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Volume VIII Number 12 . . . . February 15, 2002
Patrick's Story is the story of Patrick Bird, a young Cree man abandoned by his parents as a toddler. His is a narrative of loss, sexual abuse, a foster care system which fails him, self-loathing and self-mutilation. The throwaway kid ultimately contemplates suicide, and his description of his own plans is gut wrenching. However, Patrick has a certain internal resonance and an abiding spirituality which leads to his survival and eventual success. This 24 minute video concentrates on Patrick's journey to personal success and the difference that just one individual can make in another's life. The positive nature of this film, as well as its length, make it a good classroom resource, particularly for such courses as Career and Life Management. The native students who watched this video commented that it was "pretty sad," but that it showed that there were other alternatives to suicide. They also said that Patrick's youth had been lost and he felt shame. However, Patrick's ultimate success as an actor and musician led them to also describe him as a role model for other aboriginals. Recommended. Anne Letain is a teacher-librarian and school library consultant in Southwest Alberta.
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