A Man and the Elk Dog
Experience the origin myth of how the horse came to the Blackfoot people hundreds of years ago. Then see how one modern day Blackfoot elder is working to re-connect the youth to this vital part of their culture.
Video
Pitch video
Synopsis
It’s customary in the Blackfoot tradition to transfer knowledge, exactly as it was taught to you, by telling stories. The story of how the horse first crossed paths with the Blackfoot is folklore, like a parable from a dream and now myth. Guided by the voice of a Blackfoot elder, this cinematic journey invites the viewer in to be a part of the legend. Patrick Provost, a near 70-year-old Blackfoot man of the Piikani nation in Southern Alberta, has entwined his life with his horses. Having grown up with a deep connection to the animal, he is infamous for breaking and training internationally-renowned colts. His efforts are now all focused on how he can help the youth of today re-connect with this legendary animal so significant to their way of life.
The team
Our team is unique in that it pairs a filmmaker with a Blackfoot elder. Our goal is to create an engaging experience in getting to discover a part of what makes the horse so significant to the Blackfoot tradition.
Production
Interview Roster
Patrick would like to include an interview with one of the community's older Elders, as he fears they 'won't make it through the next winter' to hear about the importance of the horse to the Blackfoot.
Tye is Patrick’s son who along with Pat are creating an equine therapy camp that brings disaffected and addicted youth into a practice that reconnects them with their culture while treating their challenges. He has gone through special training in the USA to offer these camps, but has adapted them to fit the Blackfoot community and way of life.
Patrick Provost, a near 70-year-old Blackfoot man of the Piikani nation in Southern Alberta, has entwined his life with his horses. Having grown up with a deep connection to the animal, and was infamous for breaking and training colts and bucking broncos. Selling some of the most renowned horses on the rodeo circuit and to the Calgary Stampede. He lives on a modest plot of land just up the hill from where he grew up on the Piikani reserve.