CBC Radio | Posted: July 18, 2016 12:42 PM | Last Updated: July 18, 2016
Media | Jon the Good Doctor
Caption: Dr. Jon Fiddler is “a wild child queer kid at heart”, who works on Pikangikum First Nation reserve. The reservation living conditions impede his ability to treat those in need. Jon has to decide whether or not he wants to work there.
The first sleepover went better than I expected. Despite the awkwardness and difference in opinions, Scaachi, Alan and Charlie ended up connecting on a human-to-human level. But enough about them, I've got another sleepover to host and three new strangers to meet!
Let me introduce you to Dr. Jon Fiddler. He's a family doctor who works on the northern Ontario reserve of Pikangikum First Nation. He's also a fashion designer, elaborate party-thrower and ex-pie vendor.
Jon describes himself as "a wild child queer kid at heart." He's very different from his traditional Dad who was the Chief of the Cree community where Jon was born. They're from distinctly different generations and have different ideas about on-reserve issues.
His incredibly diverse interests, and adventurous spirit is what made me want to invite him to sleepover.
In true 'Jon Fiddler' style, he arrives at the hotel after pulling an all-nighter, dancing his buns off in the back of a U-Haul in adult diapers, for his 37th birthday. (Listen to the episode and you'll understand). Jon's been up for so long, the line between dream and reality is beginning to blur. Now he's about to spend the next 24 hours with us in room 3-168!
Jon has also brought his stethoscope, the most basic and trusted tool of a physician. It is a symbol of his ever growing problem. Throughout the night, he describes the dire conditions in Pikangikum. The rundown nursing station, lack of resources, and bureaucracy impede his ability to treat those in desperate need of care. It's come to a point where Jon's beginning to question his role on the reserve and whether or not he wants to work there.
Jon is faced with a very difficult decision, that could potentially shape the future of a whole community. Can acclaimed author Sheila Heti, and teenage basketball player Josis Thomas, help make up his mind while he's completely under slept and at his wit's end?
Sook-Yin Lee
PHOTOS FROM THE EPISODE
Image | Jonathan Fiddler
Caption: Dr. Jon Fiddler is “a wild child queer kid at heart”, who works on Pikangikum First Nation reserve. (Adam Litovitz)
Image | Sook-Yin Lee - Sleepover
Caption: Sook-Yin and the team check-in and prep the room for the mystery guests. (Adam Litovitz)
Image | Sook-Yin Lee sitting on bed - Sleepover 2
Caption: The room is ready, let's catch our breath before the festivities begin. Are you ready Sook-Yin? (Adam Litovitz)
Image | Jonathan Fiddler and Sook-Yin Lee - Sleepover 2
Caption: Our first guest arrives! Welcome Dr. Jonathan Fiddler to the sleepover. (Adam Litovitz)
Image | Jonathan Fiddler pick bed- Sleepover 2 Sook-Yin Lee
Caption: Jon's got his bed. (Adam Litovitz)
Image | Sook-Yin sets up her sleeping bag - Sleepover 2
Caption: Taking Jon's lead, Sook-Yin sets up her sleeping bag before the next guest arrives. (Adam Litovitz)
Image | Sook-Yin opening door - Sleepover 2
Caption: Could that be guest number two? I wonder who it is... (Adam Litovitz)
Image | Sheila Heti and Sook-Yin Lee - Sleepover 2
Caption: It is none other than acclaimed author Sheila Heti! (Adam Litovitz)
Image | Jonathan Fiddler and Sheila Heti meet - Sleepover 2, Sook-Yin Lee
Caption: And so it begins! Sook-Yin's getting excited as Jon and Sheila meet. (Adam Litovitz)
Image | Josis Thomas and Sook-Yin Lee - Sleepover 2
Caption: Teenage basketball star, Josis Thomas is here, rounding out our group. (Adam Litovitz)
Image | Josis Thomas and Sook-Yin Lee - Sleepover 2
Caption: It looks like Josis brought a friend. Who is our mystery fourth guest? (Adam Litovitz)
Image | Josis's Gecko - Sleepover 2 Sook-Yin Lee
Caption: Say hello to Josis's gecko Ogojogo. (Adam Litovitz)
Image | Josis Thomas, Sheila Heti, Jonathan Fiddler - Sleepover 2, Sook-Yin Lee
Caption: Now that we are all here, let's sit down and get to know each other. Let's start off with you Jon. (Adam Litovitz)
Image | Jonathan Fiddler, stethoscope - Sleepover , Sook-Yin Lee
Caption: Okay Jon, explain what your stethoscope has to do with your problem. (Adam Litovitz)
Image | Sheila Heti and Sook-Yin Lee - Sleepover 2
Caption: Sheila, do you or your heart have any advice for Jon? (Adam Litovitz)
Image | Sheila Heti and Sook-Yin Lee in the pool - Sleepover 2
Caption: Okay, swim time! Maybe the pool will help clear our minds. (Adam Litovitz)
Image | Josis Thomas, Sook-Yin Lee, Sleepover 2
Caption: Josis has opted for a run instead. Getting in shape for the next basketballs season. (Adam Litovitz)
Image | Sheila Heti in the pool - Sook-Yin Lee Sleepover 2
Caption: Even in the pool, Sheila's analytical mind keeps racing. (Adam Litovitz)
Image | Jonathan Fiddler - Sook-Yin Lee, Sleepover 2
Caption: As Jon lounges in the hot tub, he mulls over Josis's and Sheila's advice. (Adam Litovitz)
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