A Wausau filmmaker is screening Missing Threads, a documentary film showing the stages and implementation of the Wisconsin Indian Child Welfare Act. The act and the film reinforce the need to keep Native children within their culture. Susan Reetz captured the testimonies of Potawatomi Chief Judge Eugene White-fish and Loa Porter of Ho-Chunk Nation of the damage done when they were placed outside of their Native culture.
“…Eugene had some ongoing issues with alcohol and drug abuse and violent outbursts, and Loa struggled to find where she fit in, so it really was a long term damage done by the swift removal of their family and their culture.”
Reetz says White-Fish and Porter talk about the feeling of misplacement and the struggle to adjust to different religious practices, food and lifestyle.
Missing Threads will be screened at ArtStart in Rhinelander December 13 from 1 to 3 pm. For more information visit artstartrhinelander.org
