About
Dre Erwin, hailing from the Northern Saskatchewan communities of Pinehouse Lake and Sandy Bay, is more than a Primary Care Registered Nurse; he is a beacon of hope and healing for First Nations and Cree youth.
Dre's innovative approach is centered around Therapeutic Photography, which serves as a transformative tool for those facing the shadows of depression, anxiety, trauma, and addictions. Through his unique blend of therapeutic art and the principles of the Law of Attraction, he not only assists in coping but ignites powerful sparks of happiness and well-being in their lives.
Pioneering Work and Credentials
Dre's commitment to mental health support and his pioneering nursing innovations have earned widespread recognition:
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Groundbreaking Work: His unique approach and profound community impact were featured in the influential CBC documentary, "A New Lens on Life," highlighting the transformative power of his work on individuals and communities.
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Clinical Advancement: Currently advancing his expertise, Dre is on the path to acquiring a Master's in Nurse Practitioner, further expanding his capacity to serve and heal.
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Award-Winning Advocacy: Dre's dedication has earned accolades from prestigious bodies like the Saskatchewan Union of Nurses and his college.
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Author & Educator: Beyond his nursing practice, Dre authored the touching children's book "The Little Boy Who Found Happiness in the Most Unusual Place," skillfully penned in both Cree and English. This heartfelt narrative beautifully illustrates the transformative power of therapeutic photography in the life of a Cree youth navigating the journey of healing and hope after loss.
His tireless dedication and inventive solutions stand as a testament to his unwavering commitment to enhancing lives, especially in remote Saskatchewan communities.
Summary
Primary Care Nurse
Co-Founder of the Pinehouse Photography Club
Children's Book Author
Drawing from extensive clinical experience in both ICU and Emergency Room (ER) settings, Dre has transitioned to specializing in remote primary care nursing. His current focus is serving the Métis and First Nations communities in northern Saskatchewan, where he delivers essential healthcare services tailored to their unique needs and circumstances. This diverse background—from critical care to community-focused primary care—informs his holistic approach to health and well-being.
Following a period of personal grief and loss, I turned to therapeutic photography as a necessary tool for my own healing and resilience. My captivating images of the northern Saskatchewan Aurora Borealis soon caught the attention of local youth in the community.
Through these interactions, I discovered the profound prevalence of young people struggling with addiction, anxiety, and mental health issues. More importantly, I realized that the simple, empowering act of using a camera could serve as a powerful therapeutic tool to help them cope and rediscover light.
This realization of photography's transformative potential was the catalyst that led me to found and co-found the Pinehouse Photography Club. The club was created as a safe, supportive space to mentor these youth, teaching them not just how to capture the cosmos, but how to find their own hope and purpose in the process.
Dre's newest book, "The Little Boy Who Found Happiness in the Most Unusual Place," delves into the real-life journey of a local youth who grappled with the suicide of his father at a young age.
The narrative is much more than a story; it's a guide that explores the youth's personal process of coping and healing. Critically, the book sheds light on how his engagement with therapeutic photography became a powerful, transformative tool in his own recovery. Ultimately, this story serves to aid other young minds through their own struggles, turning a personal tragedy into a beacon of hope and resilience through the creative arts.
Nurturing Healthcare Innovation in Northern Frontiers: Dre Erwin's Ongoing Journey
Dre Erwin is a dedicated primary care nurse, children's book author, and an award-winning photographer who specializes in the therapeutic power of the Northern Lights.
A Nurse's Mission: Drawing on extensive experience, including time in the ICU and ER, Dre is committed to healthcare innovation. He currently serves in northern Saskatchewan's Métis and First Nations communities, using his clinical background and Advanced Authorized Practice (AAP) training to deliver essential care. His commitment to enhancing the lives of those in remote settings has earned accolades from organizations like the Saskatchewan Union of Nurses.
Therapeutic Photography & Advocacy: As the founder of Dre Erwin Photography, his work is rooted in the belief that simply gazing into the night sky can foster resilience and healing. He actively expands therapeutic photography education and support programs, which has been featured in the CBC award-winning documentary, 'A New Lens on Life'.
Author & Educator: Dre furthers his commitment to mental health awareness through literature, authoring several children’s books (including the top-ten bestseller, 'The Little Boy Who Found Happiness in the Most Unusual Place') to inspire young minds.
Through this unique fusion of art and clinical expertise, Dre Erwin continues to carve paths for innovative wellness solutions, leaving an enduring, positive impact on accessibility and mental health support.
By putting cameras in the hands of these youth, a nurse literally is saving lives in the north.
Corey O'Soup
A New Lens on Life: The Healing Power of Therapeutic Photography
Experience the Transformative Magic of Photography! Immerse yourself in the captivating realm of 'A New Lens on Life,' a documentary honored by CBC. Explore how the art of therapeutic photography is making a profound impact on lives in Pinehouse Lake, Saskatchewan. Begin your journey with a brief preview, and let yourself be entranced by the powerful narrative of resilience, creativity, and healing. This is a story that will ignite inspiration and leave you yearning for more. Join us on this extraordinary voyage, and hit that 'Follow' button to watch the complete documentary."
"Our mission is to promote mental health awareness through the transformative power of therapeutic photography."