TVO preps indigenous culture toon

Mike the Knight

A Canadian broadcaster is developing a series from the creator of Mike the Knight designed to teach children about the country’s indigenous culture.

TVO has partnered with local prodco Amberwood Entertainment to develop the animated preschool series Wolf Joe, created by Alexander Bar.

The series follows the adventures of a young First Nations hero called Joe in northern Ontario. The concept and setting were inspired by the Wabigoon Lake Ojibway Nation, who are located near Dryden, Ontario.

Local education director Donna Chief has consulted on the project, along with Canadian filmmaker Adam Garnet Jones.

“Wolf Joe will be designed to teach kids about indigenous culture, heritage and identity,” said Marney Malabar, director of kids’ TV at TVO.

“The learning that will be presented in Joe’s adventures comes from his grandfather’s tales of local legends and heroes, inspiring kids and helping them get ready for school, for life and to take on the world.”

As well as Mike the Knight and Wolf Joe, Bar has also created the forthcoming preschool show Kody Kapow for US cablenet Sprout.