The Spirit Within
Synopsis
One in four of Canada's Indigenous people will spend some part of their life in prison, where access to cultural programs is limited.
Synopsis
Bobby Woods, an elder from Saskatchewan, leads spiritual ceremonies in Canadian prisons, offering inmates a chance to reconnect with their culture. These programs, sanctioned by Correctional Services Canada, include sweat lodges and traditional practices. Inmates share their experiences of pain and healing, often for the first time. Many express a desire to leave behind feelings of anger and hatred. The documentary captures the struggles and journeys of these individuals as they seek personal reflection and cultural identity within the prison system.
Deep Dive
Why Watch
- Meet Bobby Woods, an elder bringing spiritual teachings to inmates.
- Find out how sweat lodges impact Native inmates' lives.
- See the struggles of Native inmates confronting their past.
Did You Know
- One in four of Canada's Native people will spend some part of their life in prison.
- Native people account for half or more of the total inmate population in Canadian prisons.
- After release, 8 out of 10 Native inmates return to incarceration.
- Many Native inmates experience their first contact with elders while in prison.
Perfect For
Frequently Asked Questions
What percentage of Canada's Native people will spend time in prison?
One in four of Canada's Native people will spend some part of their life in prison.
What percentage of the inmate population do Native people account for in Canadian prisons?
Native people account for half or more of the total inmate population in Canadian prisons.
What is the role of elders in Canadian prisons for Native inmates?
Elders provide Native inmates with their first contact with spirituality and cultural programs, which is a recent development in the prison system.
What are people saying?
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