The Film

Wakan Tanka, meaning in the First Nation Lakota Sioux language 'Great Spirit,' is a powerful film that interweaves the voices of environmental and First Nation’s elders with a captivating fictional story to engage youth on climate change. A stunning line-up of music from international bands provides the incredible backdrop to this project.

The fictional journey will follow Zak, a 13 year old boy, as he makes his way across a nightmarish cityscape to find his way to the safety of his grandparent's house. Zak’s character symbolizes the human race, his grandparent's home represents nature and spirit. Zak's journey through the city represents the journey humankind would have to make in order to rebuild a deeper connection with nature.

Among scenes of Earthly decay and beauty, this documentary challenges present day societal norms while celebrating community and illustrating on the ground eco-actions by the youth of today. Included are sustainable skill-building examples to help youth understand what it is they can do to live more softly on the planet.

The film will be released on line for free in Spring of 2012 by the Institute for Sustanability Education & Action (I-SEA), a charitable organization in Canada. I-SEA is working in collaboration with a UK charity, A Purpose for Life Foundation, to bring this project to fruition.

It is our hope that youth who view this film will be motivated to learn how to live more sustainably while creating a lasting link to their elders and connecting emotionally to the impacts of climate change.

‘Wakan Tanka’ a story, by Wambdi Wicasa

Featuring:

The film is in production and so far we have conducted interviews with the following elders and experts who have gratefully volunteered their time and commitment to this project:
  • Dr. David Suzuki - Scientist, Environmentalist and co-founder of the David Suzuki Foundation
  • Dr. James Hansen - Climatologist and Columbia University Adjunct Professor
  • Raffi - Raffi Cavoukian - Singer, Author and Founder of Centre for Child Honouring
  • Robert Bateman - Naturalist and Painter
  • James Hoggan - Author of Climate Cover Up and co-founder of Desmogblog.com
  • Cara Pike - Director, Social Capital Project
  • Grandmother Agnes - Chair of the Thirteen Grandmothers
  • Dr. Pakki Chipps - Ethnobotanist, Author
  • Miles Richardson – Haida Gwaii Elder
  • Manley Little Brave - Sioux Elder
  • Guy Dauncey - Climate Change Author and Advocate
  • Makere Harawira - Waitaha Elder
  • Dan Jason - Author, Salt Spring Seeds & Founder of the Seed and Plant Sanctuary for Canada
  • Bristol Foster - Scientist, and Filmmaker
  • Hwiemtun - Coast Salish Elder
  • Paul Dickinson - Chairman, Carbon Disclosure Project
  • Chickadee - Ojibway Elder
  • Samuel Bullock - Permaculture Designer & Educator

Contribute to the Film

Thank you to everyone who helped make the film shoot in London, UK, last summer possible! The footage of Zak's journey as the London riots took hold is amazing.

We are now in post-production which involves editing, sound, animation, release of the soundtrack, and final release of the film on the web! The film is very close to completion but we need $120,000 CND to get this amazing project to completion. Over $86,000 CND has been donated and loaned to date.

This film has the potential to influence millions of young people about the impacts of climate change and what they can do with the help of their elders. Your support by donating to the completion of Wakan Tanka is invaluable. Charitable receipts are available for Canadian donors.

Please contact us to make arrangements for other methods of donating, or to discuss the film: Margery Moore or Patti Bauer