Film about residential school survivor and pro skateboarder is executive produced by Tony Hawk
Legendary skateboarder Tony Hawk is a now an executive producer for a film about a residential school survivor.
The Vancouver-made film Joe Buffalo was released earlier this month.
The short film chronicles the life of Joe Buffalo, who survived residential school and went on to become a professional skateboarder. The first to do so.
"It was no straight shot trajectory, there was a lot of suffering," said Buffalo in an interview with CTV News Vancouver.
At the age of 11, Buffalo was taken from his home on the Samson Cree Nation in Maskwacis, Alta., and placed in a residential school.
"You’re put in these institutions and it's like a prison for kids, man," Buffalo said.
The movie, made by filmmaker Amar Chebib, highlights Buffalo’s struggles with intergenerational trauma and his battle to become sober.
“Pre-contact native people, we didn’t know what alcohol was, we didn’t know what drugs were, that was brought to us,” said Buffalo.
"I thought I was a write-off, I thought the alcohol had fully consumed me and that drugs was the only way to go, why not just numb the pain?"
Buffalo is now sober but says it’s a battle he’ll fight forever.
“Just cause I don’t drink alcohol doesn’t mean I’m not an alcoholic, just because I kicked dope doesn’t mean I’m not an addict,” he said.
The story was powerful enough to catch the eye of the sport’s most iconic figure. Hawk wasn’t involved in the making of the film but came on board afterwards.
“He plucks out all the positive in skateboarding in the world and he shines a light on it,” Buffalo said.
“He's a saint in my eyes."
The film can be watched for free online on the New Yorker Youtube channel.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Millions of Canadians have been exposed to potentially toxic chemicals, and they're not going anywhere
For decades, North Bay, Ontario's water supply has harboured chemicals associated with liver and developmental issues, cancer and complications with pregnancy. It's far from the only city with that problem.
opinion How to use your credit card as a powerful wealth-building tool
Irresponsibly using a credit card can land you in financial trouble, but personal finance columnist Christopher Liew says when used properly, it can be a powerful wealth-building tool that can help grow your credit profile and create new opportunities.
WATCH Dashcam video shows terrifying near-miss on two-lane northern Ontario highway
There were some scary moments for several people on a northern Ontario highway caught on video Thursday after a chain reaction following a truck fire.
Which Canadian cities have the highest and lowest grocery prices?
Where you live plays a big factor in what you pay at the grocery store. And while it's no secret the same item may have a different price depending on the store, city or province, we wanted to see just how big the differences are, and why.
Here's what 'the hinge' move is, how to do it correctly
When you're picking something up from the floor or bending over to tie your shoe laces, you're performing "the hinge move," according to movement trainers.
Tips to make a house or apartment safe and accessible for older adults living at home
Here's a summary of tips from the U.S. National Institute on Aging and AARP, which offers a free room-by-room guide with practical suggestions for older adults living independently.
Here are some gardening questions, answers
When it comes to gardening, a lot of questions come up, including the best way to keep pets away from plants, maintaining your lawn and keeping the dandelions at bay.
'I may have some nightmares:' Man survives being bitten by 2 sharks in Bahamas
A man who was bitten by two sharks in the Bahamas said Thursday he's 'thankful that I'm here' while sharing his story of survival.
Barron Trump declines to serve as an RNC delegate
Former U.S. President Donald Trump's youngest son, Barron Trump, has declined to serve as a delegate at this summer’s Republican National Convention, according to a senior Trump campaign adviser and a statement from Melania Trump's office.