Post-film discussion with Charlene Belleau, moderated by Ryan Deneault (Healing Between Worlds).

Winner: Best Direction, Documentary, Sundance Film Festival

EVENT SCHEDULE:

    5:45 PM – Doors open

    6:15 PM – Opening Remarks + AS THE SMOKE RISES (short film) + SUGARCANE (feature) + Post-film Discussion

    AS THE SMOKE RISES (12 min)
    Director: Sharon Heigl

    A Native Elder explains the energy and tremendous healing power of smudging sage handed down by the ancients thousands of years ago.

    Post-film discussion with Charlene Belleau, moderated by Ryan Deneault (Healing Between Worlds).

.  .  .

Charlene Belleau
Charlene has been a strong advocate for former Indian Residential School survivors for over thirty-five years. 

The late 1980’s saw many former St. Joseph’s Mission (SJM) Indian Residential School (IRS) warriors step forward and hold priests accountable for the sexual abuse of children. Due to the trauma associated with the high profile criminal trials, Charlene, with the support of BC Leadership established the Provincial Indian Residential School Project now known as the BC IRSSS. Charlene coordinated the engagement of former SJM IRS students in key inquiries on IRS, including the Royal Commision on Aboriginal Peoples in 1996 and a community based IRS inquiry on the impacts of SJM in Esk’etemc in 1997. Additionally, Charlene facilitated the Law Commission of Canada’s work on IRS in 1997. Charlene served at the local, provincial and national levels on IRS. While with the Assembly of First Nations, she was part of the team to negotiate the Indian Residential School Settlement Agreement, of which the Truth and Reconciliation Commission was a priority for Charlene.

Charlene served three terms as Kukpi7 (Chief) of Esk’etemc and several years on Council. Dealing with IRS trauma has always been and continues to be the cornerstone of Charlene’s work to create healthier and safer families and nations.

Ryan Deneault

Ryan Deneault’s unique life story is the basis of the business, Healing Between Worlds. Through lived experience, Ryan shares his unique story of being a functioning addict for 30+ years and his attempts to fit into society for nearly five decades to help others find their healing path, teach about Canada’s history through an Indigenous lens and Truth and Reconciliation, and the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP), plus share his journey through addiction to wellness and recovery.