Earl was the first person I met.
In August of last year, I began my documentation of that large homeless camp in Minneapolis. He agreed to share his story, but first he needed to comb and braid his hair for the camera.
By December, I had interviewed Earl half-a-dozen times, mostly without his hair done. Four more months of homelessness and addiction for Earl had taken their toll. His would also be the final interview in my documentary film "The Wall" about the people and stories of this camp.
This past weekend Earl died from this lifestyle.
On one hand, this isn't surprising. He had cheated death with several overdoses over the months and years. And Fentanyl-laced heroin is evermore common. But on the other hand, Earl is now the fourth person in my film who has died. What is surprising to outsiders is just how prevalent and destructive addiction has become in many Native American communities.
When making this film, it wasn't my intent for it to be a call to action to address this issue. But I'll now add to its conclusion a tribute to the main figure in this film, leaving behind six children 4th grade and younger. Proceeds from my movie will continue to go toward groups advocating for sobriety and healing in this community. The film is available for screenings and will be released online early next year.
Here is that first interview with Earl:
I remember him from your videos. That's really unfortunate...opioids are and have been such a problem in the last decade, and prior. Unfortunately it's the one main drugs big pharma is pushing. I feel for his kids and wish them a prosperous and drug-free life, if they so choose.
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