We Make Stories Out of Totem Poles (Documentary Short)

A short film on Kwakwaka'wakw carver, Charles Joseph, who carves his dreams and sometimes nightmares into cedar. Having survived the evils of residential school at a young age, Charles tells the story of what happened on his largest carving yet in order to take a step forward and leave the pain behind.

We are currently working on a feature-length documentary film that follows the friendship between Charles Joseph and Jordan Peterson.

#CharlesJoseph #Documentary #NativeArt

[Aisatsana]

Just found out about this man from the JBP podcast. What an unbelievable story. Amazing to see that Charles has kept himself inspired in the world after what he’s been through.

[TokelauInTech]

Who else has come here after Jordan Peterson podcast? Everything this man's been through my heart breaks but also inspired by how he's overcome the horrors at the residential school he was at. Keep inspiring the world Charles

[mikebrisebois]

Amazing man. I love his mom. She looks like a loving person.

[muddywitch]

Just seen Charles interview with his friend Jordan B Peterson. Very moving and gut wrenching hearing about his experiences in a residential school. So horrible little children were so mis- treated!😡

[edgeofthought]

For all the stories, and the courage to carve and be open, thank you Charles. And thank you Holding Space Films for this and your other work.

[Katcordos]

amazing people who deserve much more recognition

[cmax]

Charles Joseph seems like an incredible man. I cannot begin to imagine the torture he went through. He is stronger than most, turning out to be a strong and kind man even with that horrible treatment. God bless him. I'm glad he shared his story

[AlexReynard]

I'm a person who doesn't have much use for the past. Probably because my own family was abusive and riddled with mental illness. I care about _now_ more than anything. But that's my *choice.* Watching this, I thought upon how evil it is to force that choice onto someone else. I've let my past go in my own time, because it's a burden I don't want to carry. But for someone else, who finds comfort and strength in family, community, tradition... To have that stolen must be like being stripped naked and kicked out into a blizzard. Nothing good ever comes from stealing a choice from people. Especially children. *Especially* children.

[seamuso]

Boone i feel your pain.
I had all my jewellery equipment in your house you called me a
want to be
gravers block ect. Jeweler's Bench and all the things that you saw. The truth is I actually have been accomplished
I was just a student going through depression. I had all the abilities to pull off the native things you guys could do but I was respected to keep away. I will always respect the wishes of carey and moy jr
I will always remember you and the Blue Raven. I grew up at one point on 1971 kaltasin Road i was born near here, add a famous Hospital Jubilee Hospital. ( I even worked at Jubilee Hospital)

i was Born on This Island, i steal this qoute from the movie Braveheart.
"Its my island"
Irish Seamus was only ever clearly born here. But I always felt like it was my Island. Great respect for Victor Newman and his son who made the witness blanket. I did pick up a really cool expression from you though it was called being " high "that when you drink alcohol I struggle with drinking all the time I think I'll close that door one day though thanks to your expression . If you drink your "high". You are a clever man. Because nobody on the planet around me ever said when you're drinking" you're high"

[superclown]

Great little film, very touching. Look forward to your documentary with JBP. Question, what did Joseph say in the last line ... and what do you think he meant? Thanks