Grant applications open to screen ‘SUGARCANE’ and deepen truth-telling around Native American boarding schools
(Indigenous People’s Day | New York) – Episcopal Divinity School has launched a small grants program to support faith communities in hosting screenings of the documentary film, SUGARCANE. Directed by Julian Brave NoiseCat and Emily Kassie, the film follows a groundbreaking investigation exposing a shocking cover-up of cultural genocide perpetrated by the church and government and illuminates the enduring love, beauty and courage of an Indigenous community.
This initiative is part of a larger effort to encourage truth-telling and reconciliation within The Episcopal Church and beyond. The film offers an opportunity for congregations to engage with the painful history of Native American boarding schools, including our own denomination’s role in this legacy.
About the Film
SUGARCANE documents a groundbreaking investigation into unmarked graves at St. Joseph’s Mission, a former residential school. In 2021, evidence of unmarked graves near an Indian residential school run by the Catholic Church in Canada sparked a national outcry about the forced separation, assimilation, and abuse many children experienced at this network of segregated boarding schools designed to slowly destroy the culture and social fabric of Indigenous communities. The film empowers participants to break cycles of intergenerational trauma by bearing witness to painful, long-ignored truths – and the love that endures within their families.
Grant & Expert Consultation Opportunity
EDS is offering mini-grants of up to $500 to help congregations host a screening of SUGARCANE. These grants are intended to cover costs associated with the event, such as screening space rental, hospitality, and honorariums for Tribal members.
Recipients of the grant will have the opportunity to consult with Miskopwaaganikwe – Leora L. Tadgerson, Director of Reparations and Justice for the Episcopal Diocese of Northern Michigan – a renowned leader in truth and reconciliation efforts in The Episcopal Church and beyond. This consultation will support faith groups in developing non-performative relationships and long-term commitments to truth and reconciliation efforts.
How to Apply
To be considered for a grant, congregations must complete the application form, which can be found here.
The deadline to apply is October 31.
All screenings supported by these grants must take place before the Faith Community Screening Tour concludes on January 31, 2026.
This initiative is open to any congregation or faith-based group interested in deepening its commitment to truth and reconciliation efforts that result in restorative and transitional justice actions.
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Miskopwaaganikwe – Leora L. Tadgerson is a proud citizen of Gnoozhikaaning, Bay Mills. She serves as Director of Reparations and Justice with the Episcopal Diocese of Northern Michigan. Leora’s role is focusing on truth telling, racial equity through restorative justice action, reconciliation research from the Native American boarding school era, and place-based community work and bridge building as a tribal liaison. Her research involves the Michigan-based Indian boarding school experience and the Episcopal run schools, where she serves as Chair for the MW062, Executive Council Committee for Indigenous Boarding Schools and Advocacy. Through Leora’s research, she hopes to aid in the healing of Native hearts.
Episcopal Divinity School (EDS) is dedicated to nurturing moral leadership through theological education, spiritual formation, and community transformation. The school aims to equip future leaders in The Episcopal Church, the Anglican Communion, and beyond with the necessary skills and mindset to lead their communities in an ever-changing world. EDS strives to meet the growing demand for Episcopal theological education and ensure broader access to innovative programs. EDS strengthens partnerships, provides theological education for lay and clergy leaders, and fosters meaningful conversations on Christianity and social justice.
EDS is physically located in New York City, which is the homeland of the Lenape (Lenapehoking) who were forcibly displaced as a result of European settler colonialism over the course of 400 years. The Lenape are a diasporic people that remain closely connected with this land and are its rightful stewards. We recognize that New York City has one of the largest urban Native American / Indigenous populations in the United States. EDS is committed to the work of reconciliation and bridge building to create healing relationships with Indigenous peoples in all places where EDS is represented.