FESTIVAL PREMIERE
Broken Arrow - The James Raven Story
Director: Merv Thomas
A Broken Arrow means peace and working together. The James Raven Story is a documentary short, focusing on real stories from community engagement. 84% of Indigenous people described personal experiences of racism and discrimination when accessing healthcare, that discouraged them from seeking necessary care, negatively affecting their health.
Some difficult experiences are shared about how we are treating each other. The film asks, are we listening? Are we having conversations about making steps towards awareness, affecting change? It also hears ideas on how to address these challenges. James Raven, now in the spirit world, and others spoken of in this film are a few of the thousands of these stories, many untold.
CAST & CREDITS
Director
Merv Thomas
Producer
Jason Q Lawrence
Writer
Val Nicholson, Surita Parashar, Jason Q Lawrence, Merv Thomas
Key Cast
Val Nicholson, Janarae Tom, Amanda Tallio, Sandy Lambert
DIRECTORS BIO
Merv Thomas is Nehiyew, Cree, First Nations from Pelican Lake, Saskatchewan. He has one grandson to whom he is devoted. He has held management positions for over 30 years. He currently resides in the territory of the Coast Salish people, in Vancouver, BC.
Merv is the Director of the ‘Promising Practices Films’ documentary series, which highlights positive stories of addressing HIV and AIDS, Hepatitis C and Harm Reduction issues. They have all won several awards and have a distribution deal.
His latest film Circle of Eagles, Soaring for 50 Years, is also Indigenous focused and provides an in depth look into life before and after prison, and how culture makes a difference. Completed 2021.
Merv is the Chief Executive Officer for the Circle of Eagles Lodge Society. He has been instrumental in the development and overseeing of five locations, many programs and services for Indigenous people; such as a youth treatment facility for youth in trouble with the law, an Indigenous halfway house and homeless shelter for women, Elders meals on wheels, canoe projects and healing journeys, pre-employment programs and training, traditional and healing workshops, two resource centers, an inner city sweat lodge and a retail art store.
He has volunteered his time serving on many Boards of Indigenous agencies in BC, Canada.
