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Gladys Cook video premieres in Winnipeg

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Published on 
April 7, 2005

Gladys Cook accepted a bouquet of roses at the conclusion of the premiere of an Anglican Video production based on her life which premiered at Winnipeg’s IMAX Theatre April 5.

Ms. Cook, a residential schools survivor, has been honored many times for her work with people who have suffered abuse or from drug or alcohol addictions.

The video, entitled Topahdewin – The Gladys Cook Story, was produced by Anglican Video as part of the Anglican Church of Canada’s commitment to memorializing the stories of survivors of residential schools.

The IMAX theatre was filled to capacity for the premiere.

Ms. Cook attended with many friends and members of her family. Also attending were Bishop Donald Phillips of Rupert’s Land and Archbishop Terry Finlay of Toronto, the Primate’s special representative on residential schools.

Acknowledging the land and God’s creation

This acknowledgement is crafted in light of the Principles of Reconciliation by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada, as we seek to live faithfully in Christ and in right relationship with all. 

We give thanks to the Creator for this land, its waters, forests and all living beings, and for the abiding presence of Christ among us. From coast to coast to coast, these have been cared for and nurtured by First Nations, Inuit and Métis through countless generations. 

We honour the enduring relationship Indigenous Peoples have cultivated with these lands and waters, and the treaties and agreements that reflect these sacred bonds. We acknowledge the harms caused by colonial expansion, through frameworks like the Doctrine of Discovery and structures like the residential school system. We recognize our past failures as a Church, including disruption of connections to the land and suppression of Indigenous spiritualities. 

Guided by the gospel of Jesus Christ, we confess our need for healing. We commit ourselves to seeking truth, pursuing reconciliation and nurturing harmony with all creation. We place our trust in Christ, through whom all things are reconciled to God. 

May God strengthen us to live faithfully as stewards of the Earth. Let us walk in love, justice and reconciliation, joining in God’s work to restore all creation.