Western New York residents from diverse cultures and backgrounds have come together to help create this ground-breaking documentary. Illustrated by images, music, and reflections, individuals and groups display their cultural heritage in dance, song, and artifacts.

Executive-produced by Valerie Walawender and co-directed by Walawender and cinematographer Alex Simmons (also responsible for primary videography, narration, sound, and editing), the documentary explores traditions and the universal experience of trauma felt by people and cultures from across the globe.

Everyday moments and heart-warming traditions fly across the screen. Images of natural disasters, abuse, disease, genocide, slavery, poverty, and war are also shown.

Individuals share how their close family connections, community support, and traditions help them survive and carry on in a spirit of hope.

Puerto Rican traditional folk dancers, students of Maria DeJesus, perform in “Tradition, Trauma, & Tenderness” documentary.

Renowned psychologist Darryl Tonema, Ph.D. and celebrated neuroscientist Audrey Hager, Ph.D., explain how the passing on of traditions in tender, nurturing environments can contribute to individual healing and the prevention of trauma.

This project was funded by Arts Services, Inc. and Northern Chautauqua Community Foundation. The CREATE Project board of directors gratefully acknowledges a multitude of volunteers, agencies, and others who contributed to the making of this film, including The City of Dunkirk, Faithkeepers Montessori Language Nest, Warrior Flight Team, Clymer Central School, Native American Consortium, Chautauqua County Department of Mental Health Tapestry Program, Lori DeCarlo (Restorative Circles), Dunkirk Public Library, and others.

See and hear your friends and neighbors in the film from:

Cattaraugus County

¯ Tradition-bearers Bill Crouse, Sr., Sandra Dowdy, and other Native American persons talk about their living traditions; trauma; and the strength they derive from their community.

¯ Students from Faithkeepers Montessori Language Nest in Steamburg share their songs and artwork.

¯ Audrey Hager, MSC, Ph.D., Neuroscientist and assistant professor at St. Bonaventure University, Olean, NY, discusses how global and personal stresses contribute to the experience of trauma, and how the practice of traditions in a tender environment can mitigate the effects of trauma.

Niagara County

¯ Psychologist Daryl Tonemah, Ph.D., discusses identity, trauma, epigenetics, and how stressed children can be helped.

¯ Examples of Ebru and cut paper traditional art from Turkey, from an exhibit at the Castellani Art Museum, Lewiston, NY, are shown.

Erie County

¯ A Muslim mother carries her daughter and an array of cultural food products through Buffalo Fresh, an international market in Buffalo.

¯ Shop owner and granddaughter display African traditional jewelry at their Allen Street store in Buffalo.

Northern Chautauqua County

¯ Open Door Church of God and Friendship Baptist Church choir members sing African American Gospel songs.

¯ Maria DeJesus, a Santos Carver and dancer leads a youth group in traditional Puerto Rican dance.

¯ Linda Dunn displays a menorah, a candelabra with seven or nine lights, used in Jewish worship, where she serves as president at Temple Beth El, Dunkirk.

¯ Ghana-born Julius Woma teaches his daughter traditional African drumming.

¯ Contra Dancers are aided by caller Joe Kwiatkowski as they swing their partner at the Fredonia Grange.

¯ Sara Rodriguez and her son Toro play Puerto Rican traditional music with guitar and maracas.

¯ Persons of Polish descent polka at Blessed Mary Angela Parish Social Hall.

¯ Mexican food is prepared by Alma Segura, owner of Alma Latina Mex Restaurant, Dunkirk.

¯ Tibetan Monks share chanting and sand mandala creation at Lily Dale Assembly in Cassadaga.

Southern Chautauqua County

¯Youth and adults from St. Nicholas Eastern Orthodox Parish Yassou Festival hold hands in a lively traditional dance.

¯ Children help fashion a magnificent flower Midsummer Pole with hundreds of fresh flowers at the Scandinavian Festival, Jamestown.

¯ Merrymakers celebrate with brass instruments, rainbow-colored costumes, jugglers, and acrobats at the Blue Heron Festival in Sherman.