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The Nitinaht Chronicles

1997 2 h 22 min
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This feature documentary profiles an Indigenous community coming to terms with a legacy of sexual abuse, incest and family violence. The film follows the Ditidaht First Nation over a seven-year period, after a respected elder is found guilty of sexual assault. Award-winning filmmaker Maurice Bulbulian records the community's stories, becoming a part of their healing process. With the hope and courage of participants, the powerful interviews in this film play a key role in helping the community overcome the cycle of abuse. The continuing, devastating effects of the residential school system are also revealed; in this system, physical, emotional and …

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This work deals with mature subject matter. Viewer discretion is advised.
The Nitinaht Chronicles

Details

This feature documentary profiles an Indigenous community coming to terms with a legacy of sexual abuse, incest and family violence. The film follows the Ditidaht First Nation over a seven-year period, after a respected elder is found guilty of sexual assault. Award-winning filmmaker Maurice Bulbulian records the community's stories, becoming a part of their healing process. With the hope and courage of participants, the powerful interviews in this film play a key role in helping the community overcome the cycle of abuse. The continuing, devastating effects of the residential school system are also revealed; in this system, physical, emotional and sexual abuse were all too often routine. The Nitinaht Chronicles contains strong language, including graphic sexual detail. Please preview before showing to an audience.

This work deals with mature subject matter. Viewer discretion is advised.
Indigenous Peoples in Canada (First Nations and Métis) Social Issues Families Sexuality and Reproduction All subjects
  • director
    Maurice Bulbulian
  • producer
    Jacques Vallée

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Education

Ages 18+
Study Guide
Guide 1
School subjects
Health/Personal Development - Mental Health/Stress/Suicide Indigenous Studies - Issues and Contemporary Challenges Social Studies - Contemporary Issues

Challenging documentary to provoke complex discussion about sexual abuse. Suggested for mature students, including those reviewing case studies at university level. Research the progress of Nitinaht since 1997; has the cycle of abuse been halted? What factors have helped or hindered the community’s progress, and how might those factors be addressed? What other forms of restitution, justice, punishment or healing might have been effective in Nitinaht, and why? Compare and contrast with other communities or cultures dealing with pervasive abuse.

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