Nations At War | The stories of how Aboriginal Warriors helped to make the Canada we are in today.

The Trailer

At the end of the 15th century two worlds which had stood apart for generations violently collided. The kingdoms of Europe and the indigenous nations of the Americas. Despite being divided by language, culture and technology, it was the things they had in common which drove them to war. The quest for power, the hunger for resources and the will to survive. From the centuries of conflict that followed empires, fortunes and cultures rose and fell. And two new nations would emerge to redraw the map of North America. These are the battles which shaped a continent. These are NATIONS AT WAR!

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September 6th
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In battle, a warrior’s weapon is the difference between life and death. Explore some of the First Nations and foreign military innovations which made history.

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The Episodes

Episode 1: Pacific Raiders

At the end of 18th century, western merchants hungry for new opportunity sailed to the untouched Pacific Northwest. Straight into waters prowled by the fearsome Haida nation. A society of seafaring warriors who would not surrender their naval dominance without a fight.

At the end of 18th century, western merchants hungry for new opportunity sailed to the untouched Pacific Northwest. Straight into waters prowled by the fearsome Haida nation. A society of seafaring warriors who would not surrender their naval dominance without a fight.
Episode 2: Fraser Canyon War

In the lush Fraser Canyon, the Nlaka'pamux lived according to the rhythms of the mighty rivers which flow through the heart of the Canadian Rockies. But in 1858 the Canyon became the destination for tens of thousands of greedy American miners. Rather than stand aside and watch their homeland be destroyed, the Nlaka'pamux took up arms against an army of gun toting foreigners in a war which gave birth to British Columbia.

In the lush Fraser Canyon, the Nlaka'pamux lived according to the rhythms of the mighty rivers which flow through the heart of the Canadian Rockies. But in 1858 the Canyon became the destination for tens of thousands of greedy American miners. Rather than stand aside and watch their homeland be destroyed, the Nlaka'pamux took up arms against an army of gun toting foreigners in a war which gave birth to British Columbia.
Episode 3: Uprising

After less than twenty years of existence, the new country of Canada finds itself bogged down in a bitter uprising in its vast new western territories. The fiery revolutionary Louis Riel has taken a stand in the name of Metis rights. Backed by militia led by the cunning Gabriel Dumont, they will fight for their people's future.

After less than twenty years of existence, the new country of Canada finds itself bogged down in a bitter uprising in its vast new western territories. The fiery revolutionary Louis Riel has taken a stand in the name of Metis rights. Backed by militia led by the cunning Gabriel Dumont, they will fight for their people's future.
Episode 4: Bloody Business

Since arriving on the continent, Europeans have hungered for North Americas natural resources. In particular, the rich furs of its wildlife. In their quest for wealth the traders will build forts, cities and even a new nation: the Metis. By 1812 these children of two worlds will have to fight to defend the lifeblood of their economy. Central players in the bloodiest corporate rivalry in North American history.

Since arriving on the continent, Europeans have hungered for North Americas natural resources. In particular, the rich furs of its wildlife. In their quest for wealth the traders will build forts, cities and even a new nation: the Metis. By 1812 these children of two worlds will have to fight to defend the lifeblood of their economy. Central players in the bloodiest corporate rivalry in North American history.
Episode 5: Last Stand

Once the Cree and their Iron Confederacy controlled the center of Canada. With a network of alliances and commercial dominance. But by the end of the 19th century, ecological devastation and settlement had brought them to the point of starvation. In this desperate time a few Cree and Assiniboine rebels would fight a hopeless war to save their people from Ottawa's indifference.

Once the Cree and their Iron Confederacy controlled the center of Canada. With a network of alliances and commercial dominance. But by the end of the 19th century, ecological devastation and settlement had brought them to the point of starvation. In this desperate time a few Cree and Assiniboine rebels would fight a hopeless war to save their people from Ottawa's indifference.
Episode 6: First Wave

In 1000 CE, two worlds violently collide on the rocky shore of Atlantic Canada. On one side are heavily armed Norse warriors eager to carve out a piece of “Vinland” for themselves. On the other, a mysterious aboriginal nation who would use cunning, stealth and numbers to defend their homeland from the first wave of European invasion.

In 1000 CE, two worlds violently collide on the rocky shore of Atlantic Canada. On one side are heavily armed Norse warriors eager to carve out a piece of “Vinland” for themselves. On the other, a mysterious aboriginal nation who would use cunning, stealth and numbers to defend their homeland from the first wave of European invasion.
Episode 7: Special Forces

In the wars for Eastern North America, the British hopes of an easy victory in are dashed by Aboriginal and French fighters. Using guerrilla tactics the redcoats are not trained to counter. To win in the battle for the wilderness, the British turn to the knowledge of their own Aboriginal allies to create a new type of soldier: Rangers. The first modern special forces.

In the wars for Eastern North America, the British hopes of an easy victory in are dashed by Aboriginal and French fighters. Using guerrilla tactics the redcoats are not trained to counter. To win in the battle for the wilderness, the British turn to the knowledge of their own Aboriginal allies to create a new type of soldier: Rangers. The first modern special forces.
Episode 8: Superpower

In the heart of the great lakes region, five nations who were once bitter enemies are brought together by an inspirational Prophet. Creating the Iroquois Confederacy. The first true aboriginal nation-state, it would smash its native rivals and fight the mighty French Empire for the heart of North America. Becoming the most powerful aboriginal nation in the east.

In the heart of the great lakes region, five nations who were once bitter enemies are brought together by an inspirational Prophet. Creating the Iroquois Confederacy. The first true aboriginal nation-state, it would smash its native rivals and fight the mighty French Empire for the heart of North America. Becoming the most powerful aboriginal nation in the east.
Episode 9: National Heroes

In 1812, an American invasion threatens to overrun the poorly defended British territories in Canada. Facing a desperate defence, British general Isaac Brock turns to Tecumseh. An inspirational leader with dreams of a pan-indigenous nation and a deep seated hatred of the Americans who killed his father.

In 1812, an American invasion threatens to overrun the poorly defended British territories in Canada. Facing a desperate defence, British general Isaac Brock turns to Tecumseh. An inspirational leader with dreams of a pan-indigenous nation and a deep seated hatred of the Americans who killed his father.
Episode 10: Burying The Hatchet

1749. The Dawnland is burning. Once the Mi'kmaq had lived in peace and friendship with their Acadian neighbours. But the construction of a British fort in Halifax will provoke a brutal war. Pitting the Mi'kmaq and their allies against one of the most poweful empires in history.

1749. The Dawnland is burning. Once the Mi'kmaq had lived in peace and friendship with their Acadian neighbours. But the construction of a British fort in Halifax will provoke a brutal war. Pitting the Mi'kmaq and their allies against one of the most poweful empires in history.
Episode 11: Wild West

1738. The thunder of hooves marks an era of violent change in the western prairies. Nomads who had followed in the footsteps of the Buffalo now became nations on horseback. In the western prairies the Niitsitapi would emerge as the lords of the plains. Surrounded by rivals and under assault, the Blackfoot Confederacy would have to fight to protect the herds they relied on to survive.

1738. The thunder of hooves marks an era of violent change in the western prairies. Nomads who had followed in the footsteps of the Buffalo now became nations on horseback. In the western prairies the Niitsitapi would emerge as the lords of the plains. Surrounded by rivals and under assault, the Blackfoot Confederacy would have to fight to protect the herds they relied on to survive.
Episode 12: The Covenant

In the 1670s the Mohawks forged an alliance with the English to secure guns and keep the peace. This Covenant Chain would give them power and influence. But it would also drag them into one bitter war after another. As Britain fought their ancient enemy France and then their own American colonists, the Mohawks would have to choose a side in the wars for a continent.

In the 1670s the Mohawks forged an alliance with the English to secure guns and keep the peace. This Covenant Chain would give them power and influence. But it would also drag them into one bitter war after another. As Britain fought their ancient enemy France and then their own American colonists, the Mohawks would have to choose a side in the wars for a continent.
Episode 13: War of the Worlds

In just over eight hundred years, the greatest invasion in human history would totally transform the map of North America. Through centuries of violent struggle and hardship, the First Nations would fight Europeans and each other. To safeguard their cultures and protect their homelands for the generations yet to come.

In just over eight hundred years, the greatest invasion in human history would totally transform the map of North America. Through centuries of violent struggle and hardship, the First Nations would fight Europeans and each other. To safeguard their cultures and protect their homelands for the generations yet to come.