Fitness & Father

This screening took place on Monday, June 29, 2015 at 1:00 pmKwanlin Dun Cultural Centre

Father Mouchet, unconventional priest, veteran of the Resistance, and Yukoner, found a way to tap into the tradition of physiology as the key to self-esteem. This film is about that connection and what it means for our Northern communities today. For 50 years, Father Jean-Marie Mouchet, a catholic priest and resistance fighter, has diverted youths in Canada's Northern communities from devastating lethargy and addiction. The rigors of his cross-country skiing program have produced Olympic champion skiers from the Vuntut Gwitchin people in Old Crow. He feels that A young person s early physical training and development is closely linked to the growth of a health self-image and identity. And rather than impose his religious beliefs on the people he inspires them to reconnect with the latent power of their own bodies through physical exercise and awareness of their capabilities. Having given up their nomadic way of life in a remote corner of the Yukon, and with the decline of hunting and gathering societies, Father Mouchet has offered the people a tool by which to re-instate their self worth and self confidence. Post screening talk back with Old Crow-raised Canadian cross country ski champions, Shirley Frost and Gelnna Tetlichi Frost.