Release Date

01 Jan, 1987

Runtime

00:29: (HH:MM)

Synopsis

Just north of the City of Edmonton lies Poundmaker’s Lodge, an addiction and mental-health facility specializing in treatment for Indigenous people. Founded in 1973 and still operational today, the Lodge’s programs and services are Indigenous-run and based in culturally appropriate recovery and healing techniques. Framing the short documentary with the words of the great Plains Cree Chief Pîhtokahanapiwiyin (Poundmaker), Alanis Obomsawin presents a frank examination of the root causes of substance abuse in Indigenous communities and how the absence of love and support – exacerbated by the impacts of colonialism and racism – created a legacy of alcoholism for some individuals. Through searing and emotional testimonies of people in the Lodge, this work presents portraits of courage and perseverance, and hope for future generations.

Original Title

Poundmaker's Lodge: A Healing Place

Photos

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Actors

Crew

Alanis Obomsawin

Alanis Obomsawin

Alanis Obomsawin

Rita Roy

Dario Domingues

Marrin Canell

Robert Verrall

Shannon Two Feathers