The film “The Bears on Pine Ridge” is an 85-minute feature documentary that highlights the devastating youth suicide epidemic affecting Native American communities, especially those living on reservations.
The documentary premiered during the 28th Annual Red Nation International Film Festival at the Fine Arts Theater in Beverly Hills, CA, on Saturday, November 4th.
The film focuses on the work of Yvonne “Tiny” DeCory, a Native American suicide prevention specialist who has been working tirelessly on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation.
Her work has made her a beacon of hope and change in this crisis. Teton Saltes, a professional football player and community youth advocate, also joined the discussion.
The documentary is part of the Red Nation International Film Festival, which aims to showcase the talents of Indigenous filmmakers and bring vital issues to the forefront through the power of storytelling.
The film is a crucial platform to educate the public on a deeply urgent and often overlooked crisis.
Native American communities, particularly those on reservations, are grappling with alarmingly high youth suicide rates.
Inadequate access to mental health services, which is a treaty right, due to the failure of federal healthcare systems further compounds this crisis.
The lack of national awareness has left these communities with limited influence over state and federal government responsibilities. “The Bears on Pine Ridge” aims to illuminate these issues and drive meaningful change.
The event began with a Lakota prayer song by Teton Saltes and Adonis Saltes.
Directed by Noel Octavio Bass, “The Bears on Pine Ridge” unveils the resilience and determination of Native American communities as they unite to confront a youth suicide crisis.
The Bears on Pine Ridge (Short Doc 2021): The true story of a community coming together to bring hope to their youth, while struggling with the highest rates of suicide in the country.
Please like and share! https://t.co/YlLk7VPnIz pic.twitter.com/GwRSeQwh0i
— The Bears on Pine Ridge (2021, Documentary) (@BearsOnPineRidg) February 17, 2021
A proper nationwide discussion concerning Native Youth suicide rates needs to happen. Thank you @BigSkyDocFest for your support. @RepDebHaaland and @AOC, our film will be coming to DC in late March.#Mentalhealth #SuicideAwareness #Nativelivesmatter pic.twitter.com/w5ga6dCFFR
— The Bears on Pine Ridge (2021, Documentary) (@BearsOnPineRidg) March 13, 2021
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