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Featured, Reality, Lifestyle & Documentary

‘Yukon Harvest’ Season 3 Premieres Sept. 4 with Powerful New Stories of Land, Culture, and Community

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From a media release:

Access a world few get to see on season 3 of Yukon Harvest (13 x 30′), which follows the lives of several Indigenous hunting guides as they help Indigenous women and men, aged eight to 80, reconnect with land, culture, and community in ruggedly beautiful parts of western Canada, many accessible only by float plane. With new participants and communities featured, this season spotlights stories of personal growth, community involvement, cultural resilience, and the traditional practice of harvesting food that nourishes entire communities – both physically and spiritually. Produced by Rogue River Films, season 3 of Yukon Harvest premieres on APTN on Thursday, Sept. 4 at 10:30 p.m. ET / 8:30 p.m. MT / 7:30 p.m. PT. All episodes stream on APTN lumi starting Sept. 4, the same day as the broadcast premiere. The Northern Tutchone version of the show is expected to premiere on APTN Languages in winter 2026.

“Hunting provides not only food for many in need in Indigenous communities, but also allows Indigenous peoples to reconnect with tradition and culture,” says Todd Forsbloom, Métis producer, director, and co-founder, Rogue River Films. “We shot the series cinema verite style to give as true to life experience as possible to viewers. The result is a unique series that blends hunting with the cinematic beauty of land and emotional stories of personal growth and tradition.”

“We can’t wait for viewers to experience this new season of Yukon Harvest. It’s full of warmth, heart, and adventure, but it also reveals the vital relationship between Indigenous communities and the land. The profound practice of sharing food with community, at the core of the show, resonates with everyone, no matter where you come from,” says Adam Garnet Jones, APTN’s Director of TV Content and Special Events. 

Each episode of Yukon Harvest follows Yukon hunting guides taking participants into the northern wilds as well as the lands of their home communities across Turtle Island. The stories focus not only on harvesting food, but also on how the guides help their communities by teaching youth in the community or passing down traditional knowledge. With hunting guides from nations including the First Nation of Na-Cho Nyak Dun, Selkirk First Nation, Secwepemc Nation, Gwich’in, Bloodvein First Nation, Cree, Teslin Tlingit Council, Métis Nation, and Siksika Nation, the series captures many personal journeys – from that of seasoned hunters to young people reclaiming traditions to newcomers drawn to the land’s teachings. This season also goes inside the guides’ personal lives as they deal with issues of grief, marriage, relationships, and more. This season was shot not only in the Yukon, but also the Northwest Territories, British Columbia, Alberta, and Saskatchewan. 

The first two episodes include: 

Episode 1 – New Connections, Part 1
A Gwich’in hunting guide invites his teenage nephew fishing in the Northwest Territories.

Episode 2 – New Connections, Part 2
Gwich’in hunting guide Derek takes his nephew deer hunting to provide for a community elder.

A Rogue River Films original production, Yukon Harvest is executive produced by Jim Shockey and co-developed and co-produced by Todd Forsbloom and Erik Virtanen. Forsbloom also acts as the series director of photography, director, and musical composer. Annette Carter-Harris and Dallas Harris are associate producers. Yukon Harvest is made with the financial participation of the Canadian Media Fund.

Follow Rogue River Films for Yukon Harvest information on Instagram and YouTube. 

ABOUT ROGUE RIVER FILMS
Rogue River Films is an award-winning, Vancouver Island based Indigenous production company co-owned and operated by Métis filmmaker Todd Forsbloom and outdoor writer, adventurer, wildlife photographer / videographer, and executive producer Jim Shockey. The company specializes in inspiring, cinematic outdoor adventure content that celebrates Indigenous lives and culture and the great outdoors. Recent credits include Yukon Harvest on APTN, the APTN docuseries Coastal Carvings, and the feature length TELUS Original documentary Northern Stars. For updates on new projects and behind-the-scenes content, follow Rogue River Films on Instagram and YouTube.

ABOUT APTN
APTN launched in 1999 as the first national Indigenous broadcaster in the world. Since then, the network has become a global leader in programming that celebrates the rich diversity of Indigenous Peoples at home and abroad. A respected charitable media company, APTN inspires audiences and shares authentic stories via three platforms: APTN (English and French channel), APTN Languages (Indigenous language channel) and APTN lumi (streaming service). APTN proudly features over 80% Canadian content on all three platforms.

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Featured, Reality, Lifestyle & Documentary

Indigenous art takes the spotlight in the new docuseries ‘Coastal Carvings,’ premiering Aug. 25 on APTN lumi

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From a media release:

Get an exclusive look inside the award-winning Indigenous fine art gallery Coastal Carvings and see the day-to-day lives and moving personal stories of several exceptional Indigenous artists – each dedicated to the unified passion of keeping culture and tradition alive through art – in the new docuseries Coastal Carvings (13 x 30′). Produced by Rogue River Films, Coastal Carvings premieres on APTN lumi starting Aug. 25. The series has its broadcast premiere on Monday, Sept. 1 at 8:30 p.m. ET / 6:30 p.m. MT / 5:30 p.m. PT, with a new episode airing every week. The Blackfoot version of Coastal Carvings premieres Sept. 1 on APTN Languages at 9:00 p.m. ET / 7:00 p.m. MT / 6:00 p.m. PT. All episodes (English and Blackfoot) stream for free on APTN lumi starting Aug. 25.

“Art tells the story of Indigenous culture in ways that language often cannot,” says Todd Forsbloom, Métis producer, director, and co-founder, Rogue River Films. “We are happy to be able to share these artists’ traditional knowledge, exceptional crafts, and moving stories through the medium we specialize in – television.”

“Anyone who has ever tried to build something for the first time, or make their creative vision come to life, will love this series. It’s incredibly satisfying to ride along with these hilarious, passionate, and resourceful artists as they pull back the curtain on what it takes to create a masterpiece,” says Adam Garnet Jones, APTN’s Director of TV Content and Special Events.

Métis brothers Jeremy and Jerett Humpherville work together at the Coastal Carvings Fine Art Gallery in Coombs, BC, which is renowned around the world for its breathtaking contemporary and historic Indigenous art. The new docuseries of the same name tells the story of how the brothers, who sometimes butt heads, bring big ideas to life by teaming up with other traditionally-trained Indigenous artists across multiple different backgrounds and mediums who are dedicated to their craft and culture. Each episode focuses on different personal stories and inspiring art pieces – from delicate works to public commissions and entire home renovations that require heavy machinery – and the obstacles they must overcome to realize each expertly crafted work of art. For the team, no project is too big and no dream is too far out of reach. Nature inspires much of the artwork – and the series also showcases the beauty of Canada’s West Coast. 

The first two episodes include: 

Episode 1 – Welcome to Coastal Carvings
At Coastal Carvings, brothers Jeremy and Jerett take on a new bedroom set commission. Meanwhile, Jeremy mentors up-and-coming artist Levi, and his own daughter, Thea. 

Episode 2 – Everything Taking Shape
It’s back to the drawing board for Jeremy when a request for a redesign on the custom bedroom set comes in. Meanwhile, on the Sunshine Coast, Levi collaborates artistically with family and community members. 

Featured artists work across several mediums – from wood to metal to beads – and include gallery owners Jeremy and Jerett Humpherville (Coombs, BC), artist Lisa Shepherd (Lower Mainland, BC), cedar weaver Shy Watters (Sunshine Coast, BC), carver Derek Georgeson (Sunshine Coast, BC), artist Kaija Heitland (Cowichan Bay, BC), jewelry designer Jordan Syberg (Pincher Creek, AB), aspiring artist Thea Humpherville (Coombs, BC), woodshop assistant Jacob Holgate (Coombs, BC), and artist in training Levi Purjue (Sunshine Coast, BC).

Founded in 2004 by Jeremy Humpherville and his wife Darlene Humpherville, the fine art gallery Coastal Carvings specializes in fine art and custom home designs. As an Indigenous art gallery, it features a diverse collection of traditional and contemporary works by Indigenous artists from across Canada, including the Haida, Tsimshian, Salish, Ojibway, Cree, Nuu-chah-nulth, Métis, and Inuit Nations. The gallery also showcases select pieces from other accomplished West Coast artists.

A Rogue River Films original production, Coastal Carvings is executive produced by Jim Shockey and co-created and co-produced by Todd Forsbloom and Erik Virtanen. Virtanen also acts as writer along with Natalie Glubb. The series is narrated by Patsy Tuba. Coastal Carvings is made with the financial participation of the Canadian Media Fund.

Follow Rogue River Films for Coastal Carvings information on Instagram and YouTube. Follow the Coastal Carvings Fine Art Gallery directly on Facebook. 

ABOUT ROGUE RIVER FILMS
Rogue River Films is an award-winning, Vancouver Island based Indigenous production company co-owned and operated by Métis filmmaker Todd Forsbloom and outdoor writer, adventurer, wildlife photographer / videographer, and executive producer Jim Shockey. The company specializes in inspiring, cinematic outdoor adventure content that celebrates Indigenous lives and culture and the great outdoors. Recent credits include Yukon Harvest on APTN, the APTN docuseries Coastal Carvings, and the feature length TELUS Original documentary Northern Stars. For updates on new projects and behind-the-scenes content, follow Rogue River Films on Instagram and YouTube.

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Featured, Reality, Lifestyle & Documentary, Underdog Inc.

Taking on jobs built for giants, Little Person Dale Kristensen stars in AMI’s new docuseries Underdog Inc., debuting July 11 on AMI-tv and AMI+

From a media release:

Following Dale Kristensen, a Little Person navigating life in a small mountain town in the interior of British Columbia, AMI, in partnership with Big Time Decent Productions (Rust Valley Restorers), is thrilled to announce the debut of Underdog Inc., Friday, July 11, at 9 p.m. Eastern on AMI-tv and AMI+.

Underdog Inc. is an adrenaline-fueled 8×60 docuseries following Dale Kristensen—heavy-machinery operator, truck driver and mechanic—who stands just four-foot-two but takes on jobs built for giants.

Navigating the brutal terrain and unforgiving weather of the Western Canadian mountains, Dale battles blizzards, breakdowns and backbreaking labour to prove that skill and determination matter more than size. From wrangling livestock on his dad’s farm, to high-risk hot-shot deliveries and near impossible backroad recoveries, Dale proves that no job is too big or too small.

Born with dwarfism, Dale has never let his disability define him. This resilience and dogged determination are qualities he is passing onto his seven-year-old son, Cooper, who is also a Little Person. Living in a world that is not designed for them, Dale is forced to adapt in every aspect of life. From grocery shopping and cooking to farm work and driving enormous machines, he must be creative to get the job done.

As previously announced, Season 2 of Underdog Inc. is in production throughout the interior of British Columbia this summer.

Want to learn even more about Dale and the stars of Underdog Inc.? Check out exclusive content on AMI’s YouTube channel.

About Dale Kristensen
Dale Kristensen is a Little Person with a big passion for enormous machines. Born with achondroplasia, a type of dwarfism, Dale has spent his life adapting—and excelling—in a world built for taller people. Growing up on his family farm, he fell in love with mechanics and machinery at a young age, driving tractors around the fields and helping his dad on the farm.

As a teenager, Dale could be found in the workshop stripping down engines, diagnosing problems and rebuilding them with ease. Despite the challenges that come from being four-foot-two, Dale was determined to forge a living as a heavy machinery operator, mechanic and backroad delivery driver. His work has taken him through some of Canada’s most epic and unforgiving terrain. Whatever the weather, whatever the load, Dale has made a name for himself as someone who gets the job done—no excuses.

After years in Alberta’s construction industry, Dale returned to Barrière, B.C., to be closer to his father and two sisters. For Dale, family is everything, but nothing drives him more than his son, Cooper. Providing for Cooper is Dale’s ultimate purpose, and he’ll stop at nothing to build a better life for him.

Underdog Inc. airs Fridays at 9 p.m. Eastern on AMI-tv. Stream episodes anytime, for free, on AMI+.

About Big Time Decent Productions
Founded in 2020, Big Time Decent Productions is a Vancouver-based production company that develops and produces unscripted and scripted series, feature films and digital content for global audiences. Founder Matthew Shewchuk is an Executive Producer behind the hit factual series Rust Valley Restorers, which airs domestically on HISTORY and internationally on Netflix. For more information visit bigtimedecent.com or @bigtimedecent.

About AMI
AMI is a media company that entertains, informs and empowers Canadians with disabilities through three broadcast services—AMI-tv and AMI-audio in English and AMI-télé in French—and streaming platform AMI+. Our vision is to establish AMI as a leader in the offering of accessible content, providing a voice for Canadians with disabilities through authentic storytelling, representation and positive portrayal. To learn more visit AMI.ca and AMItele.ca.

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Featured, Reality, Lifestyle & Documentary

Talk show host Dini Petty is back on network TV with Trailblazing Talks

From a media release:

Legendary and award-winning Canadian broadcaster Dini Petty is making a surprising return to network television with Trailblazing Talks. The one-hour special will launch nationally on The News Forum in the Summer of 2025. Trailblazing Talks, created by filmmaker Kate Campbell, has officially completed production and is poised to inspire audiences with its powerful and timely conversations.

In the one-hour special Trailblazing Talks, Dini Petty is back for another candid conversation with Canadian Senator, former rower and three-time Olympian gold-medalist, Marnie McBean, alongside actor, award-winning producer and Reelworld Screen Institute, Founder & Executive Director, Tonya Williams. Petty will also share highlights of memorable moments from her original interviews with both guests, who first appeared on The Dini Petty Show.

“My first television appearance was at age 12. It was not a good beginning, and I swore I’d never go into the business, but fate had other plans,” says Dini Petty. “Now, 68 years later, at age 80, I’m back!”

“The time is now for a new kind of conversation, one that honours the women who’ve shaped our world,” said Executive Producer Kate Campbell. “I created this one-hour special to celebrate broadcast icon Dini Petty’s powerful return to television at 80, alongside two remarkable trailblazers from her past.”

“Dini Petty is truly a force of nature,” said Executive Producer Ken MacDonald. “It’s such a joy to see her back in front of the cameras where she rightfully belongs. We are honoured that she has chosen to step back into the spotlight to host this exciting new program.”

Petty is back doing what she does best: leading powerful, engaging conversations with trailblazing women from across industries, spotlighting stories of reinvention, leadership, resilience and aging with purpose. With her signature wit, warmth and unmatched interviewing style, Petty brings a fresh yet familiar energy to the Trailblazing Talks special. A pioneer in Canadian television, Petty’s journalism career has earned her six CanPro Awards, four Gemini nominations, and the prestigious NATPE International Iris Award.

Created by Kate Campbell, who also serves as Showrunner and Executive Producer, Trailblazing Talks is helmed alongside award-winning Executive Producer Ken MacDonald, former Vice-President and General Manager of Discovery Channel Canada. Marina Cordoni of Marina Cordoni Entertainment (MCE) and Dini Petty also Executive Produce. Former broadcaster and commissioner at CRTC Martha Wilson joins as Consulting Producer.

About The News Forum
The News Forum is a Canadian national television network that values integrity, balance, and the inclusion of multiple voices. Privately owned by Canadian shareholders, the network delivers programming that aims to empower viewers with diverse perspectives and support a robust Canadian democracy. Learn more at www.thenewsforum.ca.

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Featured, Reality, Lifestyle & Documentary

Learn more about the unique relationships between children and service animals on AMI’s Collar of Duty Kids, debuting June 23 on AMI-tv and AMI+

From a media release:

Dogs are said to be human’s best friend, but what about pigs, horses, turkeys and snakes? Accessible Media Inc. (AMI), in partnership with Summerhill Media Inc. and in association with Fifth Ground Entertainment, is excited to announce the debut of the eight-episode Collar of Duty Kids, Monday, June 23, at 8 p.m. Eastern on AMI-tv and AMI+.

A spinoff of the successful original series Collar of Duty, Collar of Duty Kids takes young viewers into the lives of amazing children who have been matched with extraordinary service animals. 

Whether it’s a therapy horse helping a 13-year-old boy with Down Syndrome to find his voice, emotional support chickens acting as a cheery distraction for a young girl with Type 1 diabetes, or a service dog teaming up with a young girl with a limb difference, this series immerses viewers into the world of children and the animals that assist them.

“This inclusive, fun and touching documentary series is all about the powerful pairings between children and animals, as well as the life adventures they experience together,” says Cara Nye, Director, Content Development and Production at AMI. “We know our young viewers and their families will love learning these stories.”

“Animals are making our world more accessible for kids, and the impact is both profound and undeniable. It is also needed,” says Laura Lillie, series creator and executive producer, Summerhill Media Inc. “This first all-kids season is as playful as it is educational. Get ready for the best season yet.”

Companies featured in Season 1 of Collar of Duty Kids include PetSmart, SARI Therapeutic Riding, Lions Foundation of Canada Dog Guides, CNIB, Horse Discovery, Dancing Goat Therapy Farm, Cambridge Butterfly Conservatory, Partners with Paws, CHEO and Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital.

The first three episodes of Collar of Duty Kids include:

Puppy Bath Time – Monday, June 23, at 8 p.m. Eastern
A horse named Ace helps a 13-year-old boy with Down Syndrome find his voice. Meanwhile, it’s bath time for future dog guide puppies, and things go swimmingly when service dog Atlas teams up with a young girl with a limb difference.

Foster Puppy Pick Up – Monday, June 30, at 8 p.m. Eastern
Therapy horses Shaemus and Soleil join 17-year-old Sam as they take new steps forward on a snowy trail. It’s puppy pick up day and time for eight-week-old puppy Eloise to head home with her foster family, and study buddies Lucy and service dog Elwood are crushing their first year of campus life together.

Learning with Horses – Monday, July 7, at 8 p.m. Eastern 
A chattering of emotional support chickens is a cheery distraction for a young girl with Type 1 diabetes. Meanwhile, children are learning and feeling with horses at Horse Discovery, and William takes on his first solo musical performance with service dog Wander by his side.

Collar of Duty Kids airs Mondays at 8 p.m. Eastern on AMI-tv. Stream episodes anytime, for free, on AMI+.

About Summerhill Media Inc.
While our goal is pure entertainment, our passion is connection through story. Inspired by subtext and the sublime, we are on a mission to tell life-affirming stories, in both unscripted and scripted original programs. Our flexible and caring approach allows us to continue to work and play in an ever-evolving marketplace. Our series and award-winning docs have appeared in every major market around the world.

About Fifth Ground Entertainment
The Fifth Ground Entertainment (FGE) team brings stories to life on every screen — from factual and documentary to scripted to branded content. Toronto-based FGE is known for its award-winning television including scripted comedy series Rent-A-Goalie (Showcase, 22 industry awards noms), music documentary series The Rawside Of… (IFC, 2 Gemini noms), and critically lauded documentary series Reelside (TMN/Crave, 2 Canadian Screen Awards noms — best doc series and best directing). FGE produced kids’ science adventure series Leo’s FishHeads and Leo’s Pollinators (nominated for a Best Children’s Non-fiction CSA) for TVOkids, with Secrets of the Forest on air now and The Screen Team in production. Cloudy and The Booligans are in development. Additionally, FGE produces digital and branded content including collaborations with Spin Master, Deloitte, BlackBerry, Yahoo! and the NHLPA. FGE is also heavily involved in documentary production with a social conscience.

About AMI
AMI is a media company that entertains, informs and empowers Canadians with disabilities through three broadcast services — AMI-tv and AMI-audio in English and AMI-télé in French — and streaming platform AMI+. Our vision is to establish AMI as a leader in the offering of accessible content, providing a voice for Canadians with disabilities through authentic storytelling, representation and positive portrayal. To learn more visit AMI.ca and AMItele.ca.

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