Wolf Joe Rolls Out in Canada

The animated preschool series Wolf Joe has commenced broadcast on TVOkids, Knowledge Network, TFO and Société Radio-Canada.

These broadcasters will launch new episodes each week of Wolf Joe, which is also streaming live on the TVOkids YouTube Channel, tvokids.com and knowledgekids.ca. The series is produced by MediaRendezVous and Amberwood Entertainment, in collaboration with Turtle Lodge.

Created by Alexander Bar, Wolf Joe follows the adventures of Joe, Nina and Buddy as they play outdoors, learn about nature and do good deeds to help their community of Turtle Bay. They are inspired and empowered by the universal values of the traditional Seven Sacred Teachings and their spirit animals of Wolf, Lynx and Bear that connect them to their Anishinaabe culture.

The writing team included Indigenous storytellers, and the series has an all-Indigenous cast of characters and voice actors who were directed by Indigenous dialogue directors. Music for the series was provided by Justin Delorme, an Indigenous musician and composer, with animation from Big Jump Entertainment in Ottawa.

Elder Dr Dave Courchene Nii Gaani Aki Inini (Leading Earth Man) of the Anishinaabe Nation Eagle Clan and Turtle Lodge founder, said: “My hope with the Wolf Joe series is that children will gain an understanding of a belief system of the Indigenous people. We held a ceremony at the Turtle Lodge to begin the process of sharing our Seven Sacred Teachings in the Wolf Joe series, to ensure the Spirit would guide us. The animals that are associated with these teachings remind us that nature teaches us many things.”

He added: “If the children can be introduced to these teachings from the animal world, they will learn to be kind, other people will want to be around them, their parents and elders will be proud of them.

Marney Malabar, director of TVOkids, said: “We are excited to share the stories and teachings of Turtle Bay with TVOkids audiences everywhere. This show embraces a rich heritage and important teachings, as shared by Indigenous people and their elders. Any parent or teacher looking to connect children to Indigenous culture and stories should consider watching this series as something to enjoy together, and a foundation for deeper discussion of history, connection and human values.”