York Region CAS welcomed Elder Betty Ross, a Residential School Survivor from Pimicikamak Cree Nation (Cross Lake First Nation), for a special screening of Return to the Falls on Thursday, September 17, 2026, at the Leslie Office in Newmarket.
The event brought together York Region CAS staff, and community partners to hear directly from Indigenous voices and reflect on the ongoing impacts of the Residential School system on Indigenous children, families and communities.
Return to the Falls follows Elder Betty’s life journey and her experiences at St. Joseph’s and Assiniboia Residential Schools. Through her story, she reflects on the strength of her father’s Sacred Teachings and her path toward healing, resilience and reconciliation.
Following the screening, Elder Betty joined Elder Sandy Robinson, Director of the Winanwiikewin Project at Cross Lake First Nation, and film director Eppo Eerkes for a discussion with attendees. The conversation created space for learning, reflection and dialogue about the history and legacy of Residential Schools and the shared responsibility of advancing reconciliation.
The visit also supported a collaborative learning opportunity with the York Region District School Board. Students from across York Region had the opportunity to engage with Elder Betty, Elder Sandy and Eppo Eerkes through classroom presentations, selected scenes from the documentary, question-and-answer sessions and guided reflection.
For York Region CAS, the event reinforced the importance of listening to Indigenous Survivors, families and communities and understanding how the history and ongoing legacy of Residential Schools intersects with child welfare today.
Learn more about Return to the Falls and watch the trailer by Clicking Here.
