Episode 1 — John Herrington: The Spacewalker
John Herrington is the first Indigenous man in space. He takes us through his 2002 journey on the Endeavour as a Mission Specialist on flight STS-113. After flunking out of college learn how John, who is Chickasaw, overcame his struggles to become a top pilot in the Navy, crew member on the sixteenth mission to space, author of a children’s book, and an inspiration to millions.
Episode 2 — Rita Coolidge: Cherokee Soul
Rita Coolidge is a Grammy-winning recording artist with Cherokee ancestry. Through Rita’s eyes, explore the humble beginnings of her career as a struggling backup singer to the life-changing moment she was signed as a solo artist with A&M Records, which propelled her to stardom and carved out her place as a music icon.
Episode 3 — Wes Studi: The Man Behind Magua
Wes Studi is one of the most well known Indigenous actors in the world. The Cherokee actor is best known for his work in The Last of the Mohicans, The New World, and one of the highest grossing films of all time, Avatar. Wes shares his life story, from his time as a solder in Vietnam and advocate for the American Indian Movement at Wounded Knee, to finding his place as an actor and the philanthropic work he does today.
Episode 4 — George Starke: Super Bowl Champion
Washington Redskins’ George Starke is a 1983 Super Bowl Champion. George and “The Hogs,” the famous Redskins offensive line, made a name for themselves in the NFL, ultimately helping their team make it to three Super Bowl championships, winning Super Bowl XVII. Despite his success, George, who is of Mohawk ancestry, tried and failed to make it in the NFL several times.
Episode 5 — Taboo: Shoshone Hip Hop
Taboo, aka Jimmy Gomez, is a member of Grammy-winning hip-hop group, The Black Eyed Peas. Taboo, who is of Shoshone descent, shares how he overcame life-changing obstacles like substance abuse and cancer, to became an advocate for cancer awareness and an activist for Indigenous rights in North America.
Episode 6 — Tia Carrere: Island Star
Tia Carrere is a two-time Grammy-winning singer and an actor best known for her role as Cassandra in Wayne’s World. Tia, who is Hawaiian, was often stereotyped in Asian roles, but was able to break through into mainstream films like True Lies, starring Arnold Schwarzenegger. An accomplished voice actor, Tia provided the voice for Nani in Disney’s Lilo & Stitch. We follow Tia’s journey from the island of O’ahu to the Hollywood red carpet and Grammy stage; an inspiring story of hard work and never forgetting where you come from.
Episode 7 — Billy Mills: The Olympian
Billy Mills is an Olympic gold medalist, winning the 10,000-metre run at the 1964 summer games in Tokyo. Billy, who is Oglala Lakota, discusses his humble beginnings growing up on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation and becoming an orphan at a young age, to the Olympic glory that has allowed him to give back to the Indigenous community through his charity, Running Strong for American Indian Youth.
Episode 8 — Digging Roots: The Family That Rocks
Digging Roots are a Juno-winning husband and wife music duo, whose style blends folk-rock, pop, blues and hip hop with the traditional sounds of Indigenous music. Digging Roots has collaborated with Indigenous music giants like A Tribe Called Red, Kinnie Starr, and Tanya Tagaq. Having both been raised by activist parents, delve into how the duo’s respective histories and heritage influence their music, and their children.
Episode 9 — Graham Greene: Dances with Legends
Graham Greene is an Oscar-nominated actor best known for his iconic roles in Dances with Wolves and Maverick. The Oneida actor has also been successful in breaking the colour barrier, landing non-ethnic roles in Die Hard with a Vengeance, and Molly’s Game. Follow Graham’s road to success, starting with careers as an ironworker and audio technician, before finding his footing in the Toronto theatre scene.
Episode 10 — Chuck Billy: Metal God
Chuck Billy is the lead singer for Testament, one of the first thrash metal bands to put the music genre on the map. Chuck, who is Pomo from California, released over a dozen albums with Testament, but was blindsided by a rare cancer diagnosis in 2001. Chuck shares an inspirational account of his recovery, including a visit from a healer, and how it brought him closer to his bandmates, resurrecting his music career.
Episode 11 — Tantoo Cardinal: Actor-Activist
Tantoo Cardinal is one of the most successful Indigenous actors in North America. She is best known for her work in Dances With Wolves, Legends of the Fall, and Smoke Signals. Tantoo, who is of Cree, Métis, Dene, and Nakota descent, has been a passionate activist from a young age and fought for various environmental and political causes. Learn how her activism led her to the spotlight in the first place.
Episode 12 — Dwight King: King of the Cup
Dwight King is a Métis professional hockey player who won not one, but two Stanley Cups with the Los Angeles Kings of the NHL. Growing up in a hockey family in Meadow Lake, Saskatchewan was enough to get him started on his journey for greatness, but what does it take to go all the way?
Episode 13 — The Seminole Tribe of Florida: From Bingo to Billions
The Seminole Tribe of Florida is a true story of resilience. Close to eradication in the 1950s, the Seminoles fought near bankruptcy and then became an economic powerhouse. They went from being one of the poorest tribes in the United States to owning one of the biggest hotel-casino franchises in world. Meet their leaders who share their uplifting story.