A screenshot from the trailer for Kímmapiiyipitssini: The Meaning of Empathy. (Photo: National Film Board)

By David Opinko

Lethbridge film screening to highlight impacts of opioid crisis

Mar 27, 2025 | 8:48 AM

Southern Albertans can take part in a special screening of an award-winning film that shines a spotlight on “one of the most urgent issues in Lethbridge.”

Kímmapiiyipitssini: The Meaning of Empathy follows Elle-Máijá Tailfeathers as she creates “an intimate portrait of her community and the impacts of the drug poisoning epidemic.”

It shows the work that community members, first responders and medical professionals have done as they struggle to support people who are suffering from substance addiction.

The film screening will feature keynote speakers Jiggs Day Chief and Melissa Many Fingers.

After the film’s conclusion, a panel discussion will include the following members:

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• Dr. Esther Tailfeathers: Is the Senior Medical Director of the Provincial Indigenous Wellness Core of AHS. She is a participant in the Kímmapiiyipitssini: The Meaning of Empathy documentary.
• Elle-Máijá Tailfeathers is a filmmaker, actor, and producer. She is the Director and Producer of Kímmapiiyipitssini: The Meaning of Empathy.
• Mark Brave Rock is the founder of the Lethbridge Sage Clan Patrol.
• Bonnie Weasel Moccasin – Public Health Nurse with Bringing the Spirit Home.

The event takes place from 5:00 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. on Thursday, March 27, 2025, at the Yates Memorial Theatre. Admission is free, but tickets can be reserved online here.

A trailer for the documentary is below.

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