Lillian's life
Below is an undated photo of Cleo's biological mother, Lillian Semaganis, who joined the fight to prevent the adoption of more Indigenous children into white homes, after her own kids were adopted.
Lillian's attendance report for the residential school she attended in Prince Albert, Saskatchewan, from the age of 7.
Lillian, pictured on her funeral program, died on March 4, 2014.
Nora Cummings, a Métis activist who worked with Lillian to stop the Adopt Indian and Métis program, says Cleo's late mother tried to get her children back after they were placed for adoption.
Lillian eventually reunited with some of her children and got to meet her grandchildren. She's pictured here with her late daughter Annette, on the right, Christine on the left, and her grandson, Brad.
