Watch Waseskun

Waseskun is a Canadian film released in 2016 that recounts the tale of a group of Indigenous men undergoing rehabilitation inside Quebec's Waseskun Healing Center. The film's documentary-style technique immerses the viewer in the lives of the counselors as they work to recover from addiction and break free from the penal system. The documentary's director and producer, Steve Patry, spent over two years living in the center to record its inmates' stories. Gerry, an Indigenous man who spent 47 years in jail, leads the group of criminals-turned-healers. He mentors younger inmates and has become a respected leader in the institution. Rogers also joins the group, overcoming his addiction and developing his skills for teaching drumming.

The film's first half demonstrates how these men have been mistreated throughout their lives, whether through residential schools, the penal system, or as the victims of racism. Simultaneously, the film exhibits the strength and resilience of the community. Patry uses close-up camera shots to highlight their emotions, evaluating a broad range of feelings as they work towards their goal of rehabilitation in the Waseskun Healing Center.

The remaining half of the film's narrative highlights the importance of Indigenous healing practices, setting them against the typical methods in use in the penal system. The prisoners' healing journeys take them back to their Indigenous roots, using songs, drumming, and traditional ceremonies to help them reconnect with the world and re-establish themselves.

The joy-infused within the Waseskun Healing Center is palpable, with the men reconnecting with the natural world, living in teepees, and doing physical activities throughout the day. There is a strong sense of mutual responsibility within the group, with the mentors aiding the younger inmates in finding their path out of the penal system and towards a brighter future.

The end is just as potent as the beginning, with the documentary concluding with a now free Gerry talking about his favorite sunset view. He speaks about the power of his Indigenous roots, and how they helped him overcome addiction and trauma. He is free and at peace, a moving testament to the efficacy of the Indigenous healing processes shown throughout the film.

The film brings to light the pressing issue of over-incarceration in Canada, especially regarding Indigenous communities. By telling the stories of the Waseskun Healing Center's residents, the film highlights the importance of healing and connection, specifically to Native traditions, as a way forward from the colonial traumas inflicted upon these men.

To conclude, Waseskun is an enlightening film that beautifully explores the journey of a group of men willing to heal and reconnect with their history and spiritual roots. The documentary finds a balance between the dark realities of their past and the hope and gratitude that comes when marginalised communities can heal together. Viewers witness the power of Indigenous healing methods while understanding the magnitude of the wounds inflicted upon Indigenous communities. Highly recommended for anyone interested in the topic of justice and healing, Waseskun is a moving testament to the human spirit's enduring resilience.

Waseskun is a 2016 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 21 minutes.