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O. Brion Whitford (1)
O. Brion Whitford
An Ojibwe photographer and filmmaker, O. Brion Whitford grew up in Winnipeg’s North End and studied film at the University of Manitoba. With The Gift of Diabetes, co-directed with John Paskievich, he crafted a thoughtful account of his own experience with a disease that disproportionately affects Indigenous communities. The film examined Indigenous health issues within the historical context of colonialism, winning a Public Service Award at the 2005 American Indian Film Festival. He was an active member of Keeseekoowenin First Nation and helped secure a successful land claim at Clear Lake, Riding Mountain National Park. Whitford died in 2006.
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The Gift of DiabetesO. Brion Whitford & John Paskievich 2005 58 minThis feature-length documentary explores the diabetes epidemic within Indigenous communities in Canada. Ojibway filmmaker Brion Whitford lives with the pain of advanced diabetes, but shunned traditional Indigenous medicine and healing practices. But as his health deteriorated, he had a change of heart. Join Brion as he connects with his culture, comes to grips with his own mortality, and tries to re-establish balance in his life.
