In Bones of Crows, we follow Aline Spears as she navigates life in Canada's residential school system, learning to survive in a hostile environment that is meant to assimilate her Cree culture. She witnesses firsthand the physical and emotional abuse inflicted upon the Indigenous children by the school's caregivers, and must find a way to withstand the trauma while still maintaining her identity and connection to her heritage.
As an adult, Aline uses her intelligence and linguistic abilities to work for a special division of the Canadian Air Force during World War II. Her proficiency in Cree makes her a valuable code talker, able to transmit messages that the enemy cannot decipher. Through this work, she meets and befriends other Native American code talkers from various tribes across North America, further deepening her understanding of the importance of Indigenous cultures.
Despite the pride and connection she feels to her Cree heritage, Aline also faces discrimination and systemic racism in her daily life. She struggles to find work that values her skills and knowledge, and dares to dream of a better future for herself and her community.
As the film progresses, we see Aline's story intertwine with those of other Indigenous people over the course of a century. Through flashbacks and intergenerational experiences, we witness the ongoing struggle for justice and equality, as well as the resilience and strength of Indigenous communities in the face of adversity.
Ultimately, Bones of Crows is a powerful, poignant portrait of a woman who refuses to be broken by the forces of oppression, and instead works tirelessly to build a better world for herself and those around her.