THE FILM
A research-based documentary film exploring indigenous perspectives on dementia, care partnership, and well-being, produced in partnership with the Pyramid Lake Paiute Tribe of Northwestern Nevada.
"Finding Pesa Sooname: A Story of Identity, Community, and Dementia" is a poignant documentary that explores dementia within the context of the Pyramid Lake Paiute Tribe in northwestern Nevada. This film sheds light on the often-overlooked perspectives of Native people, who are disproportionately affected by dementia.
Produced in partnership with the Pyramid Lake Paiute Tribe, the documentary is the result of a participatory qualitative research project that used the process of filmmaking as the mechanism through which to surface the underlying narratives surrounding dementia and care partnership amongst tribal members. Rather than seek to define and categorize--as much research does--this approach allowed participants to share their stories in a genuine and unrestricted manner and fostered an environment of continuous personal growth, guided by generative questions rather than rigid truth claims.
The term "pesa sooname," meaning "good think" and "good thought" in Northern Paiute, is central to the film. “Pesa sooname” underscores the importance of positivity and strength-based perspectives in supporting elders living with dementia and enhancing overall community well-being.
THE FACTS
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Disproportionate Impact:
Indigenous populations are up to three times as likely to develop dementia as compared to non-Hispanic whites.
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Cultural Disconnect in Care:
Dementia care practices often overlook the cultural values, traditions, and holistic approaches central to Native communities.
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Intergenerational Storytelling:
Films like Finding Pesa Sooname help preserve cultural knowledge, support intergenerational understanding, and honor the experiences of elders living with dementia.
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Barriers to Support:
Native elders living with dementia and their families frequently face barriers such as geographic isolation, limited access to healthcare, and stigma surrounding cognitive decline.
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A Call for Decolonized Research:
This documentary contributes to decolonizing dementia research by amplifying Native voices and promoting culturally relevant approaches to understanding and addressing dementia.
THE MISSION
Finding Pesa Sooname seeks to honor the voices and experiences of Native elders living with dementia while shining a light on the unique challenges and opportunities faced by Native communities. Through storytelling, the film aims to promote cultural understanding, preserve traditions, and inspire conversations about the need for culturally relevant care and research.
We are committed to bringing this film to Native communities both nationally and internationally. By sharing these stories, we hope to spark meaningful conversations about how to support well-being, strengthen community bonds, and foster resilience within the context of dementia. Our goal is to empower communities to embrace culturally grounded approaches to dementia care that honor the values, traditions, and strengths of Native peoples.
Funding provided by:
University of Nevada, Reno
Reynolds School of Journalism
Center for Advanced Media Studies
University of Nevada, Reno
School of Public Health
Dementia Engagement, Education,
and Research (DEER) Program
Participants:
Ben Aleck
Dean Barlese
Harriet Brady
Nick Cortez
Carla Eben
Billie Jean Guerrero
Molly Hernandez
James Phoenix
Shirley Tobey
Paula Wright
Acknowledgements
Special Thanks To:
Kari Barber
David Borish
Jennifer Carson
Laura Crosswell
Ryan Garcia
Paromita Pain