Marie Wilson, who served as one of three commissioners of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada from 2009 to 2015, calls the film “stunning” and “heartfelt” in its recounting of the personal experiences of one of thousands of residential school survivors who came forward with their stories. 

“In giving voice to the salmon in parallel to Phyllis Webstad’s story, this beautiful and compelling film captures the heart of this intertwined relationship between humans and Mother Earth,” she says. “For all those now seeking pathways to reconciliation, it underscores our collective, human responsibility toward the lands, waters and ice that have shaped, defined and sustained distinct Indigenous peoples in the many homelands throughout Canada.” 

The film has already garnered award nominations, including for the DGC Best Canadian Documentary Award at CIFF and the Feature Documentary Award at Lunenburg Doc Fest. 

The filming of Returning Home was made possible in part by the Department of Canadian Heritage and the Government of Canada. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit the festival websites linked above and be sure to follow Canadian Geographic on Twitter.