BC documentary series explores couple’s journey to decolonize wellness

Aaron Hemens, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

An indigenous couple from sylx’s hometown has completed a documentary series detailing their wellness journey of decolonizing lifestyles and embracing cultural norms.

Decolonizing Wellness is a six-part video production created by cə̓q̓cq̓am (Thunder) Ryan Oliverius of Okanagan Indian Band (OKIB) and Shayla Raine, nehiyaw iskwew of Louis Bull Tribe.

Funded through the Telus Storyhive initiative, the series is now streaming on YouTube and includes interviews with local indigenous people and documenting their first-person experiences embarking on a new lifestyle.

“For me, decolonizing wellness is about reclaiming my indigenous identity — reclaiming my wellness journey. Mr Oliverius, MP, said:

Filmed between March and August 2022, Oliverius says the project was inspired by his grandmother, a Kamloops Indian Boarding School survivor who suffered from type 2 diabetes.

“When I spoke with an indigenous knowledge keeper, type 2 diabetes had never existed among our people. [before colonization],” he said. “We weren’t on a sugary diet. We were healthy people.”

Similarly, Raine explained that her grandparents also suffered from type 2 diabetes, which she learned while studying at university was a common problem affecting many indigenous communities.

“I’ve read that it’s because of colonization by Indian law. They rely on Indian agents to feed them and give them flour and granulated sugar,” Raine said. “I just discovered a sedentary lifestyle and a really processed diet.”

walk in two worlds

Through research into the lifestyles of their ancestors and dialogue with knowledge-holders, Oliverius and Rain created the themes that ultimately guide their health journey. It is also about caring for their spirits and strengthening kinship and cultural ties.

Eating healthier, exercising regularly and sleeping better are also part of the process. They practiced mindfulness and avoided negative energy and technology abuse.

“Living in this age, it’s almost impossible to live 100% like my ancestors did, disconnecting from all electronics and all technology, living in the mountains and living off the land. said Oliverius.

“I feel there needs to be some kind of balance. I have to walk in two worlds. I have to walk in the Western world and I have to walk in the traditional way of being.”

In one episode, a couple chronicles their experience of going on a week-long “dopamine detox.” No cell phones, no TV, no music, no social media. While trying, Oliverius found himself constantly and successfully battling the urge to check his phone or use other technology. Through this experience, he realized that when he wasn’t mindlessly scrolling or watching TV, he was able to spend more time productively during the day.

“I happened to spend time trying to learn something new with my own hands and reading books,” he said. “Go for a walk, exercise. When you realize you have plenty of time in your day, you’ll find yourself doing things you wouldn’t normally do.”

There are also episodes devoted to meditating in nature and enjoying time on land. It made it possible to lead a comfortable lifestyle.

“I knew being present was something I struggled with, so I wanted to try these things that help me be a little more present,” he said.

Other episodes include a tsuzumi-making story featuring Oliverius’ mother. Eating healthier, limiting processed foods, and being outdoors are also areas of focus for the series.

“When you eat something from the land, you become part of a system that is interconnected with the land,” Raine said.

Oliverius added that it was important to view food as medicine in achieving goals throughout the journey to health.

“When you have the mindset that this food is medicine for our bodies, you will start making healthier choices,” he said.

‘It’s never too late’

In season one of the book, Oliverius learned to live a more purposeful and current lifestyle. I am not very interested in comparing.

“‘It’s never too late’ is the big thing I’ve learned,” he said. “It’s never too late to learn my language. It’s never too late to learn your own culture and sweat He’s back to lodges, ceremonies, etc… It may be late, but it’s never too late.” I think.”

For the future of the series, the couple plans to experiment with a 60-day challenge, following a similar format, incorporating aspects of the medicine wheel on each day. .

They also want to develop healthy lifestyle programs that others can follow. We also want to expand our internet presence, including a website, shorter videos, and a dedicated podcast. For now, Oliverius hopes viewers will feel a renewed appreciation for trying something new.

“Really take time to take care of yourself in a purposeful way. You might learn something new to try something new,” he said.

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