Nitinaht Chronicle, The

143 minutes, 1997

This is a candid portrait of an Aboriginal community struggling to come to terms with a searing legacy of sexual abuse, incest and family violence. The film follows the Ditidaht First Nation on BC’s Nitinaht Lake Reserve over a seven-year period, after a respected elder is found guilty of sexually assaulting his granddaughter. Award-winning filmmaker Maurice Bulbulian was granted permission by members of the community to record their stories, and become a part of their healing process. These powerful and courageous interviews came to play a key role in enabling people in the community to share their experiences and overcome the cycle of abuse. Through their stories, they also reveal the devastating effects of the residential school system. For decades, Aboriginal youth were taken from their families and forced to attend these schools, where speaking their own languages and following their customs were forbidden, and where physical, emotional and sexual abuse were routine. With hope and courage, the people in this film are overcoming their tragic past and healing themselves. This film contains strong language, including graphic sexual detail. Please preview before showing to an audience.

Source: Library and Archives Canada - Canadian Feature Film Database (LAC)

Contributed Notes