Features

By Emilie Derkson-Poirier, APTN Communications Coordinator  

Production wrapped last year on the six-part dramedy series Don’t Even, which is now in post-production with an expected premiere on the horizon this fall. Set in late ‘90s Winnipeg, it follows best friends Violet and Harley as they grapple with their uncertain futures in the summer after their final year of high school. For those of us who grew up in the ‘90s, the series is full of nostalgic throwbacks. Think grunge, smoke-filled bars, logo tees and chokers. 

Don’t Even features several young and emerging actors (Leenah Robinson, Victoria Turko, Tess Ray Houston, Chandler Ginter and Sophia Smoke to name a handful), some of whom were acting—and will be appearing onscreen—for the first time. Many are also local to Winnipeg, so they have a personal connection to the story. Their work on the project will make it even more special and relatable for young, urban audiences. Where do teens “fit in” and how do they stay connected to their communities? Which kinds of emotional and/or relationship challenges come with the transition into adulthood? What impact does the urban setting have on Indigenous youth or their ties to culture and identity? Don’t Even explores these kinds of questions with both wit and grace.  

APTN had the opportunity to chat with some of the talent about their experiences during a set visit at The Pyramid in Winnipeg. For creator and showrunner Amber-Sekowan Daniels, who grew up in Winnipeg and is a member of Garden Hill First Nation, it was important to make a coming-of-age comedy centred on urban Indigenous youth because that’s something she says she could have used as a teen. Both Daniels, and Leenah Robinson, who plays Violet, highlighted the importance of humour in Don’t Even and within Indigenous television overall. “Humour is such a part of our survival and our resilience,” said Daniels. “It always shocks me that we’re not represented in comedy, especially [Indigenous] women, because we’re very, very funny and very resilient.” Not only is it important to represent Indigenous humour onscreen, but also to offer Indigenous people a variety of acting opportunities with lighter subject matter. “As Indigenous actors, we’re often subject to very brutal and dramatic roles,” said Robinson. “So, it’s been great to walk onto set and know that we’re going to laugh a bunch and be smiling the whole time.” And it’s true: smiles abounded on set.  

Another recurring topic of conversation during APTN’s set visit was that of kin going beyond blood relationships. Don’t Even isn’t just about high school friendship, but about the deeper ties that bind us. Yes, Violet and Harley are best friends, but they might alternatively be described as each other’s chosen family. They’re in this thing together, for better or for worse. Acclaimed actor Gail Maurice, who plays Violet’s goofy aunt Wanda, touched on this idea when she told us that “everyone needs an auntie.” Indeed, Wanda is in many ways an auntie to the other characters as well, even if they may not be related to her by blood. We all need someone—ideally with more life experience—to laugh with, gossip with and share secrets with. That’s Wanda, and she represents all the Indigenous aunties out there who uplift the young people in their lives. 

Don’t Even is co-produced by Pier 21 Films, Frantic Films Manitoba and Sekowan Media, in association with APTN and Bell Media’s Crave. It premieres Jan. 14 on APTN and will be available on APTN lumi beginning Jan. 15. You like totally have to check it out!