They are some of the most shared images connected to the Canadian residential school system. A pair of photos from the late 1800s, taken a few years apart, feature a young Indigenous boy. Often published without his name and with the title "Before and After'' because he is wearing what looks like traditional clothing in one and European clothing in the other.

Who is this boy? Where is he from and what happened to him after he was taken away from home? We go deep into the archives to piece together the details and find out that not everything in these photos is as it appears.

With guests Louise BigEagle and Paul Seesequasis.

*Warning, strong language and content.

To see the pictures of Thomas Moore Keesick and to find the resources mentioned in this episode visit: www.cbc.ca/radio/secretlifeofcanada

For transcripts of this series, please visit: https://www.cbc.ca/radio/podcastnews/inappropriate-questions-transcripts-listen-1.6740372

Release date

Lydbog: 3. februar 2022