2018
John Herrington is the first Indigenous man in space. He takes us through his 2002 journey on the Endeavour as a Mission Specialist on flight STS-113. After flunking out of college we learn how John, who is Chickasaw, overcame his struggles to become a top pilot in the Navy, crew member of the sixteenth mission to space, author of a children's book, and an inspiration to millions.
Tue, Mar 13, 2018
Rita Coolidge is a Grammy-winning recording artist with Cherokee ancestry. Through Rita's eyes, we explore the humble beginnings of her career as a struggling backup singer to the life-changing moment she was signed as a solo artist with A&M Records, which propelled her to stardom and carved out her place as a music icon.
2018
Wes Studi is one of the most well-known Indigenous actors in the world. The Cherokee actor is best known for his work in The Last of the Mohicans, The New World, and one of the highest grossing films of all time, Avatar. Wes shares his life story, from his time as a soldier in Vietnam and advocate for the American Indian Movement at Wounded Knee, to finding his place as an actor and the philanthropic work he does today.
2018
Washington Redskin's George Starke is a 1983 Super Bowl Champion. George and the "The Hogs," the famous Redskins offensive line, made a name for themselves in the NFL, ultimately helping their team make it to three Super Bowl championships, winning Super Bowl XVII. Despite his success, George, who is of Mohawk ancestry, tried and failed to make it in the NFL several times. Find out what it was that pushed him to keep trying.
2018
Taboo, aka Jimmy Gomez, is a member of Grammy-winning hip hop group, The Black Eyed Peas. The group is best known for their huge worldwide hits, Where Is the Love, Let's Get It Started, and I Gotta Feeling. Find out how Taboo, who is of Shoshone descent, overcame life-changing obstacles like substance abuse and cancer, to become an advocate for cancer awareness and an activist for Indigenous rights in North America.
2018
Tia Carrere is a two-time Grammy-winning singer and an actor best known for her role as Cassandra in Wayne's World. Tia, who is Hawaiian, was often stereotyped in Asian roles, but was able to break through into mainstream films like True Lies, starring Arnold Schwarzenegger. An accomplished voice actor, Tia provided the voice for Nani in Disney's Lilo and Stitch. We follow Tia's journey from the island of O'ahu to the Hollywood red carpet and Grammy stage; an inspiring story of hard work and never forgetting where you come from.
2018
Billy Mills is an Olympic gold medalist, winning the 10,000-metre run at the 1964 summer games in Tokyo. Billy, who is Oglala Lakota, takes us through his humble beginnings growing up on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation and becoming an orphan at a young age, to the Olympic glory that has allowed him to give back to the Indigenous community through his charity, Running Strong for American Indian Youth.
2018
Digging Roots are a Juno-winning husband and wife music duo, w hose style blends folk-rock, pop, blues, and hip hop with the traditional sounds of Indigenous music. Digging Roots has collaborated with Indigenous music giants like A Tribe Called Red, Kinnie Starr, and Tanya Tagaq. Having both been raised by activist parents, we delve into how the duo's respective histories and heritage influence their music, and their children.
2018
Graham Greene is an Oscar-nominated actor best known for his iconic roles in Dances with Wolves and Maverick. The Oneida actor has also been successful in breaking the colour barrier, landing non-ethnic roles in Die Hard with a Vengeance, and Molly's Game. We follow Graham's road to success, starting with careers as an ironworker and audio technician, before finding his footing in the Toronto theatre scene.
2018
Chuck Billy is the lead singer for Testament, one of the first thrash metal bands to put the music genre on the map. Chuck, who is Pomo from California, released over a dozen albums with Testament, but was blindsided by a rare cancer diagnosis in 2001. Chuck shares an inspirational account of hist recovery, including a visit from a healer, and how it brought him closer to his band mates, resurrecting his music career.
2018
Tantoo Cardinal is one of the most successful Indigenous actors in North America. She is best known for her work in Dances With Wolves, Legends of the Fall, and Smoke Signals. Tantoo, who is of Cree, Metis, Dene, and Nakota descent, has been a passionate activist from a young age and fought for various environmental and political causes. Find out how her activism led her to the spotlight in the first place.
2018
The Seminole Tribe of Florida is a true story of resilience. Close to eradication in the 1950s, the Seminoles fought near bankruptcy and then became an economic powerhouse. They went from being one the of the poorest tribes in the United States to owning one of the biggest hotel-casino franchises in the world. We meet their leaders who share their uplifting story.