Bones of Crows is a touching and sweeping five-part miniseries that delves into the profound and enduring struggles faced by Indigenous matriarch Aline Spears and her family. Set against the backdrop of Canada’s residential school system and spanning over a century, this emotionally charged drama explores themes of resilience, cultural preservation, and the intergenerational trauma experienced by Indigenous communities. Here, we’ve everything you need to know about where to watch Bones of Crows in the US for free.
Here’s How to watch Bones of Crows in the US for free using a VPN
- Select a VPN service that is optimized for streaming. We recommend ExpressVPN or PIA VPN
- Download the VPN and connect to the Canadian server.
- Log in to CBC.
- Find Bones of Crows and stream it no matter where you are!
When does Bones of Crows come out?
Bones of Crows, a five-part hour-long drama series, is set to premiere on CBC on Wednesday, September 20, 2023.
Maries Clements' extraordinary Bones of Crows the 5-part series airs on September 20th at 9pm on @CBC @APTN @cbcgem and @aptnlumi Starring @_gracedove #BonesofCrows #residentialschools #resilience #IndigenousRise pic.twitter.com/j8tHNxpEuX
— Screen Siren Pictures (@screensirenpics) September 20, 2023
Where to watch Bones of Crows in the US for free?
To watch Bones of Crows in the US for free, viewers can use a VPN to overcome geo-restrictions. By connecting to a Canadian server through the VPN, users can effectively bypass CBC’s regional limitations, granting them access to the series as if they were in Canada. This method serves as a workaround for the geographical restrictions imposed by the CBC streaming platform, allowing US audiences to enjoy the show.
Bones of Crows preview
Bones of Crows is a profound five-part hour-long drama centered around Cree Matriarch Aline Spears, portrayed by Summer Testawich, Grace Dove, and Carla Rae at different stages of her life. The story unfolds as Aline battles her way through Canada’s residential school system, facing the harsh realities of systemic starvation, racism, and sexual abuse.
The narrative spans over a century, spanning multiple generations of the Spears family, and offers a compelling tale of resilience and survival. Aline’s journey, along with her descendants, is a powerful exploration of reconciliation and hope as they grapple with adversity, poverty, and a dark legacy while striving for a brighter future. This miniseries is a significant portrayal of Indigenous history in Canada, akin to Roots, and it leaves a lasting impact by connecting the past to the present and future.
Watch the Bones of Crows trailer
Embark on a gripping journey through generations of resilience and survival in Bones of Crows. Watch the trailer now to discover the epic tale of Cree Matriarch Aline Spears and her family’s enduring fight against adversity. This is a story of strength, hope, and a legacy that spans over a century.
Bones of Crows cast
Grace Dove as Aline Spears

Secwépemc actor and director Grace Dove stars as Aline Spears as an adult. You may have already seen Dove in the Oscar-winning film The Revenant, where she portrayed the wife of Leonardo DiCaprio’s character. She also had lead roles in the action thriller How It Ends and the film adaptation of Eden Robinson’s novel Monkey Beach. Dove is passionate about sharing challenging stories, making her a fitting choice for the role of Aline Spears.
Phillip Forest Lewitski as Adam Wallach

Award-winning Mohawk actor Phillip Forest Lewitski plays Aline’s husband, Adam Wallach. Lewitski is best known for his leading role as Apollo in the Hulu/CBC series Utopia Falls. Look for him next in the prestige Apple TV+ series Masters of the Air, an epic World War II series executive-produced by Steven Spielberg and Tom Hanks.
Rémy Girard as Father Jacob

French-Canadian actor Rémy Girard takes on the role of Father Jacob, a priest whose charm masks his cruelty and bigotry toward the Indigenous children in his care. Girard is known for his work on the stage and has appeared in acclaimed films like The Decline of the American Empire, Incendies, and The Barbarian Invasions.
Gail Maurice as Taylor Wallach

Métis actor Gail Maurice portrays Aline’s daughter, Taylor Wallach, a lawyer and advocate for justice intent on exposing the violence carried out by Canada’s residential school system. Maurice is a two-time Canadian Screen Award nominee, recognized for her exceptional performances in the TV show Trickster and the feature film Night Raiders.
Summer Testawich as Young Aline Spears

Young Cree actor Summer Testawich embodies the role of young Aline Spears, portraying the character during her early years. Raised on traditional Syilx territory, Testawich has previous acting experience, including a role in Avatar: The Last Airbender.
Who else is Starring?
In the sweeping epic drama Bones of Crows, a talented ensemble of actors brings this powerful story to life, spanning generations and telling the tale of resilience in the face of adversity. Here’s a list of some of the talented cast members who contributed to this compelling narrative:
- Karine Vanasse as Sister Ruth
- Patrick Garrow as Archbishop Thomas Miller
- Michelle Thrush as January Spears
- Glen Gould as Matthew Spears
- Jonathan Whitesell as Thomas Miller
- Payne Merasty as Young Tye Spears
- Ethan Evans as Preteen Johnie Spears
- Sierra Rose McRae as Young Perseverance Spears
- Kevin Loring as Older Jake Wallach
- Carla-Rae as Older Aline
- Cara Gee as Percy Wallach
- Joshua Odjick as Jake Wallach
- Alyssa Wapanatâhk as Perseverance Spears
Bones of Crows episode release schedule
- Episode 1: To Be Starved (September 20, 2023) – Young Cree piano prodigy Aline Spears and her siblings are forcibly taken from their family home and thrust into the harsh environment of a residential school. Now, a code talker during World War II, Aline, alongside her husband Adam Wallach, confronts the haunting shadows of their past.
- Episode 2: To Be Separated (TBA) – Aline reunites with her sister, Perseverance, triggering memories of a daring escape attempt from the residential school and the indelible impact it had on all four Spears siblings.
- Episode 3: To Be Denied (TBA)
- Episode 4: To Let Go (TBA)
- Episode 5: To Be Here (TBA)
What will happen in Bones of Crows?
Bones of Crows, a gripping five-part drama, follows Cree Matriarch Aline Spears and her family on a tumultuous century-long journey. The series explores their harrowing experiences in Canada’s residential school system, where they confront forced separation from their home and endure systemic issues like starvation, racism, and sexual abuse.
As Aline Spears, a gifted pianist, navigates the horrors of residential school, she encounters violence that leaves her hand maimed. A desperate escape attempt with her siblings ends in tragedy, shaping their futures. Aline later serves as a code talker during World War II and finds solace in her relationship with infantry soldier Adam Wallach.
The series spans generations, depicting the Spears family’s enduring struggle against oppression, poverty, and abuse. Through it all, they seek reconciliation and a brighter future, ultimately forging a legacy of resilience for Indigenous peoples in Canada.
Where was Bones of Crows filmed?
Bones of Crows was filmed partially at the Kamloops Indian Residential School in British Columbia, including at the site of the former Kamloops Residential School in Tk’emlúps territory. Production proceeded despite the recent revelation of 215 unmarked gravesites at the school, as the Tkʼemlúps te Secwépemc nation recognized the importance of publicizing and telling the stories of residential schools.
What is Bones of Crows’ IMDb rating?
Bones of Crows has garnered a user-rated IMDb score of 6.4, reflecting the audience’s mixed reception of this epic drama.
How are the fans reacting to Bones of Crows on social media?
On a recent flight—watched #BonesOfCrows…such an extraordinary film—highly recommend it to everybody. 🙏🏽
— Jody Wilson-Raybould (JWR), PC, OBC, KC 王州迪 (@Puglaas) September 19, 2023
I was moved to tears throughout…feeling such loss and sadness…but I also felt a pride…a pride which never dies.#ShineOn 🪶#ProudToBeIndigenous #everychildmatters 🧡🧡🧡🧡 pic.twitter.com/4uwoHefcek
How are the critics reviewing Bones of Crows?
According to The Joy of Movies, Bones of Crows offers a powerful and emotionally charged narrative. It chronicles the resilience of Indigenous matriarch Aline Spears and her family over a century of hardship. The performances, particularly by Grace Dove and Phillip Forest Lewitski, shine as they bring these complex characters to life. The series explores dark themes like the residential school system’s cruelty and the lasting trauma it inflicts. Hence creating a thought-provoking viewing experience. While the storytelling is compelling, some viewers might find the pacing slow, as the narrative spans multiple generations. However, it serves as an essential reminder of the injustices faced by Indigenous communities in Canada. Overall, Bones of Crows is a significant and impactful series that sheds light on a painful chapter of history.
Where else can I watch this show online?
You can watch Bones of Crows online only on CBC.
What else can I watch on CBC?
FAQs
Is Bones of Crows available on Netflix?
No, currently Bones of Crows is not available on Netflix.
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