The Agony of Jimmy Quinlan

Just north of the City of Edmonton lies Poundmaker's Lodge, an addiction and mental-health facility specializing in treatment for Indigenous people. Founded in 1973 and still operational today, the Lodge's programs and services are Indigenous-run and based in culturally appropriate recovery and healing techniques. Framing the short documentary with the words of the great Plains Cree Chief Pîhtokahanapiwiyin (Poundmaker), Alanis Obomsawin presents a frank examination of the root causes of substance abuse in Indigenous communities and how the absence of love and support - exacerbated by the impacts of colonialism and racism - created a legacy of alcoholism for some individuals. Through searing and emotional testimonies of people in the Lodge, this work presents portraits of courage and perseverance, and hope for future generations.

After years of struggle and shame, five Indigenous Canadians are bravely telling their stories. Crazywater is an emotional and revealing exploration of substance abuse among Indigenous people in Canada, directed by Inuvialuit filmmaker Dennis Allen. Rarely have their own perspectives on the sensitive topic of alcoholism been presented in such an honest and forthright manner. Dennis introduces Alex, Stephen, Paula and Desirae, who courageously share their experiences. Alex's struggles with alcoholism were an attempt to forget the abuse he suffered at a residential school. Drinking and drug use were Stephen's way of burying the childhood trauma he couldn't bear. For Paula and Desirae-two mothers with a dark history of addiction-family becomes the key to breaking the cycle of abuse. Like his subjects, the director himself is a recovering alcoholic. Dennis describes his decades-long battle with alcoholism, which began when he took his first drink-when he was only a boy. The survivors maintain a deep and devoted commitment to their traditional cultures as a means to achieving long-term sobriety. Through their voices, this insightful documentary offers an inspirational beacon of hope for those whose lives have been affected by addiction.

In 1979 Norma Bailey made the gritty documentary Nose and Tina, about a prostitute, Tina, and her boyfriend, Nose. Fifteen years later Tina (now Linda), contacted Bailey from an alcohol rehabilitation centre. Sometimes funny, sometimes upsetting, but always reveting, Bailey follows Linda and her children, sisters, mother, boyfriends and various extended family members as they move in and out of Linda's life. The True Story of Linda M. takes us on a remarkable journey into the heart and soul of a woman struggling with the darkness that lurks beneath the surface of her psyche.