Dre Erwin Photography™
The Pinehouse Photography Club
Fostering Hope Through the Lens
The Pinehouse Photography Club stands as a beacon of hope, not just within Pinehouse but across rural and remote communities nationwide. Emerging from a commitment to utilizing photography for youth well-being, the PPC has been instrumental in addressing mental health challenges among its young members. This nurturing space for budding photographers acts as a sanctuary, offering solace and inspiration. Through therapeutic photography, participants explore its healing facets, using it as a conduit to manage stress and articulate their emotions.
The Pinehouse Photography Club: A Legacy of Resilience
Fostered by the collaborative efforts of Primary Care Nurse Dre Erwin, RN-AAP, and Pinehouse resident Jonah Natomagan, the Pinehouse Photography Club (PPC) was established as a sanctuary for creative exploration and optimism. This initiative emerged from a unified mission to tackle the profound mental health challenges affecting the community's youth through the "Pinehouse Protocol". As a specialized nurse, I utilized these sessions as a "diagnostic bridge," allowing the camera to act as a buffer for youth to externalize distress and facilitate early clinical triage.
National Recognition and Clinical Impact
In 2018, the PPC garnered national acclaim through the CBC program, "A New Lens on Life," which showcased the club's success in providing young individuals with a "Visual Anchor"—a coping mechanism for stress and a medium for emotional expression during critical seasons of community struggle.
Beyond the narrative, the impact was measured by rigorous clinical data. During the four-year study period (2016–2020), we documented a near-universal shift in emotional regulation, reaching 200–300 youth daily. Participant happiness scores demonstrated a significant "jump," rising from a baseline of 2.2 to 4.8 during club outings.
From Program to Legacy
While the formal club activities have transitioned, the impact remains etched into the community's foundation. To ensure the spirit of the project continues, the PPC’s resources and equipment were donated to the local elementary school. This transition serves as a vital lesson in community health: for these "lifelines" to be permanent, they require a network of local champions and systemic support.
Through this work, youth exercised Visual Sovereignty—reclaiming their own representation and land-based identity through the lens.
A Model for the Future
The journey of the PPC proved that therapeutic photography is a powerful, scalable tool for healing. Today, the "Pinehouse Protocol" serves as the blueprint for my current work—expanding these proven strategies into other Métis, Cree, and remote communities, including Sandy Bay. We aren't just looking back at what was achieved; we are using those lessons to build more sustainable, community-integrated wellness programs across the North.
Explore the Evidence: Read the Full Technical Paper & Clinical References (2016–2020)
Empowering Youth through Therapeutic Photography:
Pinehouse Photography Club Making Headlines
Observe as young people in Canada and worldwide discover how the craft of photography possesses the ability to transform lives.
New lens on life: using photography to heal from trauma
A New Lens on Life: The Healing Power of Therapeutic Photography
Unveil the Healing Power of Photography! Step into the mesmerizing world of 'A New Lens on Life,' a CBC award-winning documentary. Discover how the art of therapeutic photography is changing lives in Pinehouse Lake, Saskatchewan. Be captivated by the transformative journey of resilience, creativity, and healing. This is a story that will leave you inspired and wanting more.
Join us on this unique voyage and follow to watch the full documentary.
Student Showcase
The Youth Perspective.
louis Iron
"I love taking pictures because it helps me express myself when words aren't enough. It's like a visual diary that helps me see things in a different way and feel better about myself."
Keara Tinker
"Photography saved my life"
Tyson Ratt
"Photography helps me express myself without using words."
Jonah Natomagan
Too many good things to say about the guy who inspired and taught me photography to help with my anxiety and depression!
Northern Saskatchewan's Photography Club Sparks Inspiration Among Youth
Our story was featured on Global News, highlighting how a simple lens can become a lifeline in northern communities. This coverage validated what our youth already knew: that the 'Pinehouse Method' is a scalable model for resilience.
- Saskatchewan's Advocate for Children and Youth
"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."
Therapeutic photography involves taking, analyzing, and utilizing photographs for the purpose of personal healing, growth, and self-discovery. By actively producing, exploring, and reflecting on images and pairing them with creative writing, you can gain a deeper understanding of yourself and your perspective on the world.
A club in northern Saskatchewan is helping heal and transform lives in their remote community through photography.
Photo Gallery
The Power of Therapeutic Photography
See more from the club here
From Personal Despair to Community Empowerment
The Catalyst: A Storm and a Realization
After facing personal seasons of grief and burnout, I turned to photography as a silent anchor. The turning point came during a literal storm—photographing an old barn as a tornado approached. That moment became a profound symbol: life is fleeting, and our ability to focus on the light amidst the 'static' of the storm is our greatest strength.
The Transition to Northern Leadership
When I moved to Northern Saskatchewan to serve as a nurse, I initially focused solely on my clinical duties. However, the local youth were captivated by my captures of the Aurora Borealis. What began as informal lessons evolved into a realization: I wasn't just teaching photography; I was providing a Visual Anchor for youth navigating their own internal storms.
Therapeutic Photography Collaboration: Empowering Mental Wellness
Healthcare professionals, educators, and professional associations interested in exploring therapeutic photography, seeking public speaking engagements, workshops, or further information regarding the creation and implementation of therapeutic photography clubs or organizations, please feel free to reach out
