"We can heal ourselves and our families in three generations if we keep it a sacred priority."
~ Wenecwtsin, Wayne Christian
An Indigenous adult-adoptee returns to her rural home community after building an unlikely friendship with a seven-term Chief, brought together by Spirit to explore a forty-year journey of hope, healing, forgiveness, and coming home to our whole selves for the children now and seven generations into the future.
Testimonials:
"This movie is a compelling story of finding roots. It shows how important it is to be part of a “family” … whether that is immediate family, a cultural family, or simply having a relationship with nature and being part of that world family. An adopted child, now an adult, shares a heart warming journey to find her “family” where she belongs in her First Nations culture. The photography is wonderful. It’s a moving tale of searching for and finding an identity in all of the “families” mentioned above."
— Peggy W.
"I have been very moved watching your journey over the last year. This film really brought home to me, the importance of not just my family but how important it is to know our own history. Coming from Calgary Alberta, I have always felt a strong pull & interest in learning about First Nations, the many tribes, rituals & the history. I enjoyed the scenery & the serenity of this film & the stories that were shared. I’m so honoured to have a connection with you & your family."
— Kerri L.
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Charlene SanJenko
DIRECTOR | IMPACT PRODUCER | FILM PARTICIPANT
In 1969, Charlene was born in the Splatsin Band of the Secwépemc Nation, but was raised as an adopted child in a non-Indigenous home. Now 50 years later, she is on a journey to learn and reclaim her heritage, her lost childhood, and bring truth to the young Indigenous girl she never got the chance to be.
Intertwined with Chief Wayne Christian as one of the main protagonists of the film itself, Charlene brings experience in regenerative media as an impact producer to her first feature film. She hopes to bring the momentum of this documentary to other communities as part of an intentional media franchise, including a digital arts community engagement exhibition, a healing workshop series (in-person or online), and a future book written jointly by Chief Wayne and herself.
Wenecwtsin
FILM PARTICIPANT | FORMER SEVEN-TERM KÚKPI7
Wayne M. Christian is of Secwepemc ancestry. His Indian name, Wenecwtsin, from his great grandfather, means Big Voice that Speaks the Truth. Chief Wayne was elected to Council at the age of 23 and elected as Chief at 25, where he served for over 40 years in leadership.
As a child, Chief Wayne was taken from his home as a child by provincial government representatives and placed into foster care - what is now known as the “Sixties Scoop” in Canadian history. As an adult, he led two major initiatives in fighting for Indigenous rights: the Indian Child Caravan 1980 and the Constitution Express 1980 and 1981 – fighting for recognition of Indigenous laws and jurisdictions for lands, resources, and people. This is a fight he has dedicated himself to for decades - a fight that we are experiencing a full-circle moment of impact at this time.
Willow Smith
CO-PRODUCER | AUDIO & PODCAST LEAD
Willow is a mixed-race Millennial whose experience in audio and video began as a hobby. She grew up in BC and now lives on the Sunshine Coast, home of the Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Nation. Now a voice actor, the co-host of her own podcast - “Loving Goliath” - and audio lead for reGEN media, she’s taken her hobby to a whole new level under the umbrella of reGEN and The Goliath Foundation.
She brings audio expertise, an eye for detail, and a producer's hat in the production of Coming Home For the Children, including producing an accompanying podcast to the film, “Coming Home: In Conversation with Kukpi7 Wayne Christian”, which features additional audio footage from both Charlene and Chief Wayne to add to the depth of this film.
Madeline Archibald
CO-DIRECTOR | CINEMATOGRAPHER | EDITOR
Madeline is a Gen-Z digital designer, artist & filmmaker who has mastered her 10,000 hours of skills in video production - including editing, photography, composition, sound design, and publication - before the age of 25. She grew up in Golden, BC (traditional land of the Ktunaxa and Secwepemc Nations, as well as the home of the Columbia River Métis Nation) in a mountaintown community full of arts and adventures, and brings a passion to tell stories the way they deserve to be told to the creation of this film.
Madeline has brought an aptitude with a camera and a passionate editing experience to translate the story of Charlene and Chief Wayne into film format.
We are grateful to these creatives for their contributions and support in the production of Coming Home For the Children:
Brenda MacIntyre, Medicine Song Woman
Original music & scoring
Ecko Aleck
Original music & scoring
Aerial Sunday-Cardinal
Original music & scoring
Terran Tasci
Additional cinematography
Kelly Veltri
Additional cinematography
Coming Home: In Conversation
A reGEN original limited series featuring former Splatsin Kukpi7 Wayne Christian, and hosted by 60's scoop survivor Charlene SanJenko. Coming Home shares Indigenous wisdom and teachings to paint the picture of a brighter future for generations yet to come, to share a story of cultural strength and resilience, and to help bring this chapter of our history to a close and turn to a newer, brighter page together.
reGEN media will pitch a Coming Home limited series to streaming partners in 2024/2025, stories of hope, healing, and humour that celebrate Coming Home of adult adoptees and former kids-in-care who are returning, connecting, and contributing to community across Turtle Island.
Behind the scenes: photos & clips
Join our crew behind the camera and experience the making of Coming Home For the Children: a process over a year-long in the making! Featuring exclusive photos, videos, and tours of critical storytelling moments - updated in real-time as the story continues to unfold. Plus - add your own thoughts and reflections to our interactive space!
Relive the For The Children live exhibit
As featured in the full-length documentary, Charlene and Chief Wayne hosted a live event at the Gibsons Public Market as a tribute to National Day of Truth & Reconciliation on September 29th, 2022. You can rewatch the livestream and re-experience this event as part of the collective Coming Home experience.
You can bring a live screening of Coming Home For the Children to your community, including an intimate talk-back session with Charlene and Chief Wayne, an interactive multimedia arts exhibit, and an opportunity to learn more and participate in a new healing community initiative: Our Nation Heals.
Extras & Features:
Read: "Ask water to help you cope with anger"
By Odette Auger, Buffalo Spirit Reporter. November 10, 2023
Coming Home - support the film
