A 160km canoe journey to Alaska is at the centre of CBC documentary

Airs October 2, 2021
7 p.m. on CBC Manitoba

>> Watch online now

For the first time in more than a century, the Taku River Tlingit First Nation (TRTFN) people decided to travel by canoe to visit their relatives in Alaska. Wayne Carlick canoe leader, master carver, and residential school survivor guided the canoe convoy nearly 160km from Canada.

The historic, week-long canoe journey is the focus of the documentary Tlatsini: A Journey of the Taku Kwan.Directed, filmed and edited by Mike Rudyk, the doc will air as part of CBC's Absolutely Canadianseries on Saturday, October 2at 7:00 p.m.

After more than two years of planning, the trip kicked off in Atlin, BC, a small remote community of approximately 400 people, where the TRTFN is located. Their territory covers over 40,000 sq/km and includes what is now known as British Columbia, Yukon and Alaska.

Carlick said he was honoured to lead the group in the 10-metre canoe that was made specially for the voyage. He said most people on the trip had never been on, or even seen, the Taku River before and didn't know what to expect.

Tlatsini follows the group through rain and shine, as they canoe to Douglas Harbour, off the coast of Douglas Island in Juneau, Alaska, to reconnect with their relatives and rebuild their relationships.

Watch Tlatsini: A Journey of the Taku Kwan on Saturday, October 2at 7:00 p.m. or stream it now on CBC Gem.

Absolutely Canadian is a one-hour series showcasing the best in regional documentary and performance from across the province. Each locally-produced program highlights diverse stories and dynamic musical acts, straight from Manitoban communities.