Richard Cardinal, a 17-year-old who died by suicide, spent most of his life in foster homes and shelters in Alberta. A documentary by Alanis Obomsawin honors his life using excerpts from his diary. Released in 1984, the film exposed the mistreatment of Indigenous children in Canada's child welfare system, winning the Best Documentary Award at the American Indian Film Festival.
Richard Cardinal: Cry from a Diary of a Métis Child
The film exposes the dark history of Canada's child welfare system and its devastating impact on Indigenous children, honoring their resilience and struggles.
