Watch The Triplets

Indigenius is a Canadian children's television show that was on air from 1995 to 2003. One of the most cherished series on the show was The Triplets, an animated program that engaged children in learning about Indigenous culture through a variety of fun and adventurous storylines.

The Triplets follows the lives of three siblings: Thunderheart, Little Shadow, and Running Free, who are Indigenous children from a small reserve. The cartoon is set in a world of magic and fantasy, with each episode tying in elements of Indigenous culture such as the importance of community, preserving the environment, and staying connected to one's roots.

Throughout the show, the triplets embark on a variety of adventures alongside animal companions, including a wise old owl and a mischievous skunk. They are guided by a spiritual elder who teaches them the traditional ways of their people and shares life lessons that help shape their experiences. Together, the group works to preserve the land they call home and protect their community from outside threats.

The Triplets perfectly encapsulates Indigenius' mission to educate Canadian children about the importance and richness of Indigenous cultures. The show's characters each bring a different personality and strengths, reflecting the diversity within Indigenous communities. As the triplets explore their world, they encounter different beliefs, traditions, and knowledge systems that help them understand their heritage better. The show encourages children to approach their everyday lives with an open mind and curiosity about other cultures.

The Triplets' animation style is simplistic yet beautiful, filled with vibrant colours, playful characters, and breathtaking landscapes. Viewers of the show become immersed in the world of magic and fantasy, where nature and humanity stand in harmony. The show's art direction is highly evocative of the traditional Indigenous art style, with colours and shapes frequently reflecting cultural meaning.

The show is highly educational, with each episode focusing on specific themes, such as the importance of respecting elders, the value of community, and traditional storytelling. The characters often break the fourth wall, speaking to the audience as a way of teaching them new concepts or lessons. The approach is successful in making the content digestible for children and encourages them to see Indigenous culture in a positive light.

The Triplets' storyline is also famous for weaving traditional Indigenous storytelling into its narrative. Elders share stories that explore the complexities of life and the world around us, passing down knowledge that has been passed on for generations. These stories convey messages of hope, courage, and resilience that are a key part of the cultural DNA of Indigenous communities.

The Triplets has a positive message of cultural pluralism, as the show emphasizes the importance of respecting others' cultures and the environment. The show teaches children about these principles by setting examples through its characters' actions, making the series resonate with young viewers far beyond the boundaries of Indigenous communities.

In conclusion, The Triplets from Indigenius is an animated masterpiece that will always remain a beloved part of Canada's cultural heritage. It is a testament to the creativity and ingenuity of Indigenous people, showcasing how Indigenous stories can be creatively translated into different media and how children can learn about traditional knowledge in a fun and adventurous way. The show continues to have significant cultural impacts, fostering understanding and empathy between Indigenous and non-Indigenous people and building a sense of shared pride and stewardship of Canada's rich cultural heritage.

The Triplets is a series that ran for 8 seasons (103 episodes) between and on Indigenius