Dre Erwin Photography™
Art as a Lifeline. Discover the award-winning photography fueling a non-profit movement to heal, empower, and amplify youth voices across the North.
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"Photography saved my life!" - PPC Youth Member
Photography as a Lifeline
"As a Primary Care Nurse (RN-AAP) and Veteran, I have spent over two decades witnessing how trauma and isolation affect the nervous system. Therapeutic Photography is the evidence-based bridge I built to help individuals move from a state of survival into a state of mindful observation."
- Dre
The Proof is in the Protocol
My mission is grounded in the Pinehouse Protocol, a four-year longitudinal study (2016–2020) that reached 300 youth daily in Northern Saskatchewan. This work demonstrated a near-universal shift in emotional regulation and happiness.
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Documented Impact: Youth happiness scores jumped from a baseline of 2.2 to 4.8 during outings.
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Clinical Foundation: A nurse-led intervention utilized as a "diagnostic bridge" for mental health triage.
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Visual Sovereignty: Empowering Indigenous youth to reclaim their narrative through the lens.
"I believe a camera can be a visual anchor in a world of static."
A New Lens on Life: The CBC Documentary
Discover the intersection of intention and creativity. "A New Lens on Life" explores how therapeutic photography empowers individuals to heal, rediscover joy, and overcome profound challenges.
Witness the transformative stories of youth breaking free from addiction to find solace and happiness through the lens. Join the journey and see how photography is changing lives—and how it can change yours.
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Through photography, young individuals gain a deeper understanding and appreciation of their heritage, traditions, and community, leading to improved self-awareness, self-esteem, and a strong sense of support from their peers and local networks.
More than a photographer. Dre Erwin is a practicing Primary Care Nurse in Northern Saskatchewan and a Canadian Armed Forces veteran. The founder of the renowned Pinehouse Photography Club, Dre uses the camera as a tool for resilience, youth mentorship, and preserving First Nations and Métis culture. His unique philosophy—using the Northern Lights to foster mental health healing—was the subject of the CBC award-winning documentary "A New Lens on Life."
Got Questions? View our Therapeutic Photography FAQ
Beth Ladwig
The photography Dre Erwin has shared with us is beyond words in its beauty. The emotions he invokes are so deep and intense, especially since it uses only our sense of sight. I am always awed by his posts. He has been so generous with his skills and his time.
Louis Iron
Amazing northern lights and mentor! Helped a lot of youth learn to use a camera to help with their depression.
Brandy Busjahn
I came across these awesome photos after following a few other photographers and have to say Dre has become a favorite. Theres an added bonus that has helped me get through some pretty rough days as a nurse myself, his quotes! Love your work Dre!
Marilyn Biletski
Spectacular photos that literally leave me with goosebumps or speechless. As a lover of nature, the perspectives and colors and subjects thrill me when they are posted. For anyone who is interested in photography showing the beauty of nature, you needn't go farther than Dre's page. Beauty, absolute beauty!