Watch Molly of Denali

Molly of Denali is a revolutionary children's television program that is part of the PBS KIDS lineup. The series is notably the first animated show featuring an Indigenous lead character, Molly Mabray, who is voiced by Sovereign Bill. The show is set in the fictional village of Qyah, located in Alaska, and follows the adventures of a ten-year-old girl named Molly and her family and friends. Alongside Molly is her best friend, Trini, who is voiced by Sequoia Janvier.

The show's main themes include cultural preservation, problem-solving, and cross-cultural understanding. Molly of Denali encourages its young viewers to think critically while learning about the Indigenous peoples of Alaska and their way of life. The show's creators aim to provide a new perspective for young audiences, highlighting the beauty and value of Indigenous cultures.

Throughout the show, Molly shares her love for her community. She takes viewers on trips to cultural landmarks and explores the incredible natural world of Alaska. Molly of Denali is the perfect show for anyone looking to learn more about Indigenous cultures or for those simply looking for a heartwarming and educational story.

One of the show's most significant features is its incorporation of Indigenous languages. Each episode includes words and phrases from the Gwich'in and Dena'ina Athabascan languages, which are commonly spoken in Alaska. The show's creators worked with Indigenous language experts to ensure that the language used in the show is accurate and respectful of Indigenous traditions. In doing so, the show provides a glimpse into the rich cultural heritage of the Indigenous peoples of Alaska.

Throughout the adventures in Qyah, Molly and her friends face various obstacles that require creative problem-solving skills. This combination of education and entertainment makes Molly of Denali the perfect show for kids of all ages, teaching valuable lessons along the way. The show's creators also incorporate traditional music, dance, and storytelling into each episode, further immersing viewers in Indigenous culture.

In addition to the diverse cast of characters, Molly of Denali incorporates modern technology into the show's premise. Throughout the series, Molly uses her smartphone and the internet to research and discover new things about her community, showcasing the important role that technology plays in modern life. The inclusion of these modern elements serves to bridge the gap between old and new, showing that traditional cultural practices and modern technology can coexist and complement each other.

One of the most heartwarming aspects of Molly of Denali is the positive relationships between the characters. Molly has a close relationship with her grandfather, who teaches her about traditional ways of life and is a significant influence in her life. Her relationship with her mother is also emphasized throughout the show, as Molly learns traditional skills such as fishing and berry-picking from her. The diverse cast of characters all work together to create a sense of community, further emphasizing the importance of working together and understanding one another.

In conclusion, Molly of Denali is an excellent educational program for children that showcases the beauty of Indigenous cultures. The show tackles important themes such as cultural preservation, cross-cultural understanding, and problem-solving, all while maintaining an entertaining story that engages young viewers. With its incorporation of Indigenous languages and technology, Molly of Denali is a modern take on traditional practices, providing a new perspective on Indigenous cultures. The show serves as a model for future children's programming, showing that education and entertainment can go hand in hand.

Molly of Denali is a series that ran for 17 seasons (77 episodes) between August 5, 2019 and on PBS KIDS