Three stories of loss and redemption

A sense of loss underpins Robert Morin’s 3 Histoires d’Indiens, a French-language film set for release on April 11 that follows the journey of five First Nations youth living in a small community. The three stories Morin recounts highlight the struggle against the loss of family members, of our senses, of our connection to one another and the natural environment.

Morin begins his story with Éric Papatie, an intrepid videographer who goes about his days seeking a greater connection to his community. Looking through discarded trash piles for parts, Éric works towards his dream of running his own TV channel. The feeling of disconnect continues as we are introduced to Shayne Brazeau, who is struggling to come to terms with his loss and finds respite through classical music as he wanders between a nearby mining town and his community.

Also looking for a deeper meaning in their lives are three sisters, Shandy-Ève Grant, Marie-Claude Penosway and Alicia Papatie-Pien, who form a cult inspired by Algonquin-Mohawk Saint Kateri Tekakwitha. Searching for a way to help their blind sibling regain her eyesight, the three sisters set off to build a shrine and pray for their salvation, but their journey does not come without sacrifice.

As 3 Histoires d’Indiens unfolds, the characters are brought to life through their actions and their search for meaning in the modern world. Weaving the three tales into a single film does cause some confusion, as there is no separation between the stories. But as their individual tales evolve, the main theme of the film shines through.