The Sacred Gift scheduled to air on APTN spring 2001

The Sacred Gift is a three part series, written and directed by John F. Cooke which deals with First Nations' appropriate and inappropriate uses of the sacred medicine tobacco.

The majority of the program is traditional teachings relating to tobacco use and its threat to life, delivered by Stephen J. Augustine and Banakonda Kennedy Kish Bell.

These teachings are interwoven with the grim story of a ficticious lung cancer patient Mary, and her attending nurse.

Mary's nightmare materializes as an over-the-top sports announcer turned public heath advocate.

Western medical information is delivered through the thoughts of the nurse, complete with a visit from a snooty doctor.

It is a dark documentary, with it's only relief through a small hole of black humour.

The program ends with a melancholy sermon of advice for a healthier community.

This program is scheduled for its national premiere on the Aboriginal People's Television Network (APTN) in the spring of 2001. Check local listings.

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