Kímmapiiyipitssini: The Meaning of Empathy

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.

Director/Writer: Elle-Máijá Tailfeathers (Blackfoot/Sámi)
Producers: Lori Lozinski, Elle-Máijá Tailfeathers (Blackfoot/Sámi), David Christensen
Canada | 2021 | 125 min
English/Blackfoot w English Subtitles | Documentary Feature

Availability: Canada
Content Warnings: use of illegal substances, or the illegal or harmful use of alcohol, tobacco products, and vapour product or cannabis, triggering historical trauma (Residential schools, Indian Act, 60s Scoop, MMIWG2S)

Elle-Máijá Tailfeathers is a highly accomplished writer, director, producer, and actor. She is a member of Kainai First Nation (Blood Tribe, Blackfoot Confederacy) as well as Sámi from Norway. 

This event is supported by:

Special thanks to our community Co-Presenters Dreamspeakers Festival