Future History - Season 1
Season 1
Future History follows two passionate, and polar opposite, Anishinaabe (Ojibway) hosts Sarain Fox and Kris Nahrgang as they venture into their community to gain a deeper understanding of Indigenous Knowledge and the movement of cultural revitalization. For generations across North America, Indigenous People have been reeling from the devastating effects of colonialism that has left children, language, ceremony and culture at risk. But today, a movement of reclamation and revitalization is being led by Indigenous People who are harnessing Indigenous Knowledge as a way to shift the colonial paradigm and build a brighter future for the next generation. From Arts and Science to the Justice System, the resurgence of Indigenous Knowledge is stronger than ever. Future History is a journey of discovery through an Indigenous lens, a journey that will inspire and enlighten all audiences.
Episodes
Origin Stories
Archaeologist/Artist Kris Nahrgang, and Dancer/Activist Sarain Carson Fox share their personal origin stories and talk about where they are at in their own journey of identity. After visiting Traditional Teacher Isaac Murdoch at Nimkii Aazhbikoong Culture Camp in Elliot Lake, Kris takes Sarain on an underwater diving exploration near his community in Lovesick Lake and Sarain brings Kris to meet her dad, Chief of the Eastern Doorway of the Three Fires Midewiwin Lodge Jim Dumont, in Shawanaga First Nation.
The Children
Kris and Sarain travel to the nation's capitol to speak with Child Welfare Activist Cindy Blackstock. They continue their journey at the Woodland Cultural Centre where Residential School Survivor Roberta Hill shares her experience from her time at the Mohawk Institute. Sarain and Kris are given a tour by Executive Director Paula Withrow and learn about the "Save the Evidence" program at the museum. They drive to Montreal to visit with 60's Scoop Survivor and Throat Singer Nina Segalowitz and hear her story about when she was stolen from the hospital and adopted out.
Shifting Policy & Reclaiming Indigenous Knowledge
Sarain and Kris unpack the complexities of government policy and its effect on Indigenous Identity. They meet with First Nations Policy Analyst Russell Diabo in Innisfil who explains the history and impact of the Indian Act. They drop into an after-school youth program on Mnjikaning First Nation created by Social Worker Kendra Keetch and visit with Melissa Tidlumaluk Irwin at Nunavut Sivuniksavut, a cultural hub and university program for Inuit in Ottawa.
Water
Sarain and Kris discuss the current crisis of contaminated water and the growing movement of Water Protectors. They catch up with Water Walker Josephine Mandamin during her 10,900 mile walk around the Great Lakes and visit with Artist/Activist Christi Belcourt in Elliot Lake. On Georgina Island, Kris and Sarain witness the results of the restoration project of Gerties Creek supervised by Environmentalist Kerry-Ann Charles.
Pow Wow & Exhibition
Kris and Sarain break down the concepts of Pow Wow, ceremony and exhibition. They drive to Sarnia to meet Knowledge Keeper and Traditional Dancer Jordan White Eye Williams who shares the history of the Pow Wow. In Toronto, they are invited into a theatre space with Activist Actor/Playwright Monique Mojica to talk about her show Side Show Freaks and Circus Injuns. Then, Sarain and Kris put on their moccasins and take a Hoop Dance workshop with Storyteller/Dancer Crystal "Beany" John.
The Arts
Sarain and Kris explore the world of Indigenous Artists and Storytellers. At the Toronto International Film Festival Headquarters, Broadcaster and Curator Jessie Wente gives them a deeper understanding of the effects of misrepresentation of Indigenous people in Hollywood. In Barrie, they drop in on a drumming and singing workshop led by Singer/Actress Tamara Podemski and then travel up to North Bay to Big Medicine Studio for a movement class with Artistic Directors Penny Couchie and Sid Bobb of Aanmitaagzi Story Makers.
Food
Kris and Sarain get a taste of the many different aspects of Food Sovereignty. They visit Food Justice Advocate, Adrianne Lickers Xavier, at Six Nations Farmers Market where she manages the "Our Sustenance" program. Up in Lake Nippissing, Consultant and Traditional Teacher Bob Goulais talks about Sacred Law and how that applies to responsible fishing. Back in the city, Sarain and Kris experience Indigenous Cuisine prepared by Chef Joseph Shawana of KūKum Kitchen in Toronto.
Language
Kris and Sarain share their deep desire to know their language. They visit with Anishnaabe Language Consultant Gabe Desrosiers who talks about reclaiming the Creator's language. At University of Toronto, they sit down with Visual Artist/Filmmaker Susan Blight, who co-founded Ogimaa Mikana, which aims to restore Anishnaabemowin place names to the streets of Toronto. Sarain and Kris travel to Wahta First Nation to meet Mohawk Language Instructor Ryan DeCaire who is leading the language revitalization movement in his community.
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