Residential School Graphic Memoir

The Canadian government’s residential school program has had a deeply profound effect on First Nations peoples across the country. For acclaimed filmmaker and artist, Nadia McLaren, this is personal history as well — her Ojibway grandmother was forced into a residential school and its repercussions have echoed through their family. Looking to understand her loving grandmother's troubled past, McLaren interviewed numerous First Nations elders who bravely shared with her their experiences in residential schools and created the acclaimed documentary feature film, Muffins for Granny, which presented a surprising message of hope.

McLaren believed these stories needed to be told in order for Canadians to begin the desperately needed healing together. Muffins For Granny preceded Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper’s historic formal apology on June 11, 2008.

Now McLaren tells her own intensely personal, touching and humourous coming of age story, which is intertwoven with a larger exploration of the Canadian residential school program. Illustrated by Nick Marinkovich (Underworld), who created the stunning animations in Muffins for Granny, this project is scheduled for completion in 2010.

Creative Team:
Alex Jansen (Producer)
Nadia McLaren (Writer)
Nick Marinkovich (Illustrator)