Molly of Denali

From PBS KIDS, the animated series Molly of Denali, launched in 2019, introduces young viewers to the rich indigenous culture of Alaska, presented through the everyday adventures of a 10-year-old Native Alaskan girl, Molly Mabray. Known for being the first nationally distributed children's series in the United States to feature a Native American lead, the show is a delightful blend of educational content and exciting storytelling.

The series is set in the fictional village of Qyah, Alaska, near the mountain of Denali, the highest peak in North America. Molly lives here with her parents, brother, and a lovable pet dog, Suki. Her mother runs the Denali Trading Post, a general store, and a bunkhouse, and her father is a bush pilot, whose work frequently introduces him to across-the-state adventures.

Molly's at the core of the show is a lively, resourceful girl with a cultural heritage deeply rooted in the Gwich'in, Koyukon, and Dena'ina Athabascan tribes of Alaska. This creative and curious explorer is often accompanied by her friends, Tooey and Trini, on her daily adventures. Together, they travel by everything from dog sled to drones. Each episode encompasses two 11-minute stories along with a live-action section featuring real children and the Alaskan locations.

One of the noticeable elements setting Molly of Denali apart is its cultural importance. The characters are layered and diverse, representing an array of cultural backgrounds, adding rich authenticity to every episode's narrative. They speak authentically, sometimes incorporating Alaskan Native languages and integrate indigenous knowledge and practices into their daily lives. The stories cover a wide range of themes, including fishing, nature safaris, canoeing, and even archaeological digs.

Beyond merely taking children on fun adventures, Molly of Denali aims to develop children's informational text skills - an understanding of the use of maps, graphs, captions, diagrams, and other text features for information, which is a key component of many kindergarten curricula. The narratives are cleverly designed to have Molly use a variety of resources to find information and solve problems.

For instance, to fix a broken water pump, Molly might refer to a relevant website. Or she might consult a book about Alaskan wildlife when trying to identify animal tracks. The series maintains an underlying theme of conservation and respect for culture and nature, coupled with teaching kids about Alaskan wildlife, geography, climate, and history.

Towards the end of each animated segment, Molly shares a "vlog" (video log) that related kids directly. The show then transitions into a live-action segment that diverges from the animated narrative, diving deeper into real-life aspects of Alaskan Native cultures and traditions. Live Alaskan children demonstrate their vast and beautiful environments, as they fish, bake, create artworks, hunt for agates on the beach, learn native dances, or engage in traditional practices.

Emphasizing both education and entertainment, Molly of Denali is truly thriving in highlighting the role of the internet and technology as a resource, promoting the use of technology for study and problem-solving. The series' nuanced depiction of childhood, family, friendship, and community life makes it a rich viewing experience for kids.

Molly of Denali is a vibrant addition to children's television programming – celebrating Alaskan Native cultures' vibrancy and universality, and embedding cultural education into a lively and engaging narrative. The series aspires to foster ongoing learning and exploration in its viewers while also embodying the importance of family, friendship, and honoring one's cultural identity.

Molly of Denali is more than just a fun-filled animated series; it is a way for children to learn respect for different cultures, understand the importance of diversity, and realize that no matter where we live or what our background is, our experiences often mirror each other. It is an effort to empower young girls, appreciate indigenous stories, and incite curiosity about the world and its varied cultures.

Between its compelling characters, engaging narratives, distinct humor, and numerous learning moments, Molly of Denali offers a unique viewing experience, while also serving as a valuable resource for parents and educators alike. As a result, the series continues to emerge as an innovative leader in children's programming that values cultural diversity and education.