Tantoo Cardinal, Actress from ‘Dances With Wolves’ and ‘Killers Of The Flower Moon,’ Tells the Stories in New Doc Series ‘Animal Nation’
EXCLUSIVE: Tantoo Cardinal, renowned for her roles in Dances With Wolves and Killers Of The Flower Moon, has been announced as the narrator for the upcoming docuseries Animal Nation. This series aims to present the stories of seven animals through the perspectives of Indigenous peoples.
Cardinal, a veteran Cree and Métis actress known for her performances in Legends Of The Fall and Wind River, has partnered with Canadian production company 2Ducks Media and APTN, a network dedicated to Indigenous content, for this project. Animal Nation is set to premiere on January 8, 2024, on APTN in English, with streaming available on APTN+. Versions in French and Mohawk will follow at a later date.
Developed in collaboration with Indigenous communities across Canada and the U.S., the docuseries consists of seven episodes, each focusing on a "keystone species": Bear, Beaver, Bison, Caribou, Eagle, Salmon, and Wolf. Filmed over two years, the series showcases stunning landscapes and wildlife cinematography, while emphasizing the deep-rooted connections between Indigenous peoples and these species within their ecosystems.
The project is the brainchild of Ojibway producer Jesse Bochner and Moroccan-born producer Ari A. Cohen, with the creative team comprising Indigenous writers, directors, editors, and composers. Filming locations span from the caribou ranges near Yellowknife to the Khutzeymateen Grizzly Bear Sanctuary in British Columbia, as well as the salmon rivers of Labrador, the bison herds of Alberta and Montana, and the eagle territories of Prince Edward Island and Sts’ailes.
“I consider it a victory that these stories are being told,” Cardinal remarked. “Growing up, I had a real relationship with the wind and the birds and the environment, so it’s kind of like in my blood, in my marrow to be able to be a part of speaking for the animals and to touch on the relationship we all have with the world that surrounds.”
Jesse Bochner, director and co-creator, expressed gratitude for the privilege of storytelling: “One day we’re wading through thousands of spawning salmon, the next we’re placing secret cameras to capture the genius of a beaver. Every moment reminded us how much knowledge and generosity lives in these places. It was amazing and humbling for our entire team.”
Ari A. Cohen, producer and director of photography, added, “This project changes the way you see the land, the animals, and our future. Wildlife films often ignore Indigenous and local knowledge — and that knowledge is the key to moving forward on a better path.”
Animal Nation is produced with the support of APTN and funding from the Canada Media Fund, the Rogers Series Fund, the Québec Film and Television Tax Credit, and the Canadian Film or Video Production Tax Credit.
