I’m a woman in New England who thought she knew something about the struggles of Indigenous people. I knew NOTHING. Thank you for this information & hard work you put into this investigation.

I’ve only come to understand generational trauma in my mid-50’s after my mom passing has settled in with me. The trauma this and other similar families went through is heartbreaking and intense. I’m left feeling so thankful to you and Cleos family for finding, loving and giving her sweet soul the attention and honor it deserves. I was left with wanting/ hoping her final resting place would find her with family in Saskatchewan as she tried so hard to get back. (I understand of course) Thank you all for sharing this important story. Beautiful work.

I listen to a lot of thoughtfully done investigative journalism podcasts. Cleo’s story affected me more than any other. Equal parts heartbreaking, beautiful, and life-affirming. Thank you to Christine and Connie for your commitment to sharing Cleo’s story.

Cleo’s Story Makes You Believe In Miracles!

I listen to a lot of podcasts. Of many different types told by many different people. I have never heard a story as compelling as this one. Never. It is astounding in its breadth, scope, and so carefully and creatively told you cannot stop listening. I binged the whole story in one night. One long night. I cried, and I was shocked by much of the story. I knew this went on but to hear this story being told in such an intimate way truly shows you the scope of the damage done to Native and indiginous people of Canada and America that there is much to be uncovered and exposed to the light. This podcast does this and at the very highest level. I cried for the people involved and for what they endured. I was moved by the ceremony of the tribe used in approaching the information and the processing of it thru ceremony, and the way they handled the catastrophic details and news of their people being so abused. I can’t say enough about this story. It was so well crafted and told with such respect for all the parties involved, I was on the edge of my seat through the listening. Such dignity given to all those involved. This is due largely in part to the person who uncovered the truth in telling of Cleo’s story. I have never written a review like this but I hope ppl will come along and read it so they will hear of this story to. My greater hope is that this story will not go away but spark a flame in others to uncover more and bring those responsible to justice for the innocents involved as the deal with the suffering in healing from such horrific events as a result of our governments and our treatment of our ingigenous ppls of our countries. They deserve so much better than we have ever allowed. We hoave lied and cheated them and it’s time we right this ship. It’s time to stop this madness and bring those to justice before it’s too late. And for those where it is too late, it’s time to repair and heal and compensate these families for their pain and suffering. And we all know the reason they want to keep these stories buried is because they know what they did, know it was wrong, and don’t want to pay the price for what they have done. Great story and beautifully skillfully told. Thanks to all involved. Great underscoring of the music and the balance of sound was on point and totally professional. Thank you very much for that. So few Podcasts have this level of professionalism to add to the whole package. WELL DONE! Sincerely, Catte Adams

I love you Cleo. You remind me of myself when I was your age. I am sorry you felt like there was no way out. I am sorry for all your pain. I know the lonesome feeling you experienced and how it led you to do what you did. I also attempted saying good bye, but was tackled down by a person I didn’t see coming when I was ready to let myself go over a bridge with oncoming 18 wheelers. I know the feeling when you’re ready to depart. It somehow feels liberating and peaceful. I am sorry you didn’t get to see that there is more to live for as I do now. I never met you but I carry you in my heart ♥️. Much love to all involved in this podcast 🫶🏼

True

Connie does an absolutely fabulous job telling these stories. I can’t say enough how much I appreciate people like her for doing this and being genuine and passionate through her story telling. My heart feels so much pain a lot of the time and hearing these stories let’s me know how strong blood memory is.

Connie is a truly gifted storyteller, with compassion and tenderness and the ability to dig into a story with respect to everyone involved. Her personal perspective adds layers of understanding for me as a listener, and she treats the subjects of her story with such care.

What a sad and beautiful story with amazing investigating. Sending peace to Cleo’s family❤️

This podcast had me fully immersed in this true, heart breaking story. I pray Healing and Peace to Cleo’s family.

I loved both seasons, Connie was very thoughtful about how she investigated both of these missing persons. Really shining a light on the effects of the residence schools and AIM adoption program had on the indigenous family structure and the lives changed by it. Giving a voice and dignity to both Alberta Williams and Cleopatra who were loved by their families and communities.

I’ve listen to Season 1 and I’m about 2/3rds through Season 2. This is one of the best I’ve listen to. Fascinating, educational, infuriating, captivating, excellent journalism.

Connie your an amazing reporter! This story has broken my heart , and I’m only at the beginning ! But I have to say that customer service rep for the state of NJ that answered the phone BLEW MY MIND, she had me so angry I was cursing ! RUDE ,had ZERO compassion , didn’t even want to try and hear her out and understand ! I apologize on behalf of her , as an American I expect better ! But our government officials are no different than Canadian ! This story resonates because my dads side of my family are Native, and my moms white . I have been a humans rights activist for many years and some of the things i have been learning about the Canadian government is making me so nauseated ! Im so sorry 😢

Batman wouldn’t let that slide🗿

A moving witness-not only to this family’s journey, but to the inconceivable loss and grief of colonization.

Without podcast like these, I would have never known of the horrors indigenous people faced from birth. Everyone I have told about this subject, had no idea and had never heard any of the history. They all find it unbelievable! Connie and the producers handle the people involved with respect and care while also maintaining the importance of evidence and truth. History and pain being buried like it never happened is just another way to victimize people so I am happy that Connie tackles these very difficult topics.

So well done!! I need an update about Season one!

The journalist is extremely pushy and unethical. Ambushing people, popping up at a funeral to talk to someone who was obviously avoiding you, recording someone after they clearly stated that it was not ok to record them. Her story and deadline were clearly more important than the people who we directly related and impacted by the loss of the victims. I can’t imagine sharing any information with a reporter like that

So we’ll research and told.

Season 1&2 were both great. I was so interested in both seasons. There’s a respect for the families that CBC reporters have that is so refreshing. The depth with which the cases are covered is admirable.

These cases were AMAZINGLY AMAZING!!!!✨ Both of these cases were interesting and this is a podcast I would highly recommend.✨ 😊👍❤️🧡💛💚💙💜🖤🤍🤎

Anything Connie Walker does is amazing! She always treats the victims and their families with such compassion and empathy. She’s so great at educating people about how indigenous people in Canada have suffered at the hand of the government. I loved this series!

Possibly the best podcast series I’ve listened- and that says a LOT. Well done! 👏

Thank you Connie Walker for your hard work and finding the heartbreaking truth for Cleo & her family 💗

This case sucked me in and wouldn’t let go; I 100% recommend listening. ** Cleo’s case is tragic; but it was presented very respectfully. Cleo and her siblings deserve every one to listen to this. Personally I shared this podcast with so many people that I lost count. The more I heard about the history of the horrific ways that Natives were treated in Canada, the more interested and shocked I became.Then I started doing some of my own (minor) research. I fell into a rabbit hole. I wanted to see what the Canadian how the government is attempting to correcttheir past mistreatment of Natives, but also to see how Native are being supported now. **I will admit that I had my own personal draws to this podcast. My husband and I are adoptive parents—our children are our biggest blessing. Also, my uncle was a Native who was born in Canada in 1949. (Unfortunately, he passed away when I was a young child, so we don’t know much about his life before he ended up in Oklahoma.)

One of the best True Crime pods out there, IMO. Great reporting and investigative work. Great host. Covers an important topic. Highly recommend.

I would take documentation by non-Indigenous social workers justifying the removal of First Nation children, with a grain of salt. Of course they carefully worded the notes to discredit the parents and guardians. Canada and the US have a history of lies and embraced the ideology, “kill the Indian, save the child”. I feel disappointed that this point was never injected into this podcast. Non-Indigenous possibly are not aware of this bias.

I couldn’t stop listening. I cried and felt for this family. Amazing couldn’t stop listening till I found out everything!

Heartbreaking but beautiful story! Cleo sounds like she was a vibrant young woman who anyone would have loved. I just wish she lived long enough to enjoy a full life.

Loved this podcast. It dives into so much of our history of cultural genocide using a heart wrenching true story of one families experience with it!!! I couldn’t wait for each episode so I binged it in 2 days 😂😂😞. Very well done!

I can not express enough how wonderful I thought this podcast was. The story of Cleo and her family is beyond heartbreaking and in some ways unbelievable but you have given a voice to Cleo and told her story in such a respectful and beautiful way. You approached tough and uncomfortable topics with kindness yet firmness.

I can't express enough how much I value the voice you're giving indigenous women families and people. Getting first hand knowledge about these horrific actions taken against their families and culture is so important for everyone. Thank you!

I just listened to “Boys like me” and “Accused” and heard a panel podcast that talked so highly oh this “Finding Cleo” that I had to listen but I could NOT even make it through Episode 2 of Season 1. There is SO MUCH repetition about nothing! The first 12 minutes of Episode 2 includes absolutely no new information. I honestly just got more and more frustrated and felt like time is being wasted with fluff for no reason. I know this is a good story and I will try to keep listening. However, after reading similar reviews I don’t think it gets better. This is very disappointing. Connie, you are a journalist and we get that but good grief talk like a person! You’re not on TV. It’s a podcast.

Terrible

Could have told this story in a few episodes but strung it out by including boring tangents and repeating herself for filler. The way she did Cleo's brother was exploitive, and I didn't like how Cleo's adoptive family was treated either. The host behaved immaturely and unprofessionally like she was in over her head. Won't listen to another season.

Cleo’s story is very intriguing and the interviews and education throughout the podcast make this one of the best investigative stories I’ve listened to yet.

What a great podcast. Informative yet sad story about the lives of children stolen away from their family and culture. As terrible as these stories are we must listen to ensure that none of the atrocities that happened to these kids happen again. You frequently hear about the good old days of the 50’s and 60’s and so on but if you were not white there Is an entirely different perspective. For the native peoples of North America nothing can repair or replace that which was broken and/or stolen from them. Our countries should do whatever is humanely possible to help these people heal.

I found this podcast at my first days in the podcast universe, and this podcast is one of the best, I have never known the suffering the indigenous people suffered, as much it’s heavy and sad but it’s relieving to empathise with any victims and spread the word

A truly honest and caring investgation.

One of my 3 favorite podcasts! So well done!

I recommend this podcast to everyone. Heartbreaking but so thoughtfully done.

The latest season (something with VS. in the title? I don’t even remember the full name) is basically just a whole ‘cop bash’ sesh 🙄. It’s gross. I hope all these cop-hating snowflakes don’t even THINK about calling law enforcement next time they need help!

As I listened to this podcast I had so many emotions. Thank you for this journey.

And that leaves a really bad taste in my mouth. I was so impressed with Christine in finding Cleo and how determined she was and how she was eventually found. I began to follow Christine, now Crystal, her birth name and became a fan of her art. I’ve been able to purchase a couple of pieces which is difficult from Texas to Canada and backBut every piece was worth it. It shocked me learn over the years that this cocreator of a hugely successful podcast is not able to keep her car running with parts it needs, she doesn’t have a roof if she doesn’t make her budget exactly. She is a grandmother and mother 60s scooper her, told her story and therefore told thousands of other people similar stories. She found her siblings and mother. She is how I learned about the residential schools and in Canada. I don’t think that Christine/Crystal was doing it for money. She did it to find her sister. I don’t believe making a living out of it wasn’t in her plans, but with that many fans and advertisers, and however it works better than I understand, her story should be enough to get her a vehicle and a roof over her head. She’s an activist it’s her wife’s work. Please play your content creators, it’s their story.

I listened to both season 1 and season 2 during a long road trip, and while the stories are good and need to be told, they could have been done so much better. There's so much repetition (Connie literally repeats statements word-for-word) so much filler, and almost all of the interviews (phone and in-person) are so distorted that you can barely hear them. As for research, either these journalists do not possess basic research skills, or they are so pressed for content that they need to dramatize every single thing. They called Mrs. Madonia repeatedly, even harassing her at work, then "felt bad" about causing the woman more trauma. Their lack of integrity made me incredibly uncomfortable. They also consistently go about finding information the hard way before trying the easy way. As an amateur researcher, it was incredibly frustrating to listen to their search, and I won't listen to further seasons. However, as an American, I didn't know about the Sixties Scoop. I've also become more aware of what indigenous Canadians have gone through, and are currently going through. For some reason I thought they treated their native people better than we did/do here in the US.

As a big true crime fan who enjoys diving deep into stories (Counterclock and the Pelley family murders, i.e.), this podcast far from satisfies me. The only reason I do not give one star is because Connie Walker does a good job of teaching and exposing the Canadian residential school system, something I knew very little about. I appreciated that she connected this heartbreaking unsolved murder to the historical context. Otherwise, this podcast is highly flawed. Each episode is too long and contains information repeated over and over and over ad nauseum. It felt unedited as if every second of every call and interview was dumped carelessly as if everything being said was crucial. Thank you for giving a voice to the family, but there is so much crap that needs to be cut. Besides that, this podcast exploits so many characters. The accusatory bias towards Jack Little is felt in the first seconds of episode 1 and is unrelenting throughout. Listeners are biased from minute one. Connie Walker often accosts the people she interviews, going so far as to crash a funeral to get an interview. It seems haphazard and more like a high school journalist grasping at straws. For a CBC podcast, I expected something far more professional. I do not see myself listening to season 2 ever and will never listen to another Walker production.

I learned a lot about Intergenerational trauma within just one Cree family. I now want to find out more, Very knowledgeable and gripping.

This podcast is so beautifully done. The compassion with how Connie investigated and covered this sensitive topic is so palpable. I am amazed at the siblings’ resilience. I absolutely loved this!

I appreciate that this podcast tries to solve heartbreaking cases, but the reporter is not the best at approaching people, and her tendency to repeat what was just stated makes it difficult to listen to without being annoyed. I hope her next season, should there be one, is handled more professionally and with more care and less cliffhanger endings where “we almost gave up but then…” We all know you’re going to “miraculously” find out what you wanted to, or finally see the suspect, etc. Just tell a good story without that silliness. Also, you don’t “randomly” upload a photo of a grave - it’s a thing. Tons of headstones are out there to be found and seen online. No surprise there. Seems so strange her sweet siblings (I love them and feel for them) didn’t look online for these things already. That part seems fishy, like reporter made it up. They had to have googled, no?