Patrick's Story

199924 min 3 secFilm: Documentary

Direction: Doug Cuthand

Production: Lori KuffnerJennifer Torrance

Script: Doug Cuthand

Produced by Cooper Rock Pictures Inc. in co-production with the NFB, in association with Vision TV, Saskatchewan Communications Network and Knowledge Network, and with the participation of the Saskatchewan Film Employment Tax Credit, the Canadian Film or Video Production Tax Credit, Heartland Releasing and SaskFILM.

Patrick Bird was a "a casualty of colonialism," having walked a dark boyhood journey of sexual abuse, neglect, foster homes, detention centres, loss, abandonment, drugs, alcohol and self-mutilation. Through no fault of his own, Patrick was disconnected from his family, his childhood and his Cree culture and left with few resources to cope with the pain and powerlessness. Patrick's Story explores what brought a young man to attempt to end his life and what turned his life around. With the help of friends and his loving adoptive mother, Patrick begins the search for his identity and spirituality as a Cree man, while discovering his talents in music and acting. This story offers us all a message of inspiration and hope.

Availability

Check DVD availability

Subject categories

  • Law and Crime > AdolescentsIndigenous PeoplesJuvenile Delinquency
  • Indigenous Peoples in Canada (First Nations and Métis) > Adolescents and Young AdultsCultural IdentityFamily Life
  • Children and Youth > Adoption and Foster CareJuvenile DelinquencyViolence and Child Abuse
  • Music > Musical Expressions
  • Indigenous Studies > Identity/SocietyIssues and Contemporary Challenges
  • Health/Personal Development > Mental Health/Stress/SuicideSexuality

Credits

director
Doug Cuthand
writer
Doug Cuthand
producer
Lori Kuffner
Jennifer Torrance
camera
Donovan Fraser
editing
Daryl Davis
music
Patrick Bird
Keith Secola
Ross Nykiforuk

Awards

  • Bronze Plaque Award - Category: Education and Information International Film and Video Festival