Water Worlds, a groundbreaking 13-part documentary series by Cree filmmaker Len Morrisette, examines the impact of human activity on aquatic ecosystems through an Indigenous lens.

The series, which premiered on APTN in English and Cree on January 9, is the first Indigenous-led underwater documentary of its kind.

Narrated by renowned Cree actor Tantoo Cardinal, Water Worlds showcases the significance of water stewardship and highlights the fragile state of aquatic life across Canada.

Mr Morrisette told APTN News the idea for the series started with a few words scribbled on a napkin.

That moment turned into a four-year journey across oceans, lakes, and wetlands, capturing the beauty and vulnerability of aquatic ecosystems.

"I grew up in the Okanagan, and water has always been freeing for me," Mr Morrisette said.

"As I got older and more in touch with my culture, the water teachings and being stewards really rang a bell with me."

The documentary follows Mr Morrisette and his team as they explore different bodies of water, working with Indigenous and non-Indigenous experts to understand the growing threats to marine and freshwater environments.

Mr Morrisette said filming underwater presented unique challenges, but a dedicated team made it possible.

"There was a great team who pulled together for a full year of heavy filming," he said.

"Underwater filming was a mystery to me, but we figured it out together."

A key theme of the series is the diversity of aquatic environments and the different ways communities care for them.

Mr Morrisette reflected on what he learned while travelling the country.

"One of the things I was taught when I first became president of the Alberta Native Friendship Centre Association was that every community's bundle is different," he said.

"Everybody has different needs and perspectives—it can't be a one-size-fits-all approach."

Through an Indigenous worldview, Water Worlds brings attention to the environmental challenges facing aquatic ecosystems, from pollution to climate change.

It also highlights the resilience of Indigenous communities working to protect their waterways.

"I just hope that it really gets people talking and aware, and understanding that those little decisions we make seem easy but have big impacts," Mr Morrisette said.

The series also follows Indigenous communities as they reclaim traditional knowledge and reinforce their roles as stewards of the land and water.

Mr Morrisette sees this as a key message of the series.

"They're really waking up and bringing these initiatives to the forefront," he said.

"They're doing their best with the tools they have to educate their people and become stewards again."

Water Worlds incorporates the concept of Two-Eyed Seeing, blending Indigenous knowledge with Western science.

It presents a visually stunning exploration of aquatic ecosystems while demonstrating the importance of traditional teachings in environmental protection.

The series airs weekly on APTN and is available for streaming on APTN Lumi.