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» Tricksters, Transformers
and Shape-shifters; We examine the significance of humour in
native art, from the ancient “trickster” and the Hopi clown
to the satirical content of contemporary artists. The fun is rounded
out with two crafts – a tricky Potawatomi Pouch and a magic deer
hide bracelet – for the whole family.
» Sweet Reflections; This “sweet”
episode explores the origins of chocolate and its discovery by the Mayan
people. We get the family involved by creating decoupage magnets to
preserve special memories.
» Holiday Fever; Our holiday episode blends ancient traditions
with contemporary ideas, as we make decorations with a distinct aboriginal
flavour. In this fast-paced half hour, we learn to make a miniature
drum, a Najavo doll, a medicine wheel decoration, and more!
» The Good and Peaceful Ones; The
Hopi; Our look at the Hopi is a rare glimpse into a remote paradise
that has only been visited by one other camera crew in the last 10 years.
In this unique journey into Hopi culture, we meet local artists who
shed light on the secret ways of this obscure nation.
» Honoring Our Mothers; This fun
episode features projects to soothe the hearts and hands of hard-working
women, including bath salts and hand crème. Plus, learn to make
a Cree Medicine Bag.
» The Silver Smiths; Our look at
the impact of silver on North American indigenous cultures begins with
the introduction of silver to the Southwest in the 1850s, and continues
through to techniques used by Native American jewelry artists today.
We explore the challenge of authenticity and discuss ways buyers can
ensure they are purchasing authentic pieces.
» Cree Eye for the White Guy; This
fun take on the reality show trend features three “white guys”
being introduced to Cree life. Four Cree judges and the Squamish Nation
Pow Wow audience choose the winner in this entertaining day-long initiation!
» Collectible Dolls; Our look at
collectible dolls features an interview with well-known Katchina doll-maker
Gerry Quotskuyva, who explains the sacred meanings of these wooden dolls.
We finish with a journey to Alert Bay, where we learn to make a traditional
Northwest Coast doll.
» Home Sweet Home; In this episode,
we jump on the DIY home-decorating trend as we renovate the elders’
room at the Vancouver Aboriginal Friendship Center. We pair ex-drug
addicted street kids with elders for and explosive ending to this reality
episode.
» Walk A Mile In My Mukluks; Our
exploration of the history of indigenous footwear in North America features
a historical snapshot narrated in Cree over archival photographs and
museum video footage. Plus, we meet the inspiring Dustin Rockman –
a Navajo child who paints with his feet after being left immobile by
a stroke.
» The Navajo; This half-hour documentary
examines the history and art of the nomadic nation of the Navajo. As
the largest tribe in the United States, the Navajo have a long and rich
history in Utah, New Mexico, Arizona, and Colorado.
We start our look at the Echoes of Tradition
with an examination of traditional Mayan healing practices in Mexico,
and move on to an exploration of the Aztec tradition of “The Day
of the Dead.” We make the experience interactive by learning to
make an altar, complete with Mayan worry doll, roses, and turquoise
stone.
» The Survivors; We end the season
with a visit to Marianne Corless’ controversial exhibition that
explores the effects of contact on the indigenous population. The exhibition
explores the impact of smallpox, the intentional use of infected blankets
by the Americans, and the consequences upon most native tribes.
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