Social Media Advertising Single

Client - City of Edmonton

Tastawiyiniwak is the Cree word that represents the LGBTQ2+ community. We recorded the voice of Dr. Leona Makokis of Kehewin Cree Nation to share the history of inclusion within N?hiyaw?win culture. It took some time, but through exhaustive research we were able to find archival images of two spirited leaders of the past. Other concepts such as the Cree worldview of “eight genders but only one spirit” were better respresented as a flowing interpretation which was aided by the series’ watercolour motif. Tastawiyiniwak is one of twelve videos launched across the CIty of Edmonton’s social media platforms to share the deeper meaning behind the new Indigenous Ward Names.

Client - City of Edmonton

Sspomitapi means star person in Blackfoot. We recorded with Laverne First Rider (Aahsaopi) of Blood Tribe in Treaty 7. Due to an outbreak of covid on the Blood Reservation, we shipped Laverne the recording equipment and assisted her using the magic of zoom. The Sspomitapi story includes two unique stone formations important to the ceremonial and spiritual practices of the Blackfoot. One formation we travelled to and used photogrammetry to model and animate. The other was locked away in the Royal Alberta Museum, and despite our requests coming from the Indigenous community itself, we were forced to work off archival reference images to generate a representation of it. Sspomitapi is one of twelve videos launched across the CIty of Edmonton’s social media platforms to share the deeper meaning behind the new Indigenous Ward Names.

Client - City of Edmonton

Pihêsiwin is Cree for “the land of the thunderbirds”. Working within Cree mythology, we recorded the voice of Knowledge Keeper Roxanne Tootoosis of Poundmaker Cree Nation. Music compostition came easy thanks to her beautiful descriptive language, but representing the thunderbird spirit required a mix of 2D/3D animation and custom sound design to match the gravity of the story. Pihêsiwin is one of twelve videos launched across the CIty of Edmonton’s social media platforms to share the deeper meaning behind the new Indigenous Ward Names.

Client - City of Edmonton

Anirniq is Inuktun for breath of life or spirit. We recorded the voice of Edna Elias, Former Commissioner of Nunavut and Order of Canada member. The ward was named in memory of those lost to the tuberculosis crisis while living in inhumane conditions at hospital formerly located in the ward. The story represents a dark part of Canadian history, but an important part to share in the reconciliation process. Throughout our research, we felt the weight of the archival images and the faces of those who were subjected to this treatment. It helped instruct the somber pacing and time we spend on these images. We also reconstructed 3D models of the hospital and the grave sites to represent these impactful places that are now lost to time. Most importantly, the video ends with an extended hold, so that viewers can take a moment to reflect on the realities of the past. Anirniq is one of twelve videos launched across the CIty of Edmonton’s social media platforms to share the deeper meaning behind the new Indigenous Ward Names.