of the people who did this to them.

[@geegeejardine4626]

I just found this lovely story of bonding after all these years in a week that is in your soul forever from the the region and the mother you came from. 🥰🤗💕🙏

[@sallymander1068]

I think of all the shows I've watched of siblings meeting each other for the first time, this one is my favorite. It was very educational, heartwarming, and fun to watch them interact together. Such a sad family history, but hopefully their next generation's history will be mych happier.

[@yahccs1]

What a heartwarming story. And it's wonderful to find a documentary that is not ruined by background music. That is so rare these days.

[@stephaniecornish2001]

This is so heart breaking and heart warming at the same time

[@rita4missions]

The sister in the green top , the tallest one, is so affectionate. I am so glad they all found each other and I pray 🙏 they will remain together and in some ways make up for the lost time. Brotherly love is wonderful 😊 like all of you are..I am saddened by the thought that you have been ripped off of your beautiful heritage.Your mother is beautiful and she must've suffered a lot loosing you beautiful children. i send you a big hug and healing blessing all the way from Italy. ❤️ ❤️ ❤️ ❤️

[@brivonn5222]

This was such a touching emotional documentary. Thank you Real Stories for sharing their special moment with us. 🖤

[@truecrimemore205]

A very Happy New Year everyone. Stay blessed :)

[@godblessacountrygirl5324]

Wow,what a beautiful family,so full of laughter and fun..that's living!! Happy for u all..family is everything,I myself crave that feeling and your so lucky to have each other!! God bless each of u,keep laughing and spending time together..life is short!

[@julianolan2860]

This long journey so well expressed, thank you all for sharing this delicate re-membering of a family. All over the world adult humans perpetuate cruelty on their children especially those deemed socially unacceptable. A girl baby in China, an illegitimate child in Ireland, and especially the children of conquered people. Sadly these times now are the improved times and people are re-membering. Love and sorrow.

[@joylives_4her668]

Oh my goodness I swear this was so so touching!😪 My 💖 was aching right along with you guys as far as the longing part. Im so very glad you guys actually had the opportunity to spend time together to feel eachother out physically for the 1st time! Yaaay 😃 And to be honest you guys seemed to me as if you had known eachother all along. I mean as if you grew up together. As the old saying goes Blood is thicker than water 💯 It definitely shined through. So much love. Your mother must have been Smiling down on you guys😇💫 This was beautiful and I pray that for your 1st official reunion it's even fuller of love. God Bless you All Always 🙏🏽

[@staciarenee2982]

What a lovely group of siblings, im SO happy they found eachother and can finally be together. Shame on whoever removed them from their mother and robbed them a lifetime of love. All they can do is pick up and be together now.

[@joannareese6136]

This was so nice to see. They all got to meet!

[@piethecatfunnies2137]

I am stilll crying. So many birthdays missed. So many hugs.

[@herbross4498]

Painful, but wonderfully encouraging. Humanity. God Bless.

[@joanneromano1234]

Wow! Just Wow! No words to describe what this family went through at the hands of the Canadian Government! So happy they have had chance to find each other, and try to build from the bricks that they were given. Hope they are able to connect and remain family.

[@kolesianka]

Finally something I can watch in my country!

[@Boogleye]

You don't have to find a way to be a family as the pull of your heart has already made you family, Contentment love and wisdom has made you family, You never anything else but family since you all were children, This is why you are all together again today

[@nyimatsering2757]

Indeed a remarkable story !!!. We must not forget our roots and identity... infact,it sends a big message to those who thinks that they can take away someone's natural identify from them by force .".No one forget who they were and come from "....I personally related this story with mine because being Tibetan myself , currently CCP regime is trying to wipe out our identity and values from us ..But, I am pretty sure they won't succeed eventually ..So. It's kinda a like inspiration to us ...

[@anamorales46]

I ended up crying and sad but also grateful for the enlightenment that you brought back to this issue. I applaud you for the courage to take a look at the past, celebrate the present and have hope for a better future. Infinite blessings to each one of you and my best birthday wishes to all.

[@justanothermortal1373]

It's incredible how you are punished just for being a human being

[@sharonproctor3085]

I'm so happy that you're all together. I'm Canadian by birth, but live in the states. I pray you all stay close as the years go by. ❤

[@feef6098]

Beautiful, emotional and very courageous. So happy they are back together it’s a new beginning for them all much love and hope for their continued journey (Gal from oz)

[@butcharmstrong8275]

Wonderful honest story of separation and finding each one again...What a Blessing!

[@elainehink100]

Your mommy would be so proud of all of you. You all are so dearly beautiful and beautiful and amazing people.

[@biddiemutter3481]

I love that there's a natural dynamic between the 4, much like me and my siblings , even though it was the first.

[@thewkovacs316]

not taken stolen cultural genocide and this happened during my lifetime im sickened by it

[@lynthompson9100]

How heart breaking, cruel and absolutely shocking what the Canadian Government did to these people. I truly hope they build their “ together” lives getting to know each other once again. Best of everything to you all…..you deserve it!

[@mariamunoz5907]

I am so happy for this siblings they are together as a family now .

[@cindicescon3149]

God bless your Mother. She would be so proud of you all. I grew up in Sask and Northern BC. I had many indigenous friends. You are all so amazing

[@jacbutton373]

I kind of fell in love with you all watching this, including your mother whose presence you made tangible. Your account resonated with me and affirmed some of my own cultural turmoil as a result of having a mother who narrowly survived WWII Germany. Just as military wars don't end when the bullets stop, psychological and social destruction reverberates for generations to come. I think we need to recognise that there are many Holocausts, many of them seemingly quiet and mainstream. It's not just governments who have to stop doing these things: each of us has a personal responsibility to examine our unconscious biases, the most insidious way we propagate inequality. This is one of the best documentaries I've had the privilege to view (twice now). Thank you lovely Betty Ann, Esther, Rose and Ben, for sharing the most intimate details of your family story and well done to all those involved in the making of this testimony.

[@marcellawynja2372]

would be nice if they all had a family reunion with families. What a joyful time that would be. I am so happy they are reunited.

[@sandrabassett6422]

The best you can do is try and get your community back as much as you can, you could go mad asking why, what if etc. but this happen ended in Australia. I am white but feel disgusted with the policies. I do not understand why we have to be superior , we are all humans of this planet. I am mad with you, I can love from afar and I am so sorry this happened,

[@sharona.mcgowan152]

How WONDERFUL they found each other again and my heart breaks for them being separated,then my heart soars for them being a family...God bless you all & I'm looking forward to future family gatherings for you all... much love & happiness for you all 💜😀🌹

[@esthers9140]

Somehow I felt the boy was the baby...all his big sisters looking after him.😊

[@ruthannk.4662]

Sad but so wonderful you found each other and cam enjoy time with each other was so sweet! God bless you all

[@susancaroline927]

I feel there is so very much I could learn from this wonderful people. I wish I could have that opportunity.

[@everlynhoughton1230]

Very emotional, sad to hear this happened, glad to see you all found each other. Compassion for MJ ❤️

[@Kathleen-lt4sx]

I watched this biography today, it was so well done. So, glad they found each other, but sad, that their Mother wasn't alive to see this. I hope after finding each other that they can stay in touch. At least they have the internet to help them, until the next reunion.

[@annmccluskey7849]

Wonderful siblings finally together.

[@bernadettebockis4120]

I'm so glad to see such a beautiful 1st-union! I'm always so appalled to see racism. I'm white, but could never fathom why people hate others different from themselves. Born in Nova Scotia, Canada, my mother was the oldest of 11 kids when her mother died in childbirth. After that, my mother went to live with an aunt, thereby losing her family along with her mother. When she was 18, my mother became a nun, one of the few choices for women back then. Times changed, and she realized she didn't have to hide any longer and suffer the demands of the Catholic church. One of her tasks while in service to God was to iron all the clothing worn by the other sisters. This life was too much after awhile, and she asked to leave. Then my father found her after WWII, and they had a family of 5 children in the USA. But one thing that always bothered me about her time in the convent was that she was a teacher. This meant that she would have taught the First Nation children their studies. For her part in this, I apologize. I know she didn't have malice, and she was a very kind person, so she would have treated the children well. But, it hurts to know she was on the wrong side of an effort. I know she was in that position due to circumstances, and had to comply with expectations. Personally, I deeply respect the First Nation people, and I wish you the best.❤❤❤❤🙏🙏🏾🙏🙏🏾😑🌏🌍🌎🤲🦋🍁🐎🦌 This video was very, very good. It was important, and meaningful for me to see. Blessed be all of the people, for we are all one. All one planet/universe/s. 🙏🙏🏾🙏🙏🏾🙏🙏🏾🌏🌍🌎

[@kellysnider5138]

I don't understand how adoptive parents don't want their children to find their birth parents/siblings, etc. As a parent you should want your child to feel whole and complete - and that they don't feel whole and complete should break their parents hearts. Humans deserve to know and connect with their birth families.

[@paulineclarke5388]

I’m so sorry that you were all taken from your Mum , it was a terrible injustice I hope that you are able to put it behind you and enjoy reconnecting with your siblings ❤️❤️

[@phyllismagunde5844]

Wow! How sweet, when they laugh and hug each other.

[@beverlymcgue514]

I have Cherokee Indian from my Dad's side and proud of my heritage. We were not taught the language or their ways. My uncles and aunts had the darker trait , and my daughter was born she had that same. My Dad had the coal black hair and so did the others. oh the pretty eyes. I feel hurt how all Indian were treated. My Dad would talk about his Uncle and his wife. I have the features but not the skin tone. Oh how I love to hear of our history and I love to watch the dances when on tv and the clothes are awesome. My sister passed March 15th , she is flying high with the Spirits and those before her...Thanks for sharing your story.. I am glad you got back together..

[@kimberlysisk6410]

Thanks for sharing this wonderful story.

[@KPD017]

This is so beautiful and heartwarming. Happy New Year everyone! 🎆

[@susannaude8514]

You four are amazing, and beautiful and strong!! Be safe. Be happy.

[@elizabethannegrey6285]

This stain on government can never be erased, because it was essentially genocide. I am thrilled that these four siblings found each other, and hope their newfound relationship brings a measure of healing. It is my opinion that their mother did not return to the reservation when released from residential school because she felt she no longer belonged there: the policy had succeeded in large measure.