A 30 year old Anishnaabe of Bloodvein First Nation that currently resides in Winnipeg, MB, where he is a University Recruiter. Driving thousands of KM’s, travelling ice roads and flying in small planes, his role is to promote University as a possibility to Indigenous youth all across the province of Manitoba. In his spare time, Tim volunteers with the Bear Clan Patrol, plays soccer and also tries to be out on the land as much as possible. He loves canoe tripping, fishing, and making maple syrup from trees in his back yard. He has a passion for learning about Indigenous history, language and traditional spirituality.
Ebony is a 26 year old artist and oil painter. She grew up in Tobique First Nation with her mother, learning to live a sustainable, off-grid lifestyle at their cabin, while also learning multiple crafting skills such as sewing, beading and making gloves and moccasins. She is currently pursuing a career in Aboriginal visual arts and media.
A Cree Metis woman, Michela was raised at Big Eddy Lodge, 60km Norwest of the nearest town, Cumberland House, SK. Her family lived off the grid, deep in the wilderness of the Saskatchewan River Delta. Michela was homeschooled as a child and later studied Horticulture at Vancouver Island University in Nanaimo, BC and Biology at the University of Saskatchewan. She is now actively learning the traditional medicine of her people as she pursues the path of a Cree herbalist. She also has two businesses, adventure guiding with Aski Holistic Adventures and beadwork with Delta Beadworks.
Growing up in an artistic family, Caleb has been creating since childhood. His mother, often beading and his father drawing. Caleb’s own interest has been more focused on visual arts such as pen and ink drawing, print design and water-colour. He currently has a pen and ink piece entitled “Self Saboteur” displayed in Definitely Superior Art Gallery Show entitled “Manifestation” and his art work is featured in every episode of Merchants of the Wild.
Brendan has always been drawn to the arts; he believes the world’s a stage – we’re all players with parts. Brendan enrolled in Aboriginal Studies in 2009; his ancestor’s wisdom was spiritually sublime. With that knowledge in hand, Brendan took action; his admission to jewellery school gave him great satisfaction. After three years of study, Brendan’s chock-full of skills; using metal and stone, he hopes to pay the bills. Brendan’s favourite minerals are turquoise, jade and bone; he wants to work for himself and have a business of his own.
Gabriella is a 21 year old Algonquin female from Beaver House First Nation. Prior to filming she was working on her post secondary school education and Aboriginal mentorship. Following production, she has moved back to her home community to work closely with youth and Elders. Her Chief and Council continue to work with her on her journey of healing, to one day pursue a career in Indigenous politics.
Special Thanks To:
