An adaptation of Richard Wagamese’s award-winning novel, Indian Horse is a survivor’s tale that foregrounds the resilience of the Indigenous Peoples of North America in the face of aggressive assimilation policies and racism.

In honour of National Indigenous Peoples Day in Canada on June 21, 2023, you can watch this important film by donation. It will be available for the entire week starting June 21st. Get a ticket and have your popcorn ready!

You can also buy your own copy of the film licensed for unlimited educational and institutional use.

About the Film

In late 1950s Ontario, eight-year old Saul Indian Horse is torn from his Ojibway (Anishnaabe) family and committed to one of Canada’s notorious Catholic Residential Schools. In this oppressive environment, Saul is denied the freedom to speak his language or embrace his Indigenous heritage while he witnesses horrendous abuse at the hands of the very people entrusted with his care. Despite this, Saul finds salvation in the unlikeliest of places and favourite Canadian pastime — hockey. Fascinated by the game, he secretly teaches himself to play, developing a unique and rare skill. He seems to see the game in a way no other player can.

His talent leads him away from the misery of the school, eventually to the Pros. But the ghosts of Saul’s past are always present, and threaten to derail his promising career and future. Forced to confront his painful past, Saul draws on the spirit of his ancestors and the understanding of his friends to begin the process of healing.

INDIAN HORSE stars newcomers Sladen Peltier, Ajuawak Kapashesit and Edna Manitowabi as well as Forrest Goodluck (THE REVENANT), Michael Murphy (AWAY FROM HER), Michael Lawrenchuk (TOKYO COWBOY), Johnny Issaluk (TWO LOVERS AND A BEAR) and Michiel Huisman (THE AGE OF ADELINE).

More at: indianhorse.ca