At four years old, Lyna Hart was sent to an Indian Residential School, taken from her home in Nelson House, Man.
She spent most of her childhood there and told the story of abuse she suffered at the hands of those that ran the school - a story shared in the docudrama, We Were Children.
Lisa Meeches’ company Eagle Vision Production made the film.
"Lyna was really brave in terms of how she shared her testimony, but also how she encouraged other survivors to not (weaken) with shame. And to be open and honest with your families," said Meeches.
Hart's daughter Raven Hart-Bellecourt said her mother was not only open and honest about her experience, she was passionate about using it to make life better for everyone around her.
"She used it to build a road for our family and for other people to follow to relearn her culture and to show them how resilient our people can be. She led by example," said Hart-Bellecourt.
Thousands of people all over the world have now seen Hart's story.
She travelled with the show for months until her health starting failing.
"We Were Children was her opus. It was her way of reminding herself and other survivors and Canadians that we can't be afraid of this truth anymore," said Meeches.
Lyna Hart loved to travel and went all over the world to share her Cree culture.
She made her final trip last week to a powwow in the Minnesota.
She died in her sleep, Jan. 3, leaving a family and a legacy they say will live on to honour her memory.
Hart's family brought her body home Wednesday night to Winnipeg. A service is being held for her Thursday night at Thunderbird House on Main Street.
The funeral is set for Friday.
