LITTLE BIG COMMUNITY is a documentary series that dives into positive community stories told through the eyes of Indigenous people across North America. Indigenous communities have been getting stronger, reconnecting with traditional practices, and returning to the land. In each episode, two stories are told, highlighting how the initiatives are helping members come together by uplifting each other and creating a strong community spirit.
Discover the stories of the people working to create their own LITTLE BIG COMMUNITY.
Learn more about what makes each community unique!
Ottawa, located on unceded Anishinaabe Algonquin territory, hosts one of the largest urban Indigenous communities in the country. Meet Gabrielle and Amanda, who have made it their mission to inspire Indigenous youth and give them a sense of community since moving to the city.
Albuquerque, New Mexico, has long been an urban hub for Indigenous people from across the region, offering a variety of artistic and grassroots community organizations. Meet Marisa and Jir, two Indigenous leaders who are living their dreams and inspiring others by following their passions for martial arts and music.
The Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs in Oregon’s central plateau comprises the Warm Springs, Wasco and Paiute peoples, who have called this region home since time immemorial. Meet Elke and Jefferson, who are reconnecting with their ancestral lands and fighting to have their rights recognized.
The Oneida Nation of the Thames are now turning back to their traditional practices, such as lacrosse, hunting and Indigenous foodways, to create a stronger and more resilient community. Meet Dayna and Ron, two siblings who have dedicated their lives to educating the next generation and collectively strengthening their community.
Surrounded by multiple Indigenous nations, Tulsa has now become an urban hub for activism, organizing and cultural revival. Meet Nico and Nathalie, who, with cooking and tattooing, are reviving Cherokee practices and helping people heal.
While integrating into life in the city can be difficult for many Indigenous people, organizations like the Native Music Coalition are trying to reach out to those in need and make it easier for them. Meet Jessica and Vince, who are creating new opportunities for youth and mobilizing Tucson’s Indigenous community.
Surrounded by multiple Indigenous nations, Tulsa has now become an urban hub for activism, organizing and cultural revival. Meet Nico and Nathalie, who, with cooking and tattooing, are reviving Cherokee practices and helping people heal.
For hundreds of years, the Island of O’ahu has been a central node in the Hawaiian archipelago and has long been nicknamed The Gathering Place. Meet Pōhaku and Kamanumailani, two Kānaka Maoli educators embracing the knowledge of their ancestors and living in tune with the ocean, guiding youth towards a more meaningful path.
Many Kānaka Maoli have resisted colonial encroachment and taken to the island's hinterland to reclaim an ancient way of life, where the people care for the land and the land cares for them. Meet Alika and Lacyann, who, by rekindling family traditions, have given purpose to their lives and inspired future generations.
Formerly a coastal people, progressive waves of colonialism and displacement moved the Kumeyaay inland, robbing them of their ocean-based traditions. However, some leaders are fighting back and creating space for Indigenous youth to learn about their people. Meet Stanley and Marc, who are reclaiming San Diego’s Indigenous identity and educating youth on Kumeyaay traditions.
The Siksika Nation has called the lands of southern Alberta home since time immemorial. The nation has faced the many destructive legacies of colonialism, resulting in cultural alienation and mental health crises. Meet Vivian and Quintina, two inspiring women working to empower others through Indigenized higher education and innovative approaches to mental health.
Long-faced with mental health crises and generational trauma, some Pine Ridge community members are working to bring back traditional practices and give youth healthy coping mechanisms. Meet Kyle and Stanley, two Lakota men who, through skateboarding and horseback riding, create space for youth to learn about their traditions, recognize their self-worth and flourish.
The people of the United Houma Nation have long learnt to live off the land and thrive in the bayous of southern Louisiana. Meet Joshua and Jason, two brothers who are passing down ancestral practices to their children while also safeguarding their people’s collective Indigenous identity.
Discover the stories of the people working to create their own LITTLE BIG COMMUNITY.
Learn more about what makes each community unique!
Kahnawà:ke, located outside Montreal, is a community working together, focusing on the importance of food sovereignty, sustainability and health. Meet John, Karina and Raven who are taking part in several initiatives to ensure the well-being of their community.
Montreal Lake Cree Nation located in northern Saskatchewan, knows that healing is a community effort. Meet Jarrett, Carol and Flair, who awaken the power of their people by going back to their traplines and land-based teachings.
Enoch Cree Nation, located on the outskirts of Edmonton in Alberta is a community driven by a new generation of members. Meet Kenny, Jaizy and Taeja who through the programs they take part in or have initiated, are developing skills and finding their voice.
Wiikwemkoong, located on the eastern end of Manitoulin Island, in northern Ontario is a community focused on being self-reliant. Meet Annette, Lynn and Rolland, and Nicole, who through their own spiritual journeys are creating safe spaces for themselves and their community.
Winnipeg, located on Treaty One Territory, has the largest off-reserve, urban Indigenous and Metis population in Canada. Meet Kevin, Peatr and Caid who are helping their community through art, providing resources and compassion to those in need.
Waskaganish, located in Northern Quebec is a community building connections both on the land and online. Meet Jamie, Glen and David who are deeply devoted to finding the right recipe for healing and working through intergenerational traumas.
Sioux Valley in Manitoba is the largest Dakota community in Canada and its history has fostered a culture of self-governance. Meet Koda, Helena and Travis, who have found healing through the power of animals, working on overcoming intergenerational trauma.
Vancouver Island is the ancestral land of the Nuu-chah-nulth people who have been stewarding both the land and sea since time immemorial. Meet Rachel, Hayden and Daniel who are working with the Tla-O-Qui-Aht First Nation helping youth reconnect with their territory.
Serpent River First Nation is on a mission to revitalize its waterways, focusing on environmental resilience. Meet Keegan, Quinn and Lee who are focusing on connecting youth with elders to share and learn about their territory, language and culture.
Have a story about your own little big community?
Reach out and let us know! We would love to help you tell it.
Original Idea & Executive Producers | Angélique Richer Pepper O'Bomsawin |
Director & Script Writer | Pepper O'Bomsawin |
Assistant Director | Vincenzo Giannelli |
Postproduction Director & Script Advisor | Érika Reyburn |
Narrator | Beatrice Deer |
Researchers | Emma Savas Matias Brunet-Kirk |
Video & Story Editor | Miriam Altounji |
Original Music | Beatrice Deer Michael Felber Mark Wheaton |
Production Supervisors | Julie Lapointe Emma Savas |
Executive Producers | Pepper O'Bomsawin Angélique Richer |
Producer | Mylène Bastonnais |
Researchers | Emma Savas Matias Brunet-Kirk |
Assistant Director & Set Photographer | Vincenzo Giannelli |
Text | Matias Brunet-Kirk |
Video Editor | Johannie Boucher (Season Two) Jonathan Verreault (Season One) |
Community Manager | Stella Morrissette |
Web Design Production | François Trudeau Des souris et des hommes inc. |