The Abbe Museum and the Criterion Theatre are partnering to present the film Dawnland. The film offers an important look at the devastating effects of child removal on Indigenous communities.

For most of the 20th century, government agents systematically forced Native American children from their homes and placed them with white families. These children experienced devastating emotional and physical harm by adults who mistreated them and tried to erase their cultural identity.

Now, for the first time, they are being asked to share their stories.

The feature-length documentary Dawnland follows the truth and reconciliation commission (TRC) to contemporary Wabanaki communities to witness intimate, sacred moments of truth-telling and healing. With exclusive access to this groundbreaking process and never-before-seen footage, the film reveals the untold narrative of Indigenous child removal in the United States.

In conjunction with the film, we are honored to host two speakers Esther Anne, of Maine- Wabanaki REACH, and Dawn Neptune Adams, a participant of the film, at this screening of Dawnland to share their perspectives.

Costs: $12 for adults, $10 for students. Tickets for the show are available through the Criterion Theatre. 

This film and program are being hosted at the Criterion Theatre in Bar Harbor, Maine. Please reach us at educator@abbemuseum.org with questions.