The Pass System

by Alex Williams

Through Elders stories of resistance and survival, THE PASS SYSTEM illuminates a shocking period in Canada’s history when it embraced racial segregation.

2015 · 51m · Canada

English

About the Film

For over 60 years, the Canadian government illegally denied many Indigenous peoples of the prairies the basic freedom to leave reserves, and forced them to carry a pass when they did so. Cree, Saulteaux, Dene, Ojibwe and Blackfoot Elders tell their stories of living under and resisting the system, and link their experiences to today. Legendary actor Tantoo Cardinal narrates this investigative look into a little-known Canada.