
Women in the Shadows(1991)
Filmed on location in Saskatchewan from the Qu'Appelle Valley to Hudson Bay, the documentary traces the filmmaker's quest for her Native foremothers in spite of the reluctance to speak about Native roots on the part of her relatives. The film articulates Métis women's experience with racism in both current and historical context, and examines the forces that pushed them into the shadows.

Movie: Women in the Shadows
Top 10 Billed Cast
Self
Grandma Welsh
Child Christine
Father
Mother
Little Girls
Little Girls
Women
Women
Self (voice)

Women in the Shadows
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Overview
Filmed on location in Saskatchewan from the Qu'Appelle Valley to Hudson Bay, the documentary traces the filmmaker's quest for her Native foremothers in spite of the reluctance to speak about Native roots on the part of her relatives. The film articulates Métis women's experience with racism in both current and historical context, and examines the forces that pushed them into the shadows.
Release Date
1991-01-01
Average
8
Rating:
4.0 startsTagline
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