10 Indigenous-led STORYHIVE and TELUS original Films to Watch

On the TELUS Local Content team, we want to acknowledge the continued need to see Indigenous representation on screen. Amplifying Indigenous voices today and every day is of utmost importance at STORYHIVE and TELUS originals. It is embedded in our core values to foster an inclusive environment of respect, connection, diversity of ideas, voices and perspectives. 

Today on National Truth & Reconciliation Day, we are spotlighting 10 Indigenous-led films from STORYHIVE and TELUS originals. Explore projects by Indigenous filmmakers and creators from British Columbia and Alberta that centre Indigenous voices and experiences.

“Mshkikiininiikwe: Building the Northern Biobank” (TELUS original) Dr. Nadine Caron is breaking new ground in both surgical rooms and research labs. As the first Indigenous woman to earn an M.D. from the University of British Columbia she is now leading the way for Canada’s first northern biobank, a critical repository of biological samples that could lead to major medical breakthroughs. The Anishnaabe word for doctor is Mshkikiininiikwe. Dr. Caron is that, and so much more.

“The O Show” (STORYHIVE)  This documentary explores the work and life of Orene Askew as a motivational speaker, DJ and activist. She reflects on her life as an Afro-Indigenous Two-Spirited leader and how her communities have shaped her identity.

“The Foundation: Indigenous Hip Hop in Canada” (STORYHIVE) Rudegang explores the meaning of the term "Indigenous Hip Hop" & the connections between Hip Hop and Indigenous Cultures across Turtle Island.

“Voices on the Rise: Indigenous Language Revitalization in Alberta” (TELUS originals) Generational knowledge is preserved and passed down in the communities Eli visits on his language journey. This crucial transfer is key to the revitalization of language and culture.

Continue watching Episode 2 and Episode 3.

“Uu?uu~tah” (STORYHIVE) A young chief is entrusted to be the whale hunter of his village. To prepare, his grandmother guides his path of growth.

“The Swimmers” (STORYHIVE) To Indigenous people, salmon is the Spirit that Swims. A spirit that is dying. Urgent change is necessary to protect the Swimmers’ habitats from pollution and greed, before it is too late.

“Journey 4 Justice” (STORYHIVE) Prominent advocate for missing and murdered women along the Highway of Tears and across Canada, Gladys Radek shares insights from her life's journey and her fight for rights in Canada.

“Kasp The Road to HOPE” (STORYHIVE) Raised by a heroin addict, drug-dealing father and forgotten by the Foster-care system, Indigenous Artist KASP beats the odds and turns his story of survival into a banner of HOPE for others while returning to his roots.

“Hey Cuzzin” (STORYHIVE)  Hey Cuzzin is a look at the lives of Indigenous cousins on and off the rez. The cultural connection they have with one another and antics they get into.

“In the Valley of Wild Horses” (STORYHIVE)  A new generation of Xeni Gwet'in Riders trek 200-km by horse and wagon through Canada's most breathtaking landscapes.

To continue watching, find our full STORYHIVE and TELUS originals YouTube playlist spotlighting Indigenous Stories and filmmakers here, tune in on TELUS Optik TV, Channel 126 or on TELUS Stream+. 

Thank you to our TELUS Optik TV customers. With your support, TELUS Local Content has distributed over $5M of community programming funds to Indigenous creators and storytellers across British Columbia and Alberta since 2018. TELUS Local Content funds locally reflective content. This is done through two funding portfolios — STORYHIVE and TELUS originals. 

TELUS Local Content acknowledges that the area in which our staff predominantly gather and work is within the unceded Indigenous territories belonging to the sḵwx̱w 7mesh (Squamish), sel̓l̓witulh (Tsleil-Waututh), and xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam) peoples. We acknowledge that many Indigenous communities and cultures survive on the land where we work, live, and play. We recognize that Indigenous peoples have been deeply harmed by Canada's past and present colonial institutions, and we will strive to understand our individual place within this painful history. In our work together, we will take conscious steps to include Indigenous people in decision-making processes and address structural inequities in the Canadian screen-based production sector.