Comedian Don Burnstick uses humour to heal.
Burnstick, who is Cree from the Alexander First Nation located outside Edmonton, has been using a holistic approach to healing and personal wellness for the past 20 years.
He attended the University of San Diego and studied holistic urban youth development, is a certified alcohol and drug abuse counsellor and graduated from the Native Trainers Development program.
According to his website, Burnstick believes in healing through humour and in leaving a better world for future generations.
Burnstick overcame an addiction to drugs and alcohol.
“I lived on the streets of Edmonton as an alcoholic and drug addict,” says Burnstick on his website. “In 1985, when I sobered up at 21, there were not too many 21-year-old males that were alcohol and drug free so I just started asking to go and tell my story.”
To share his story he wrote and performed in the play I Am Alcohol – Healing the Wounded Warrior.
The comedian performs at Vancouver Island University’s Malaspina Theatre during his Don Burnstick Comedy Hour – Laughter is Good Medicine show Thursday (Jan. 5) at 7 p.m.
Doors open at 6:30 p.m.
The show is sponsored by the Office of Aboriginal Education and Engagement and Services for Aboriginal Students at Vancouver Island University.
Burnstick is best known for his comedy show You Might be a Redskin – Healing Through Native Humour which is “a comedic performance, that humourously portrays First Nations people, their habits, likes and dislikes,” according to his website.
Tickets are $20 and are available in advance at http://bit.ly/2h7WGmi.
For more information about Burnstick, please go to www.donburnstick.com.