Private Project

Wholistic Conversations on Liver Wellness: An Indigenous Perspective

This DocuStory film shares conversations on wellness featuring unique stories from various personal and professional experiences and seasons of life. These eye-opening conversations share the impact the Indigenous community is making on awareness for the importance of liver health rooted in traditional culture and ways of life. These conversations put emphasis on looking forward to teaching future generations the importance of the liver, and how imperative it is to overall health and well-being.

Co-created and produced with First Nations and Metis community members in Alberta.

  • Kate P.R. Dunn
    Director
  • Kate P.R Dunn
    Producer
  • Gary W. Hayes
    Producer
  • Project Type:
    Documentary, Student
  • Genres:
    Indigenous, DocuStory, Education, Health, IndigenousKnowledge, Knowledgekeepers, Documentary, Student, Academic, Cultural, Filmsforchange
  • Runtime:
    22 minutes 53 seconds
  • Completion Date:
    October 14, 2022
  • Production Budget:
    15,000 USD
  • Country of Origin:
    Canada
  • Country of Filming:
    Canada
  • Language:
    English
  • Shooting Format:
    Sony EX 7, 4K
  • Aspect Ratio:
    16.9
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    Yes
  • Student Project:
    Yes - Royal Roads University
  • Edmonton
    Canada
    October 15, 2022
    Provincial Liver Health Conference
  • Eden Valley
    Canada
    November 2, 2022
    First Nations Reserve Liver Health Day
  • Fort Langley Film Festival
    Fort Langley
    Canada
    February 25, 2023
    British Columbia Premier
    Best Short Film
  • Film Only Film Festival
    Toronto
    Canada
    May 14, 2023
    Indigenous/Racial Awareness Category (Third Place)
  • Regina International Film Festival and Awards
    Regina International Film Festival
    August 5, 2023
    Saskatchewan Premier
  • 3 Fires International Film Festival
    Huntsville Ontario
    Canada
    July 29, 2023
  • VOX Popular Media Festival
    Thunder Bay
    Canada
    September 9, 2023
  • The International Multicultural Film Festival
    Perth
    Australia
    September 23, 2023
    Australian Premiere
Director Biography - Kate P.R. Dunn

Kate Dunn is an Anishinaabe woman who works in a collaborative role increasing awareness and access to Hepatitis C treatment and cure for Indigenous communities in Alberta. Bringing a background in nursing, a master’s in public health, and recently as part of this media project, a Doctorate in Social Sciences at Royal Roads University focusing on Indigenous Health. Kate’s director debut in this Wisdom Seeking research project spends time with Indigenous Knowledge Holders listening to memories, stories, and perspectives on traditional health and liver wellness in co-creating a visual story relevant for all ages.

Add Director Biography
Director Statement

Through conversations in a clinical role with Indigenous community members and healthcare team members the gap in culturally connected awareness resources for liver health was highlighted and directly correlated to the low engagement in screening and treatment for hepatitis C. This motivated conversations with Indigenous Knowledge Keepers and a journey to co-create a resource focusing on the traditional approach of sharing knowledge through story, paired with land-based visuals, as a way of using media to share cultural perspectives focusing on wellness. Although inspired by my Grandmother and the health literacy issues she faced as an Indigenous woman, this creative journey involved Indigenous community members across Alberta and would not be possible without their love, time, patience and advice guiding this journey to incorporate both a traditional Indigenous wellness perspective with a medical background in health education.
Special gratitude and honor to all my relations and to the creative family who supported this project:

Elders Co-Designing the Script
Jeanette Wildman (Stoney Nakoda First Nation)
Kehew (Enoch Cree First Nation)
Emil Durocher (Fishing Lake Metis Settlement)
Frank Daniels (Cree First Nation)
Alice Kaquitts (Stoney Nakoda First Nation)
Doreen Spence (Saddle Lake First Nation)
Edmee Comstock (Red River Metis Settlement)
Maurice Little Wolf (Piikani First Nation)

Director / Producer
Kate Dunn (Mississauga First Nation)

Indigenous Community Creative Partners
Bonnie Weasel Moccasin (Kainai First Nation)
Mercedes Russell (Kainai First Nation)
Eithan Carter (Sikisika First Nation)
Kendra Jessie Rosychuck (Sucker Creek First Nation)
Haley Shade (Kainai First Nation)
Harley Crowshoe (Piikani First Nation)

Videographers
Rene Collins (Metis)
Kate Dunn (Mississauga First Nation)

Graphic Artist
Katriona Dunn (Mississauga First Nation)

Music
Olivia Tailfeathers (Kainai First Nation)
Sherryl Sewepagaham (Little Red River Cree First Nation)