This documentary series features a funny, unassuming, urban-Aboriginal host, Don Kelly, on exploratory journeys to discover his traditional native roots. Through a series of (mis)adventures, Don pushes his limits to re-connect with those roots and spiritual values - leading to his renewed vitality, deepened sense of personal identity, and vibrancy for life. This series is for Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal viewers who are not only seeking to be entertained, but to gain new insight into Aboriginal traditions and be inspired by explorations of heritage in a contemporary context. It is especially important for Aboriginal youth between 12 and 21. Each program is 24 minutes in length.
Program 1: BLACKFOOT ADVENTURE
Don journeys to the prairies of southern Alberta: the home of the Blackfoot Nation. He learns from Blackfoot elder Mark Wolfleg Jr. what it takes to be a traditional warrior. He is pushed to his limits in his final challenge when he is forced to ride a horse and shoot a bow and arrow at the same time. #11871
Program 2: MAHIKAN TRAILS
Don recreates the life of a 19th century Metis trapper in Canmore, Alberta. He must become more resourceful like the Metis if he is going to harvest anything from his own trap line that will be fit for his very first hand-built travois. #11872
Program 3: KAWAKANUM KENNELS
Don treks to Woodland Cree country in Athabasca, Alberta where he discovers what it takes to be a traditional Cree fisherman and dog sled master. During his final challenge Don must rein in his team or suffer the consequences. #11873
Program 4: KAK KI YAW CULTURAL CAMP
Don joins Walter Quinn to assimilate the way of the moose on a traditional moose-hunting excursion. It is an arduous test of his survival skills when he is forced to use his own instincts and make a winter camp. But the ultimate test of survival as he braves the northern Alberta wilderness alone. #11874
Program 5: XATSULL HERITAGE VILLAGE
Don finds himself in the traditional territory of the Shuswap people in the interior of British Columbia along the mighty Fraser River. Don attempts the life of a traditional pit dweller while narrowly avoiding setting the village on fire. #11875
Program 6: QUAAOUT RESORT
Don meets Elder Ernie Philip, a world wide champion dancer and entertainer at Quaoout Resort along little Shuswap Lake, B.C. In addition to spearing salmon decoys and taking a traditional warrior test, Don must demonstrate his take on a traditional dance to an audience of native elders. #11876
Program 7: CAPE MUDGE RESORT - TSA KWA LUTEN LODGE
Don journeys to Cape Mudge Island, B.C. on the traditional land of the We-Wai Kai people. Killer whales, traditional clam bakes and legends are the sweeter events leading up to his ultimate initiation - the t'lina (glutana). #11877
Program 8: SIX NATIONS
Don meets with Elder Peter Isaacs in the traditional territory of Six Nations in Southern Ontario where he must face off a wilderness of animals using his bow and arrow, and the world renowned Six Nations Arrows Express team. #11878
Program 9: ALGONQUINI CANOE AND KAYAK CO
The Algonquins of Wolf Lake First Nation, Ontario often traditionally used the mighty rivers as their highways and for their survival. To successfully live the life of a traditional Algonquin, in addition to learning basic survival skills, Don must canoe a set of rapids -solo.
#11879
Program 10: KOKOMVILLE ACADEMY
Elder Jacob Wawatai has been living off the land in Quebec for most of his life as was taught to him by his great grandmother. Don is hoping that by soaking up a wee bit of Jacob's knowledge, that he too will survive the great outdoors and squash a melon or two. #11880
Program 11: BIRCH NARROWS LODGE
Don journeys to northern Saskatchewan to the traditional home of the Dene people of Birch Narrows. Fishes and squirrels and bears - oh my! Elder Eugene Sylvestre takes Don out to Zander Lake, an isolated and remote lodge to track and hunt various animals, or be hunted. #11881
Program 12 - RAFTER SIX RANCH
Don goes back in time with Elmer TwoYoungman, an Elder from the Stoney First Nation in central Alberta. Our Elder helps him to try to break down the stereotype of the 'cowboy vs. the Indian'. #11882
Program 13 - KNOWLEDGE FROM OUR ELDERS
A re-cap of what we learned in these previous 12 programs. #11883
Thirteen 24-minute programs
$149.95 each or any 5 for $99.95 each
Series $995.95