‘Dances With Wolves’ & ‘Killers Of The Flower Moon’ Actress Tantoo Cardinal Narrating Doc Series ‘Animal Nation’

EXCLUSIVE: Dances With Wolves and Killers Of The Flower Moon actress Tantoo Cardinal has been set to narrate docuseries Animal Nation, which will tell the stories of seven animals through the eyes of Indigenous people.

Cardinal, the veteran Cree and Métis Canadian actress also known for movies such as Legends Of The Fall and Wind River, has narrated the series for Canadian outfit 2Ducks Media and Canadian TV network APTN, which specialises in Indigenous content. The show will launch from January 8 on APTN in English and streaming on APTN+. French and Mohawk versions will air at a later date. 

Created in collaboration with Indigenous communities in Canada and the U.S., each of the seven episodes will highlight one of the ‘keystone species’: Bear, Beaver, Bison, Caribou, Eagle, Salmon, and Wolf. Filmed over two years, the series features spectacular landscapes and wildlife cinematography while highlighting the interconnectedness with generations of Indigenous people who have lived alongside these species and in these ecosystems.

Created by Ojibway producer Jesse Bochner and Moroccan-born producer Ari A. Cohen, the team includes a team of Indigenous key creatives, including writers, directors, editors, composers and narrator Cardinal. The series takes in the caribou ranges near Yellowknife to the Khutzeymateen Grizzly Bear Sanctuary in BC, to the salmon rivers of Labrador, the bison herds of Alberta and Montana, and the eagle territories of PEI and Sts’ailes.

“I consider it a victory that these stories are being told,” said Cardinal. “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.”

“I am honoured by the privilege gifted to us by the communities and the animals themselves,” added director and co-creator Jesse Bochner. “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.”

“This project changes the way you see the land, the animals, and our future,” said producer and director of photography Ari A. Cohen. “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 in association with APTN and the financial participation of the Canada Media Fund, the Rogers Series Fund, the Québec Film and Television Tax Credit and the Canadian Film or Video Production Tax Credit.