Our CONTINENT POSTER, with episodes from Seasons ONE, presents stories from the N. American Continent. We focus on the rich heritage, spirituality and respect for the earth by Native Americans and First Nation Peoples. I was humbled and blessed to write both of these stories that depict the Indigenous people of the continent where I live.
Episode 1.1, Way & Two Wolves, is from the Cherokee Nation. Waya is learning to be a warrior of his people, but he is troubled, rebellious and arrogant. He follows the wrong friends in his life and does not think of the consequences. But then, Waya is faced with a life-changing decision to protect his twin sister and an endangered white wolf pup – or go with his friend. In the end, his grandfather’s spirit comes to him with a message… it is time for him to make a choice.
Episode 1.8, Namid & Star Dancing, the Metis Nation. Ami is tragically left an orphan and must live in an unfamiliar place with strangers, her Metis family in Canada. But her journey through darkness turns into a brilliant light when she meets her Indigenous great-grandmother. The elder teaches her about her People and assures Ami she is stronger than she thinks, for everything on her path has meaning no matter how joyful or how hard it is.
I hope you have enjoyed this journey through the Moon Drake Continents for Season 1! We believe the stories are exquisite and powerful because they come from a heartfelt mission – indeed, the people involved in this project believe the world is destined to be a better place if we do our part.
Moon Drake Anime Series brings the power of diversity into the spotlight. It presents real experiences and lessons that will impact lives and stir hearts toward goodness and light. Like these four stories that show us how Indigenous cultural wisdom empowers the environmental, human and spiritual challenges we all face.
Eamon & the Last Forest – European Continent, Ireland – addressing deforestation and human conflicts.
Waya & Two Wolves – N. American Continent, Cherokee Nation – addressing spiritual conflicts and endangered wildlife.
Arundhati’s Voice – Asian Continent, India – addressing human rights conflicts.
Koen & the Wandjina – Australian Continent, Tasmania – addressing spiritual conflicts and growth.
Children will love and embrace the characters, the animals and the simple answers through discovery and self-interaction in the storylines. We are so grateful for all who are helping to bring this beautiful production to the children of the world.
MOON DRAKE Episodes 1-12 present stories for children that are impactful and diverse, passionate and purposeful. Subtle lessons like: You can make a difference.Your heart can heal.Sometimes you must let go.Always believe in your dreams. And many more.
Our production research team and our writers have done extensive research for these episodes. In addition, our cultural consultants help us retain authenticity of costumes, traditions and cultures, making our stories powerful and relevant. Today we want to highlight and thank three of these consultants from Season 1, covering the Indigenous people of North and South America:
Monique Wijngaarde-Bekema
Monique Wijngaarde-Bekema, Multi-racial Dutch and Surinamese, Suriname – Monique is the Founder and CEO of Growing Seeds Worldwide Foundation. Her diverse family has held a deep bond with Suriname, its culture and traditions, for generations. Her non-profit operates in the Netherlands with this purpose: preserving nature, preserving cultures – especially Indigenous cultures, bringing different backgrounds together, stimulating self-reliance and educating youth.
Monique was the cultural consultant for Episode 1.6 – Rakesh & the Rain Dancer (Paramaribo, Suriname, S. American) – “I recognized so many things from the story, the reference to specific family names that you didn’t even know. The use of actual language like the ‘watrasneki’ on the beach. I loved how you drew into the storyline the message my own Surinamese grandmother gave to me, in my search for myself. I loved the story – it just brings us all together.” – Monique Wijngaarde-Bekema
David Bouchard
David Bouchard, Metis Nation, Canada – David is a Metis author, educator and champion of Indigenous rights. He is an engaging storyteller with a passion for helping to shape a future of which all Canadians can be proud. He relates to both young and mature Canadians and understands that by acknowledging our past, we are better equipped to positively impact our future.
David was the cultural consultant for Episode 1.7 – Namid & Star Dancing, (Metis Nation, Vancouver B.C. Canada, N. American) – “Your story touches on several things that we believe deeply in. There is no better teacher than Mother Nature and our Elders. We also believe that there is no such thing as date. What some think of as fate is in truth, genetic direction. Our Grandmothers live in each of us. They direct us if only we are open to following their direction.” – David Bouchard
Delwin Elk Bear Fiddler, Jr.
Delwin Fiddler, Jr., Native American, United States– Delwin is the Chief Executive Officer of PAZA Tree of Life a non-profit organization that works with and supports Indigenous people across the United States. He is an enrolled member of the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe, Sans Arc band, and a world renowned Native American performing Artist. He was also a champion Grass and Hoop dancer on the pow-wow circuit.
Delwin was the cultural consultant for Episode 1.2 – Waya & Two Wolves, (Cherokee Nation, Appalachia, United States, N. American) – “I was proud to be able to contribute to the authenticity of this story and bring to life the depth of my Native people. The lesson is powerful for our children. It’s really awesome – beautiful.” – Delwin Elk Bear Fiddler, Jr.
It is wonderful to see such dedication from everyone involved in this production. We thank our consultants who have given their experience and knowledge to this cause. Children who watch the Moon Drake series deserve the very best when it comes to content, characters, activities, programs and products. That is our absolute promise to the children of the world. With a broader understanding of our sisters and brothers everywhere, our children will realize our differences do not make us separate, but instead they make us uniquely and gloriously One.
We are REACHING FOR THE MOON! Moon Drake Production Team
By Jane L. Fitzpatrick – The Moon Drake story, Waya & Two Wolves, has been an evolution… As a screenwriter novice back in 2013, living just outside the bright lights of Los Angeles, palm trees and movie stars, I had an idea. Yes, I was there to somehow get my film about Sacajawea produced, but I was writing other stories, too, developing concepts and learning the Industry.
One of those ideas was Moon Drake Series. I knew I had to have a story written as an example to pitch. That’s when Waya & Two Wolves was born. I wrote the beginning and the ending of the story… but it wasn’t the right timing yet to bring it to the world, for I didn’t know the middle.
Then Sacajawea began to take off a bit, and I put the Moon Drake project description and screenplay in a box. I pursued opportunities in New Mexico then back home to Washington State. In 2021, partially due to Covid and avoiding a film set, the idea of Moon Drake and animation began to stir again…
Last week I finally finished the story of Waya & Two Wolves, from the N. American Continent, episode 1 for Season ONE. Our Native American consultant, Delwin Fiddler, is reviewing the Cherokee elements to bring credibility to the story, as well.
This is a story about the importance of the choices we make. It is a story about protecting endangered animals of the earth. And it is about being open to the answers of life, through Indigenous Wisdom.
Waya, a 13-year-old boy, is not strong because he is arrogant. He is expected to be a warrior of his People, but every beat of his heart pumps with fear and anger, and he is easily swayed by an older, rebellious friend Jistu. But when Jistu puts Waya’s twin sister, Woya, in grave danger, the young warrior must make a choice. His grandfather from Spirit World, comes to him in the forest to bring light to his bondage. He shows Waya how to realize his own power, if he will choose to accept it – if he will get out of the way.
Children's Anime Series 