WAKAN TANKA: BE GREAT SPIRIT
AN INNOVATIVE FILM UNITING ELDERS AND YOUTH TO INSPIRE SOLUTIONS TO OUR PLANET’S CHALLENGES.
Wakan Tanka, meaning in the First Nation Lakota Sioux language “Great Spirit” is a powerful documentary film which interweaves the voices of environmental and aboriginal elders with a captivating fictional story that will engage youth on climate change.
The fictional journey follows 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 journey through the city represents the journey humankind would have to make in order to rebuild a deeper connection with nature.
Wakan Tanka has the potential to influence millions of young people through the networks of the environmental elders and experts involved in the project and the international bands contributing songs. Between the deep wisdom of these elders and the inspiring music, the film highlights the struggles we face if we continue on our current path and the many alternative pathways to a sustainable future.
In addition to a number of world-famous bands that have contributed their music, the following elders and experts have graciously volunteered their time and commitment to the Wakan Tanka project:
Dr. David Suzuki – Scientist, Environmentalist
Dr. James Hansen – Climatologist and Columbia University Adjunct Professor
Raffi Cavoukian – Singer, Author and Founder of Centre for Child Honouring
James Hoggan – Author of Climate Cover Up and co-founder of Desmogblog.com
Robert Bateman – Naturalist and Painter
Grandmother Agnes – Chair of the Thirteen Grandmothers
Dr. Pakki Chipps – Ethnobotanist, Author
Guy Dauncey – Climate Change Author and Advocate
Miles Richardson – Haida Gwaii Elder
Manley Little Brave – Sioux Elder
Makere Harawira – Waitaha Elder
Dan Jason – Author, Founder of the Seed and Plant Sanctuary for Canada
Bristol Foster – Scientist, and Filmmaker
Paul Dickinson – Chairman, Carbon Disclosure Project
Samuel Bullock – Permaculture Designer & Educator
Hwiemtun – Coast Salish Elder
Chickadee – Ojibway Elder
Wakan Tanka has been commissioned by the Institute for Sustainability Education & Action (www.i-sea.org) a charitable non-profit based in Canada in partnership with UK non-profit A Purpose for Life Foundation, and produced by Substantial Films, UK. (http://substantialfilms.co.uk/) .
We are in post-production now and only $60,000 from our goal. We’ve recently launched a fundraising Indie go go campaign.
(TAX RECEIPTS AVAILABLE UPON REQUEST FOR CANADIAN DONATIONS OVER $20.00)
https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/wakan-tanka-change-is-within-our-grasp/x/8139267#home
Please donate today and spread the word on your social networks and in your communities. Together we can make a difference. Thank you so much!
Sustainability Stream 