New Canadian Drama Exposes Cultural Genocide in ‘Little Bird’
A groundbreaking Canadian drama series, titled Little Bird, has recently premiered on PBS, bringing to light the dark history of cultural genocide and child removal known as the Sixties Scoop. The show sheds light on a period when welfare agencies were given the authority to separate Indigenous children from their families, placing them in foster care or even facilitating their adoption by non-Indigenous families.
Set against the backdrop of the Long Pine Reserve in 1968 and Quebec in 1985, Little Bird unfolds through two timelines, telling the compelling story of Esther Rosenblum, portrayed brilliantly by Darla Contois. Esther, who was taken from her family at the tender age of 5, is raised Jewish in Montreal. Years later, as a young woman engaged to a doctor named David, she embarks on a journey to discover her past and uncover the truth about her Indigenous heritage.
The series confronts the Saskatchewan-based AIM program (short for Adopt Indian and Métis), which collaborated with an advertising agency to encourage white families to adopt Indigenous children. Poignantly drawing parallels with the residential schools that operated in Canada and the United States, Little Bird exposes the devastating consequences of a welfare program that unintentionally led to cultural genocide and widespread child abuse.
The significance of Little Bird lies not only in its exploration of Esther’s personal journey of self-discovery, but also in the broader cultural implications it provokes. By placing Indigenous talent at the forefront, both in front of and behind the camera, the series challenges long-standing stereotypes and colonial narratives that have pervaded mainstream media.
The creators of the show, Jennifer Podemski and Hannah Moscovitch, expertly weave their own multi-ethnic backgrounds into the fabric of the storytelling. Jennifer, who is of mixed First Nation and Israeli descent, and Hannah, who is Jewish on her father’s side, infuse the series with a rich cultural mix that resonates with authenticity.
Little Bird serves as a powerful reminder that representation matters. It signals a much-needed shift in the television landscape towards stories that not only reflect the diverse tapestry of our society but also respect and celebrate the voices and experiences of marginalized communities. For far too long, Indigenous North Americans have been overlooked and their stories have been untold. However, with the success of shows like Reservation Dogs, Dark Winds, and now Little Bird, it is evident that Indigenous talent is more than ready to take center stage and share their compelling narratives.
As the series airs on PBS and streams on pbs.org and the PBS app, audiences have the opportunity to engage with the profound impact of the Sixties Scoop and its long-lasting consequences. Little Bird serves as a powerful catalyst for conversations about cultural identity, heritage, and the importance of recognizing the atrocities committed in the name of assimilation.
Through its gripping storytelling and exceptional performances, Little Bird brings to light a dark chapter in Canada’s history while nurturing a growing movement towards inclusivity and cultural acknowledgment. Its honest portrayal of the personal journey of Esther Rosenblum serves as a poignant reminder that we must confront our collective past to pave the way for a more equitable and compassionate future.
