NITV Sets Indigenous-Focused Science Series

NITV is premiering during Science Week the series Rewired, the first kids’ show to focus on Indigenous science and sustainability.

Set to debut on Monday, August 13, at 9:30 a.m. and to air again at 2:30 p.m., the four-part show focuses on themes such as climate change, physics and astronomy. Each episode of Rewired, which is intended for primary school kids, follows a mission that uncovers important AI (Aboriginal Intelligence) that helps the character WOM-BOT X think ethically and responsibly about the world around him.

On the show, WOM-BOT X is the sidekick to the character Dr. Rae Johnston. NITV worked with Earth Guardians for the series. Earth Guardians is an international organization that empowers young environmental and social activists by providing education, tools and resources for them to become effective leaders in their communities.

Earth Guardians Xiuhtezcatl Martinez, Ruby the Climate Kid, Boydon George, MC Trey and Aloe Blacc are each featured in the four episodes of Rewired, which are titled “Earth,” “Fire,” “Wind” and “Water.” NITV also worked with a range of high-profile environmental advocates on each episode, including Afro Roots, Rocky Dawuni, James Cameron and Black Eyed Peas rapper and Indigenous rights activist Taboo.

Rewired’s theme song was created through a collaboration between NITV and international musicians Aloe Blacc, Maya Jupiter and Quetzal Flores of Artivist Entertainment. Two song-writing workshops were held simultaneously in Los Angeles and Sydney, bringing together First Nations youth to discuss how they could take action on climate change and be thought-leaders in finding solutions to living more sustainably. The workshops were also an opportunity for the participants to write a theme song for the series.

Aloe Blacc and Maya Jupiter said, “We’re excited by Artivist Entertainment and NITV’s partnership on the theme song for the children’s series Rewired. It was so powerful and fulfilling for all involved to be together to imagine, dream and create a song that makes a difference in the fight for environmental justice. [We’re] excited for all to hear their words.”

Producer for Rewired, Luke Briscoe, added, “Diverse superheroes are on the rise, as we have seen in the success of Black Panther included in the Marvel franchise. The Black Panther and the world of Wankada have changed the entire narrative of what and who a superhero can be, and Indigenous characters aren’t just the sidekicks anymore, they are the ones that will save the day.

“Rewired is about providing the world with another superhero for young girls and boys to look up to that just happens to be Indigenous. I can’t imagine another superhero that could reverse the ecological damage made by humans anyway, can you?”