Location: Toronto
Release Date: May 2020
HEALING THE NATION follows community members of the Toronto-based Aboriginal Healing Program as they rediscover their culture to heal from unresolved trauma. This empowering documentary dares us to think beyond mainstream medicine and embrace Indigenous ways for overcoming mental health and addiction issues.
How We Got Started
We first met Elder Little Brown Bear (Ernest W. Matton, Athehsa Niohkwá:rita:a) back in 2017, through the Aboriginal Healing Program; a small but mighty Mental Health and Addictions wellness program located in the heart of Toronto. When we witnessed the incredible work that Elder was doing for his community, we knew it was something that we needed to share with others. A few years later, a simple conversation hinting at the thought of creating a documentary together, very quickly became a serious project. This project has been a labour of love and has taught us so much along the way.
Why This Story?
Our need to tell this story stems from seeing the positive impact Elder and the program has had on so many members of the community who may have otherwise fallen through the cracks of our healthcare system. Creating this documentary with the community has been an intensive learning journey, that has taught us about the power of Indigenous healing practices, the importance of cultural safety and spiritual growth, and strength of character. By watching Healing the Nation, we hope that our audience will share these reflections and advocate for holistic approaches to mental health, trauma and addictions care.
YEAR
CATEGORY
COLLABORATOR
PRODUCERS
DIRECTORS
CINEMATOGRAPHER
EDITOR
COMPOSER
MUSIC
SOUND DESIGN + MIX
TRAILER MUSIC
2020
Documentary
Aboriginal Healing Program
Michael Garron Hospital
Toronto East Health Network
Maëlle Marchand
Ernest W. Matton
(Elder Little Brown Bear, Athehsa Niohkwá:rita:a)
Jack Major
Ernest W. Matton
(Elder Little Brown Bear, Athehsa Niohkwá:rita:a)
Jack Major
Daniel Monkman (Zoongideewin)
Bryanna Petrie
(Woman of the Stars, Wela’lin)
Alana Raymond
Vincent DiFrancesco
We want to thank our brothers and sisters from the Aboriginal Healing Program who have raised their voices to be heard. Together we will bring this film to the forefront to educate the public + healthcare professionals on alternatives to trauma, mental health and addictions counselling.