Turning Points
Eight short films about alcohol use, addiction, and healing in Yellowknife, directed by the storytellers themselves.
"I have clarity. Being on the land, that's what it does. It brings out the truth in who you are and that's the most healing thing."
Catherine
Catherine grew up in the city of Yellowknife, raised primarily by her grandparents. She is now reclaiming her identity for herself and her children by learning her language, through writing, and through her relationship with the land. View Catherine's story and transcript on PBS NewsHour.
"Nobody ever asked me what happened to me. They always want to know what a bad guy I was."
Donald
Donald’s past experiences with violence, the justice system and addiction were all lessons that got him to where he is today. He reflects on being a father and channelling his experiences through poetry—both of which were crucial steps towards his own healing. View Donald's story and transcript on PBS NewsHour.
"I still have trauma in my life, I still have that you know, ‘why did my mother throw me away?’, but today I’m doing so much better."
Eric
Eric Wardell has been trying to piece together his own history for many years. He was taken from his parents at just three weeks old, in what is known as the “Sixties Scoop.” Eric also has Fetal Alcohol Syndrome Disorder, and has been in and out of jail. His story is an exploration of identity—what it means to discover who you are, and how your past shapes your future. View Eric's story and transcript on PBS NewsHour.
"It’s so easy up here to go down the rabbit hole… I feel like there’s a stigma around sobriety and recovery."
Devin
Devin Hinchey was born and raised in Yellowknife. After a roller-coaster first year at university, he landed in rehab at age 19. Now sober and a college grad, Devin shares how a strong friendship and sense of place contributed to his recovery. View Devin's story and transcript on PBS NewsHour.
"I lost my language, my culture. I really lost myself."
Louise
At seven, Louise was sent to residential school, stripped of her identity and language. Once back home, she blamed her mother. Her anger led to alcohol dependence and her children being taken away. Now sober, she finds solace in traditional beadwork, a craft that draws her closer to both her mom and her daughters. View Louise's story and transcript on PBS NewsHour.
"There was too many emotions, too many feelings that I didn’t know how to experience. I just ended up starting drinking again, because I didn’t know how to handle it."
Ernest
Ernest Betsina is the elected Chief of the Yellowknives Dene First Nation. Chief Betsina shares his struggle with alcohol following the deaths of his wife and father. His story traces his journey to sobriety through, family, faith and finding purpose. View Ernest's story and transcript on PBS NewsHour.
"The turning point for me was to stop the cycle of abusing myself with alcohol, so I could give my son a good future."
William
William’s story is a letter to his son. He shares mistakes, lessons learned, and his commitment to ending the cycle of abuse. William’s reflections highlight the impact and importance of acknowledging that trauma can be passed down from generation to generation. View William's story and transcript on PBS NewsHour.
"Through my story there is a lot of healing. And I’m so happy about that. People listen. People have ears now. People have eyes now."
Muriel
Muriel is a residential school survivor. Taken with her sister from their childhood home, she suffered years of abuse and struggled to find herself afterward. Muriel shares how she discovered happiness again—for herself, her children, and grandchildren. View Muriel's story and transcript on PBS NewsHour.