UNSEEN TEARS

The Native American Boarding School Experience in WNY

 

Unseen Tears is a powerful documentary that centers the voices of Native American boarding (residential) school survivors, their families, and social service providers. The film documents the lasting impact of institutions such as the Thomas Indian School in Western New York and the Mohawk Institute in Ontario—impacts that continue to shape Native families and communities today.

Through firsthand testimony, survivors describe forced separation from their families, abuse, and the systematic erosion of language and culture. The film also highlights how Native American communities in Western New York are actively working to heal, restore cultural connections, and break cycles of intergenerational trauma rooted in the boarding school experience.

We invite schools, universities, nonprofits, faith communities, libraries, and cultural organizations to book Unseen Tears for community screenings paired with facilitated dialogue. Each screening can be followed by a panel discussion led by Native American Community Services (NACS), creating space for learning, reflection, and meaningful conversation.

Panel participants may include:

  • Michael Martin, Executive Director at NACS

  • Pete Hill, Special Initiatives Coordinator at NACS

  • Tracy Zachariah, Deputy Director of Services at NACS, descendant of a residential school survivor (2nd generation) 

  • Heather LaForme, descendant of a residential school survivor (3rd generation)

 
Interested in hosting a screening and panel discussion? Contact NACS to discuss booking options, audience, and customization for your event.