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Apr 30, 2017forbesrachel rated this title 5 out of 5 stars
On a quiet day, a Cree woman spends some time with her granddaughter. As they work, the curious child asks her caregiver a series of questions; the answers seem to satisfy her, because she moves on to another thought. With each inquiry, Nókom compares the way things were done in her childhood to the oppression she faced at school, and the lifestyle she now lives. Even though the topic is a sensitive one, the bleakness of that hard time never taints the story. Nókom wants her grandchild to understand that despite the efforts of the residential schools, she never forgot her heritage, and is now free to be true to it and herself. Basically, her story of quiet resistance, in times when they were alone, is meant to empower the next generation. This works so well because of the carefully crafted setup, and the reflective perspective this elderly woman provides. This dichotomy between times of freedom, and that of oppression is conveyed visually through the colours and even composition. At school, at least when they were not alone, the palette is devoid of anything bright or warm, and figures are often distant, offside, and with their backs turned. In contrast, the rest of the images give off a more intimate vibe; characters are close, and colours are more pronounced. Thanks to Robertson's tender prose, and Flett's subtle hand, When We Were Alone will likely allow many children to quietly reflect on a past that they will hopefully never have to experience for themselves.