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The Sterilization of Leilani Muir

1996 46 min
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A single IQ test and misguided 'science' irreparably changed the life of a 14-year-old Canadian girl. This documentary follows Leilani Muir's search for justice and explores how eugenics (improving hereditary qualities of a race through the control of reproduction) became acceptable in the early 1900s. Please note: This film contains explicit language. Viewer discretion is advised.

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The Sterilization of Leilani Muir

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A single IQ test and misguided 'science' irreparably changed the life of a 14-year-old Canadian girl. This documentary follows Leilani Muir's search for justice and explores how eugenics (improving hereditary qualities of a race through the control of reproduction) became acceptable in the early 1900s.


Please note: This film contains explicit language. Viewer discretion is advised.

Law and Crime Sexuality and Reproduction Health and Medicine Women All subjects
  • director
    Glynis Whiting
  • producer
    Graydon McCrea
    Jerry Krepakevich
  • executive producer
    Graydon McCrea
  • script
    Amanda McConnell
  • photography
    Ken Hewlett
  • sound
    Clancy Livingston
  • editing
    Wayne Anderson
  • sound editing
    Downy Karvonen
  • re-recording
    Paul Sharpe
    Kelly Cole
  • voice
    Judy Mahbey
    Gord Marriott
  • narrator
    Thomas Peacocke
  • music
    Jan Randall
  • research
    Elizabeth Klinck
    Ruth McDonald
    Russell Mulvey
    Maureen Prentice
    Karen A. Wyatt
    Theresa Wynnyk

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Education

Ages 15 to 18
School subjects
Civics/Citizenship - Human Rights Health/Personal Development - Sexuality
Students will discuss in small groups the reasons behind sterilization outlined in the film. Students will have an informal debate representing the different viewpoints about sterilization in Canadian history, as presented in the film. Students will research and compare other forms of repression against people/groups in positions without power, throughout history and in Canada, presenting their findings in a written report or class presentation.
The Sterilization of Leilani Muir
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