Dancing Bear – Healing to the Rhythm
Audience:
Adults
Youth
Families
Experience:
CINÉ+ screen
Dates & Times
| In English | In French | |
|---|---|---|
| Tuesday September 30 | 11:15 am | 10 am |
| Wednesday October 1 | 12:45 pm | 11:30 am |
| Thursday October 2 | 12:45 pm | 11:30 am |
| Friday October 3 | 12:45 pm | 11:30 am |
| Saturday October 4 | 12:45 pm | 11:30 am |
| Sunday October 5 | 12:45 pm | 11:30 am |
About the film
Ernie Philip was taken from his family at the age of eight, and placed in the Kamloops Residential School. He left eight years later, deeply traumatized and struggling with anger and loss.
In search of healing, Ernie discovered the power of dance. Through movement, he found a path towards emotional recovery and cultural reconnection. Over time, dance became more than an art form — it became his identity and purpose. He came to be known as “Dancing Bear,” a name that reflects both personal strength and cultural pride.
Ernie’s journey is one of resilience and transformation. His story illustrates the long-term impact of the residential school system, and the powerful role of Indigenous traditions in healing and identity. Dancing Bear is the story of that journey.
Content Guidance
Dancing Bear tackles challenging, sometimes difficult, and important truths about Canadian history. It contains discussions and descriptions of physical abuse and racism experienced at residential schools, as well as the resilience of those who endured it.
This film is recommended for educational settings, including schools and families. It offers opportunities for reflection, discussion and learning about Indigenous history, cultural survival, and the ongoing process of reconciliation.
Dancing Bear – Healing to the Rhythm
About Ernie Philip
Ernest (Ernie) Philip was a proud member of the Little Shuswap Lake Band in British Columbia. He was a deeply respected Elder, Knowledge Keeper, and role model for Indigenous youth and communities.
Ernie began dancing in 1966. He was a 27-time Grand Champion Fancy Dancer, and a Straight Dance Champion, performing at schools, pow-wows and festivals across North America — and even as far away as Europe, Asia and Oceania.
But Ernie was more than a dancer. He was a teacher, storyteller and cultural leader. He helped young people learn about Indigenous traditions, the power of healing through culture, and the importance of being proud of who you are. He also worked as a spiritual counsellor, marriage commissioner, and led traditional ceremonies for his community.
Ernie Philip’s life was dedicated to the preservation and celebration of Indigenous culture, and to the healing of his people. Although he passed away in October 2023 at the age of 93, his legacy continues to inspire all generations.
On-site School Program
Survivor Truths: Residential Schools, Art, and Reconciliation
Developed with Indigenous artist and intergenerational survivor Carey Newman, and with survivors of the Alberni Indian Residential School on Vancouver Island, this program uses art to guide students in exploring Indigenous connections to land, residential school history, colonialism, and reconciliation.
By combining this program with the film Dancing Bear, you will be offering your students a meaningful learning experience. Through storytelling, art and reflection, you will help foster empathy, respect, and a deeper understanding of Indigenous resilience and culture.
Intended for students in middle school and high school, this pairing supports curriculum goals in history, social studies, and Indigenous education.
Photo: Survivors of Alberni Indian Residential School, left to right, Chuck August, Gina Laing, and Dennis Thomas of Port Alberni hold up their paintings at the Canadian Museum of History.
Photo by Dave Chan.
