We’re heading to APTN lumi for part four of our series about online video platforms featuring projects by NSI alumni.

• Part one – alumni projects at NFB.ca
• Part two – alumni projects on CBC Gem
• Part three – alumni projects on Encore+

APTN lumi allows you to sign up for a free five-day trial. After that you can still access content for free but titles are limited. To enjoy the full experience, sign up for $4.99 per month. You’ll need to be logged in to your APTN lumi account to access the links below.

Yup, our NSI parental glow is on – we continue to be proud of our alumni for educating and entertaining us. APTN lumi features the entire catalogue of NSI IndigiDocs films and, as always, there’s something for everyone.

NSI IndigiDocs films

7 Minutes | 2016 | 7:29 mins

Producer Marilyn Poitras, director Tasha Hubbard

An Indigenous woman’s lived experience with safety in a country where missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls has become a contemporary phenomenon.

ahkâmêyimo nitânis (Keep Going My Daughter) | 2019 | 12:34 mins

Producer Chris Ross, director Candy Fox

A young couple, Andrea and Colby, narrate a love letter to their daughter that began before she was born.

Alice and Kevin | 2014 | 12:01 mins

Producer Christopher Read, director Sam Vint

Alice Taylor files a Canadian Human Rights complaint to fight for her adult son with cerebral palsy and get him the care he needs in their remote fly-in community.

An Ecstatic Professional | 2014 | 9:30 mins

Producer Damien Ferland, director Rhayne Vermette

Who is Rob Vilar? He is an (almost) criminally unknown character actor living in Winnipeg.

Big Momma | 2019 | 10:57 mins

Producer Damien Eagle Bear, director Caitlyn Pantherbone

This inspiring film follows Preston Stimson, an aspiring comedian, musician and dancer who calls himself Big Momma.

Cedar Tree of Life | 2018 | 10:32 mins

Producer April Johnson, director Odessa Shuquaya

A look at how three Indigenous women use cedar and share their knowledge in contemporary and traditional contexts.

Cree Code Talker | 2016 | 13:27 mins

Producer Cowboy Smithx, director Alexandra Lazarowich

The amazing true story of Charles ‘Checker’ Tomkin and the development of the code talker’s communication system during WWII.

Finding Sgt. Partridge | 2014 | 14:28 mins

Producer Gabriel Constant

Two Peter Partridges, two worlds apart, two families searching. This film tells the story of a granddaughter who embarks on a search for her grandfather’s roots and finds much more.

Flat Rocks | 2017 | 10:07 mins

Producer Roxann Whitebean, director Courtney Montour

An intimate and never-before-seen look at 79-year-old farmer Louis Diabo’s relentless battle against the construction of Canada’s St. Lawrence Seaway that tore through his land and the Kahnawake Mohawk Territory in the 1950s.

From Up North | 2017 | 13:21 mins

Producer Janine Windolph, director Trudy Stewart

Trudy Stewart’s personal journey as a statement gatherer for the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada.

Indian in the Child | 2017 | 10:20 mins

Producer Luther Alexander, director Amanda Kindzierski

An opinion piece that explores the diverse lives of young urban Indigenous adults growing up in Winnipeg.

Jane and the Wolf | 2016 | 9:40 mins

Producer Rachel Garrick, director Nadine Arpin

A story about the lives of women who embody the definition of a warrior.

Leave it on the Water | 2018 | 12:14 mins

Producer Michele Mundy, director Steve Sxwithul’txw

A group of Indigenous youth train for outrigger canoe races.

Lost Moccasin | 2018 | 11:37 mins

Producer Darcy Waite, director Roger Boyer

A Sixties Scoop survivor goes on a journey to speak with his family about the day he was taken from his mother.

Mia’ | 2015 | 8:30 mins

Producer Bracken Hanuse Corlett, director Amanda Strong

A young female Indigenous street artist named Mia wanders the city painting scenes from blood memory.

Mihkowapikwaniy | 2018 | 11:15 mins

Producer Petie Chalifoux, director Micheal Auger

Mihkowapikwaniy captures the best of Indigenous tradition with current forms of healing including dance, food and laughter.

NDNS on the Airwaves | 2016 | 11:27 mins

Producer Janet Rogers, director Jackson 2bears

The trials and triumphs of CKRZ 100.3 FM radio over its 25-year life span.

Nosisim | 2017 | 10:33 mins

Producer Sage, director Sonya Ballantyne

A granddaughter attempts to reconcile her grandmother’s past with her own future by searching for an elusive drawing.

Path Without End | 2019 | 10:44 mins

Producer Christine Friday, director Cara Mumford

A dance documentary focusing on the Friday family, who take back their power from the Shingwauk residential school.

Released | 2015 | 10:11 mins

Producer Jennifer Bowen-Allen, director Chantal Rondeau

A First Nation traditional artist, recently released from prison, re-stitches the fabric of her life together one piece at a time.

The League | 2015 | 9:55 mins

Producer Justina Neepin, director JJ Neepin

Norman Meade, Aboriginal Mixed Curling League founder, shares his story of when he started curling and how the league began, along with his hopes for the next generation of curlers.

Spirit of Birth | 2015 | 12:08 mins

Producer Michelle St. John, director Rebeka Tabobondung

After a colonial legacy of silencing Indigenous women’s wisdom, a mother and midwife seek out traditional birth practices.

Traditional Beats | 2014 | 9:04 mins

Producer Crystal Greene, director Cameron Courchene

In this brief history of the drums of Indigenous Peoples, we discover where they came from, what they represent and why they are always present.

When the Children Left | 2018 | 11 mins

Producer/director Charlene Moore, producer Ryan Cooper

The dangers Indigenous kids face when they have to leave home to pursue an education. Kyle Morrisseau was found in a river after he left his community for high school in Thunder Bay.

TV series – Fiction

Cashing In | Seasons 1-4 | 2008 | 22 mins | Drama

Director/executive producer Norma Bailey (NSI Totally Television), writers Trevor Cameron, Mike Gosselin, Elizabeth Denny, Joe Thornton (all NSI Storytellers). NSI Storytellers provided opportunities to writer, director and producer participants within the series.

Full of sharp executives, smooth dealers and colourful clientele, the North Beach Casino is a successful gaming palace recently purchased by Matthew Tommy.

Caution May Contain Nuts | Seasons 4 + 5 | 2017 | 22 mins | Comedy

Director Trevor Anderson (NSI Drama Prize), Producers Eric Rebalkin (NSI Business for Producers), Camille Beaudoin (NSI Totally Television, NSI Features First)

Nothing is off limits in this fast-paced sketch comedy series.

Mohawk Girls | Seasons 1-5 | 2012 | 23 mins | Comedy/Drama

Director Tracey Deer (NSI Storytellers), producers Christina Fon, Catherine Bainbridge (both NSI Global Marketing)

Follow the lives of four young Mohawk women as they navigate love, relationships and life on the rez in this modern-day dramedy.

TV series – Documentary/Lifestyle

Arm Nation | Season 1 | 2018 | 22 mins | Sports

Co-producers, field producers and writers Maureen Marovitch (NSI Drama Prize, NSI Global Marketing), David Finch (NSI Drama Prize, NSI Totally Television) – who also directs.

Follow Canadian athletes as they train to become the best of the best in the fast-growing sport of arm wrestling.

Dreamcatcher Bios | Season 1 | 2018 | 22 mins | Documentary

Director Ernest Webb (NSI Aboriginal Cultural Trade Initiative), producers Christina Fon, Catherine Bainbridge

Find out how some of the world’s most famous Indigenous athletes, actors, astronauts and musicians got to the top of their game.

First Across the Line | Season 1 | 2019 | 22 mins | Sports

Director/producer Paul Rickard (NSI Aboriginal Cultural Trade Initiative), director Courtney Montour

Meet Indigenous athletes, coaches and sports legends from across Canada.

First Contact | Seasons 1 + 2 | 2018 | 45 mins | Documentary

Producer Vanessa Loewen (NSI Global Marketing)

Six Canadians, all with strong opinions about Indigenous Peoples, embark on a 28-day journey that will change their lives. The travellers leave their homes behind to visit Indigenous communities and learn about the lives of Indigenous Peoples.

Future History | Seasons 1 + 2 | 2018 | 23 mins | Lifestyle/Culture

Director/producer Jennifer Podemski (NSI Global Marketing)

Celebrating the reclamation and revitalization of Indigenous knowledge. Follow archaeologist / activist Kris Nahrgang and dancer / activist Sarain Fox as they learn what it means to have an Indigenous world view.

Guilt Free Zone | Season 3 | 2018 | 22 mins | Music/Variety

Producer Laura J. Milliken (Featuring Aboriginal Stories Program)

A variety series about a struggling speakeasy and the odd characters that keep it afloat.

Queen of the Oil Patch | Season 1 | 2018 | 22 mins | Lifestyle/Culture

Director Frederick Kroetsch (NSI Business for Producers)

Massey Whiteknife uses his female alter ego to get his oil-patch company back on top.

Taken | Seasons 1-4 | 2016 | 22 mins | Documentary

Host/director/writer/executive producer Lisa Meeches (NSI Storytellers), writer/executive producer Kyle Irving (NSI Global Marketing), writer/executive producer Rebecca Gibson, director JJ Neepin, writer Sonya Ballantyne (NSI IndigiDocs, CBC New Indigenous Voices)

This true-crime series focuses on solving the mysteries behind Canada’s missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls.

The Other Side | Seasons 4 + 5 | 2018 | 22 mins | Documentary/Science Fiction

Producers Bob Crowe, Jennifer Podemski, Wally Start (all NSI Global Marketing)

A team of paranormal investigators who, with the guidance of an Indigenous Elder, seek the truth behind Canada’s real-life ghost stories.

Tribal Police Files | Seasons 1 + 2 | 2019 | 23 mins | Documentary

Director/Producer/Host Steve Sxwithul’txw

Tribal Police Files takes you on a journey into the action-packed and often dangerous world of Stl’atl’imx police officers as they put their lives on the line to keep their communities safe, healthy and proud.

Warriors TKO | Seasons 1 + 2 | 2007 | 24 mins | Sports

Director John Barnard (NSI Features First), producer Kyle Bornais (NSI Features First), producer Vanessa Loewen

Get a ring-side seat as Indigenous fighters train together, learn from each other and fight!

TV series – Kids and Youth

Coyote’s Crazy Smart Science Show | Season 1 | 2016 | 22 mins | Youth

Director/producer Loretta Todd (Featuring Aboriginal Stories Program)

A leading edge, adventures-in-science series that inspires Indigenous youth to explore the world, ask questions and learn from Indigenous scientists.

Guardians Evolution | Season 3 | 2017 | 22 mins | Animation

Director Trevor Cameron, producer Anand Ramayya (NSI Drama Prize, NSI Totally Television, NSI Global Marketing)

A group of young teens wake up from a cryogenic sleep 41 million years in the future. Civilization has been destroyed and they soon learn they’re not alone on the planet.

Louis Says | Season 3 | 2018 | 23 mins | Kids

Director/producer Lioz Bouganin (NSI Business for Producers)

Follow the adventures of six-year-old Randy and his best friend, Katie, as they help Louis, a Cree Elder, with his work around the community in this animated series.

That’s AWSM! | Season 1 | 2018 | 22 mins | Youth

Host Darcy Wait (NSI IndigiDocs, CBC New Indigenous Voices)

Celebrities are paired up with Indigenous youth to take on various adventures in a non-stop thrill ride, including motocross, flyboarding and indoor skydiving.

Tiga Talk | Seasons 1-3 | 2008 | 24 mins | Kids

Producer Vanessa Loewen

Three stuffed animals – Tiga the wolf cub, Gertie the gopher and Gavin the goose – live with their human friends Jodie and Jason.

Mini-series

Between Two Worlds | Season 1 | 2019 | 4 mins | Documentary

Director/producer Ernest Webb, producers Catherine Bainbridge, Christina Fon 

Dan Issac and his new family are visiting traditional Mi’kmaq and Mohawk territories in an effort to reconnect with his roots and open a path forward for his daughter.

Colour of Scar Tissue | Season 1 | 2018 | 5-10 mins | Drama

Producer Darcy Waite

Half Ojibwe, half Finnish, three sisters overcome obstacles and racism as they adapt to their new life in the city.

Alumni: if you have other films on APTN lumi that are free to watch, we’d love to hear about it in the comments below.