Now Live: Public Release of my Film "Braiding Knowledge through Breath, Language, and Movement"
Exciting News!
It’s finally here! I’m so honoured to share the PUBLIC LAUNCH of my short documentary, Braiding Knowledge through Breath, Language, and Movement. This newly edited version marks a huge milestone in my journey—not only as a Kwakwaka’wakw scholar and community wellness practitioner, but also as a first-time filmmaker. After its original release two years ago and many powerful screenings in community settings, academic conferences, and film festivals, I’m proud to offer this film to a wider audience.
This film was born from the heart of my doctoral research and tells the story of a community wellness strategy that weaves together trauma-informed yoga, ancestral healing, and language reclamation. It is grounded in Kwakwaka’wakw territory, following the first-ever gathering of Indigenous and South Asian yoga teachers and learners as we came together to share teachings, reconnect to our bodies, and speak our truths in our ancestral tongues.
This film is deeply personal. It chronicles the emergence of the Indigenous Yoga Collective and the incredible journey of healing that unfolds when we braid together breath, movement, and language. At the center of the film are Kwakwaka’wakw women and two-spirit kin, whose stories of resilience, reclamation, and self-discovery are shared with care, reverence, and purpose.
As I’ve said before:
“This is more than a film—it’s a movement. Each breath taken and each word spoken in our ancestral languages is an act of resistance and reclamation. This work is about healing the individual and collective spirit through embodied practices that honour who we are and where we come from.”
Over the last two years, this film has been awarded “Best Sound Design for Documentary” and “Best Innovative Cultural Storytelling” at the Puerto Aventuras International Film Festival. It was also featured at the 2024 Vancouver Short International Film Festival and shared with audiences across Canada, the U.S., and Norway. But some of the most meaningful screenings have been in living rooms, classrooms, and youth and community centres—where First Nations viewers see themselves reflected and celebrated.
By watching and sharing this film, you are supporting the Indigenous Yoga Collective and our commitment to healing through culturally rooted and trauma-informed practices. Our hope is that this film will continue to spark dialogue, inspire connection, and support the resurgence of Indigenous knowledge systems and languages grounded in wellness and care.
🎬 Watch the Trailer
To accompany the launch, we’re also excited to debut the brand-new 2025 trailer, beautifully recut by cinematographer Cody Preston, whose creative vision brings fresh energy and impact to the story.
🎬 Watch the Film
How You Can Support This Work
This film is part of a larger movement grounded in healing, cultural resurgence, and collective care. If it resonates with you, here are some meaningful ways to support and engage:
🧡 Watch and Share the Film – Invite it into your homes, classrooms, Nations, and communities. Use it as a conversation starter, a teaching tool, or simply as a moment of reflection and connection.
🧡 Purchase the Community Guide – Available in print or digital PDF, this accessible companion to the film is rooted in the same research and vision. All proceeds go directly to supporting the Indigenous Yoga Collective.
🧡 Support the Indigenous Yoga Collective (@indigenousyogacollective) – You can uplift our work by:
Donating or sponsoring scholarships for Indigenous participants
Providing space, equipment, or supplies for wellness programming
Joining our land-based, virtual, and in-person offerings
Writing letters of support or testimonials for grants and partnerships
Amplifying our work through media and social networks
Offering prayers and spiritual encouragement—we feel them deeply
🧡 Hire me for community-based consulting – I offer trauma-informed, culturally rooted support in:
Indigenous research partnerships
Land-based wellness program design
Strategic planning for community wellness, embodiment, and healing initiatives
If you’re part of a Nation, organization, university, or grassroots group, let’s explore how we can work together in a way that honours reciprocity and relationality.
🧡 Follow and engage with us on social media –Stay connected, share our work, and help us reach more hearts and communities:
@jessicabarudin
@indigenousyogacollective
Every act of support—whether it’s a purchase, a message, a share, or a prayer—helps keep this vision alive and growing.
With deep gratitude,
Dr. Jessica Barudin
Kwakwa̱ka̱’wakw Scholar | Filmmaker | Community Wellness Practitioner