(Glenn Hicks/ paNOW Staff)

By paNOW Staff

Culture

Wahpeton to be featured in documentary series

Jun 23, 2020 | 8:00 AM

The Wahpeton Dakota Nation (WDN) will be included in a future documentary series focusing on Dakota Wichoh’an people, including their culture, history, traditions and spirituality.

A memorandum of understanding (MOU) has recently been signed between WDN, Wahpeton Dakota Developments (WDD) and San Diego-based To The Stars Academy of Arts & Science (TTSA). WDN Chief John Waditika told paNOW he was very excited about the project, but added his community will proceed with caution.

“Obviously we are not gonna put anything super sacred or sensitive within the documentary. We’ll have to go back to our elders and see what their view is,” he said.

“This is an exciting initiative for us to continue our mandate to tell deeply rich stories” – _{Tom DeLonge}

Waditika explained discussions with TTSA have been ongoing for about a year, and the company was very interested in why Wahpeton settled so far north.

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“It’s going to be a good product. It’s going to be telling our story,” Waditika said.

Along with its science, technology and research divisions, TTSA has an entertainment division that spans film, television, books, music, art, and merchandise. Co-founder Tom DeLonge explained in a statement the series will involve an intimate look at the rich culture and contributions of the WDN people while promoting WDN heritage, art, and culture.

“This is an exciting initiative for us to continue our mandate to tell deeply rich stories that will benefit the future of humanity. I am honoured the people of WDN have agreed to work with us to tell their important story,” he said.

Employment and training are also part of the agreement, and the project is expected to provide significant economic spinoffs for the community. Robert Fincati, CEO of Wahpeton Dakota Developments, said the project has the potential to include both temporary and long-term employment opportunities in film, radio, television, and internet, as well as training and mentorship opportunities. He added there may also be some long-term plans for a potential first-of-its-kind Indigenous People Television Network, radio station, film company and internet podcasts.

“We are very excited about this incredible opportunity and look forward to working with Tom DeLonge and his talented team,” Fincati said.

WDN has reserved the rights to review and approve all footage before airing to protect certain sacred ceremonies. Pre-production is anticipated to begin next spring.

–

nigel.maxwell@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @nigelmaxwell