On Tuesday, Nov. 1, the Windsor International Film Festival will host a special screening of Indian Horse, a 2017 film adaptation of Ojibway writer Richard Wagamese’s award-winning novel about the dark history of Canada’s Indigenous residential schools and the indomitable spirit of Indigenous peoples.

The University of Windsor's senior advisor to the president on Indigenous relations and outreach Beverley Jacobs, members of the Lancer men’s hockey team, and film actress Elder Edna Manitowabi will be in attendance for a pre-film panel discussion and a post-film question-and-answer session.

This summer, Dr. Jacobs helped with planning for the Lancer team to visit the Kamloops Indian Residential School in British Columbia where the unmarked graves of 215 children were brought to the attention of the world. Upon their arrival in B.C. earlier this fall, team members were welcomed by Tk'emlúps te Secwépemc leaders, Elders, and survivors with ceremony and presentations to learn about the devastation of the deaths of children who attended the residential school.

Jacobs also accompanied the hockey team to the school site and supported members while they worked with First Nations communities in the Nicola Valley impacted by recent wildfires and floods.

Jacobs said she is proud of the Lancer men’s hockey team for putting action into Truth and Reconciliation.

“The team learned about the history and impacts of residential schools and actively participated in ceremony while learning directly from survivors and speakers,” she said. “With boots on the ground, they directly helped impacted community members to rebuild needed infrastructure.”

Head coach Kevin Hamlin said his players were eager to do something that will foster a positive relationship with the First Nations community.

“The natural disasters combined with the horrific news of the Residential Schools is more than anyone should have to deal with,” Hamlin said. “Building homes for five families is a great start and I hope it will inspire other groups to do something similar.”

Tuesday’s screening begins at 7:30 p.m. at the Capitol Theatre. Tickets are available online by visiting windsorfilmfestival.com or in-person at the festival box office, located at 101 University Ave. W.