KÍMMAPIIYIPITSSINI: THE MEANING OF EMPATHY

Elle-Maija Tailfeathers, Canada

The urgent, astounding, much lauded new film by Elle-Máijá Tailfeathers imbues the act of witnessing her community’s response to the opioid crisis with an ethic of empathy, love, and great care.

Framed within the ongoing and historical impacts of settler colonialism in Blackfoot territory, this intimate portrait illuminates the beauty, strength, and core spirit of Kainai First Nation as they implement harm reduction and healing based on the value of compassion.

The crucial, collective work of medical professionals, first responders, and community members in active addiction and recovery is brought to light with full dignity, love, and respect as the community implements their own life saving solutions. Kímmapiiyipitssini also affirms Kainai’s origin as a powerful and thriving people — countering not only the settler, colonial view that blames Indigenous peoples for our own state of crisis, but also attributing the crisis as a direct and devastating impact of settler colonialism itself.

Accompanying the film and bringing in the voices of local community members and first responders, Toronto Indigenous Harm Reduction will moderate a conversation on May 18th about the life saving community work that is oftentimes invisibilized.

May 16th – May 22nd, streaming online.

To receive a screening link, register here.

May 18 Panel Discussion at 7pm via Zoom.

To join the panel discussion, register here.