When Big Bird calls, you pick up the phone.  It’s not every day you get to collaborate with Sesame Workshop. Pursuit Films was commissioned to create a short documentary on an Indigenous child from their point of view, highlighting healthy habits while honoring the family’s culturally unique life ways.

The first step was to find our star and set up interviews with families across the country. Casting went so well that it was decided we would focus on two special kids and their families.  

Reignen Yellowfish and his family would be featured in our first film. Reignen is a special young man, confident beyond his years, and a great sport. A straight dancer, Lego enthusiast, and artist, Reignen was a kid who was wise beyond his years that had a great story to share.

Documentary shoots can be long and exhausting under the best circumstances for professionals, but Reignen and his family were wonderfully open and warm.  On the second day of filming, Reignen surprised us with an incredible Lego re-creation of our film crew. He had everyone on set, video village, even catering and a set medic. Everyone was amazed and delighted to see the smallest detail observed and recreated.  

We followed Reignen and his family to a pow wow and captured his straight dancing competition. Back at his home, Reignen's grandparents came over and shared family photos and his Papa worked with Reignen on the Otoe language.  

Our second character was Wa.Sta.Tse Hammer. Wa.Sta.Tse’s name means "Star That Fell to Earth" in Osage, and we knew right from the moment we were introduced to her that her name was fitting.

Her family welcomed our crew into their home with open arms. We had a great time stargazing in Pawhuska, learning to bead, playing basketball, dancing, and playing with her energetic younger brother Wa.Tsa.Moi.  

Wa.Sta.Tse’s family came by on our first day of filming. Her grandmother and aunts came over to bead and cook a family dinner. Her uncle sang and drummed a song so Wa.Sta.Tse could show off her dancing skill. We were able to capture some really touching moments.

We were honored that both of these great families allowed us to tell the stories of these two incredible children. Working with Beth and Kama from the Sesame Workshop team was truly a joy. Their years of experience working in child-focused media made for an enlightening and positive partnership. 

Find out more and watch both of the My Whole Healthy Life films here:

My Whole Healthy Life - Meet Reignen

My Whole Healthy Life - Meet Wa.Sta.Tse