A fun and meaningful new kids’ show is on the way! Kokum & Dot is an upcoming Indigenous children’s series that brings Cree culture, language, and life lessons to the screen through a mix of live action, animation, and puppetry.
Created by April Johnson from Muskoday First Nation, the show is all about teaching young viewers the seven sacred Cree teachings, like love, courage, and respect, in a way that’s playful, engaging, and easy to understand.
Set to air in British Columbia and Alberta in 2026, Kokum & Dot aims to reach even more families across Canada, including Johnson’s home province of Saskatchewan.
The Vision Behind the Series
The heart of Kokum & Dot lies in the vision of its creator, April Johnson, a filmmaker from Muskoday First Nation. The idea for the series began nearly a year ago, when Johnson filmed a proof-of-concept pilot to tell stories rooted in Cree values.
For Johnson, the show is more than a creative project; it’s deeply personal. She’s determined to bring the series to her home province of Saskatchewan, in addition to its confirmed release in British Columbia and Alberta.
“I haven’t given up on getting this project and this series into the homes of Saskatchewan residents, for sure. I haven’t forgotten because that’s where I’m from,” she said (quote from panow.com). “There’s a lot of Métis, Cree and other Indigenous filmmakers that were part of this project, and I think they’re all very proud of it. So we would love for all of their families to be able to watch the show.”
Her inspiration came from a real-life mentor: Kokum Dorothy Visser, a respected elder and language teacher who used puppets to teach Cree during the pandemic. “If it wasn’t for her, I don’t think the show would exist,” Johnson explained (quote from panow.com). “She showed us some of her puppets on Zoom one day, and I could just see the light in her eyes. I just thought it would be great to try to do something to honour her work.”
Visser’s passion for education and cultural preservation, along with her strength as a residential school survivor, became the emotional core of the series.
What Kokum & Dot is About
At its core, Kokum & Dot is a playful and heartfelt series designed for young audiences, but it also carries deep cultural meaning. Each 15-minute episode follows Kokum Dorothy (played by Indigenous actor and musician Renae Morriseau) and her curious companion Dot, a hand puppet brought to life by puppeteer Kellie Haines. The show unfolds through their warm and gentle conversations, with Kokum Dorothy sharing traditional stories and teachings.
Dot isn’t just a sidekick; she represents something powerful. According to Johnson, Dot was created to reflect Kokum Dorothy’s inner child, “before Dorothy went to residential schools.” That emotional connection gives the show a unique depth, blending intergenerational wisdom with a childlike sense of wonder.
The series draws directly from the Seven Sacred Teachings of the Cree, with each episode built around one of these guiding principles:
- Love, represented by the eagle
- Truth, by the turtle
- Respect, by the bison
- Courage, by the bear
- …and others like wisdom, honesty, and humility.
Though the show is grounded in Cree language and culture, its messages are universal. “I think the show is really for everybody,” Johnson says quote from panow.com. “Yes there’s language and culture in it, but the seven sacred Cree teachings… all of those great things that are universal.”
Indigenous-Led Production
One of the standout aspects of Kokum & Dot is the strong Indigenous presence behind the scenes. From concept to execution, the production has remained deeply rooted in Indigenous talent, experience, and storytelling. April Johnson proudly assembled a team that reflects the communities the show represents.
Filming took place at the BOSA Centre for Film & Animation in North Vancouver, with animation handled by Calibrate Collective on Vancouver Island. The writing was led by Jules Koostachin (Angela’s Shadow), and the series features original music by Renae Morriseau’s group M’Girl, recorded by Ben Kaplan.
Behind the camera, Indigenous crew members held key roles as well. Rose Stiffarm served as director of photography, with production support from Patti Poskitt (executive producer), Tanner Zurkoski (animation producer), and Matthew Leaf (consulting producer). Christina Willings, head of production at TELUS Independent, acted as the series’ production executive.
Funding and support came from TELUS Independent, Creative BC, the IPF/CMF, and the Indigenous Screen Office, helping bring Johnson’s vision to life while ensuring the show stayed true to its cultural roots.
Distribution and Broadcast
Kokum & Dot has officially secured a licensing agreement with TELUS, marking an important milestone on its journey to the screen. The series is set to air in British Columbia and Alberta in 2026, bringing Cree teachings and characters into the homes of families across both provinces.
While those broadcast deals are already in place, April Johnson remains focused on making sure the show reaches her home province as well.
Before hitting screens, the eight 15-minute episodes, filmed over just four days, still need to be fully edited and animated. But with major production milestones behind them and TELUS on board, Kokum & Dot is well on its way to becoming a beloved part of Canadian children’s television.
Honouring Elder Dorothy Visser
At the heart of Kokum & Dot is the enduring legacy of Elder Dorothy Visser, a Cree language teacher whose passion for educating children inspired the show’s very existence.
During the pandemic, Visser began teaching Cree online and used puppets to keep her students engaged. It was during one of these Zoom sessions that April Johnson felt a spark of inspiration.
Now in her late 80s, Visser continues to teach and remains deeply involved in her community. She even helped consult on the show to ensure the correct Cree dialects were used throughout the episodes.
A Show for All Audiences
While Kokum & Dot is deeply rooted in Cree language and cultural teachings, it’s not just for Indigenous children; it’s for everyone. Through storytelling, humour, music, and animation, the show introduces universal values like love, respect, courage, and honesty in ways that any child can connect with.
TELUS production executive Christina Willings echoed that vision, saying the show “will anchor the Cree language in some of children’s earliest memories of media and storytelling and speak directly to the development of community values for Indigenous and settler children alike.” (quote from panow.com)
Each episode gently reminds viewers of the importance of learning from Elders, honouring inner strength, and staying connected to who we are.
Wrapping Up
Kokum & Dot is more than just a children’s show; it’s a celebration of culture, language, and intergenerational storytelling. With its heartfelt characters, Indigenous-led production, and meaningful messages, the series is poised to become a powerful addition to Canada’s children’s media landscape.