CBC’s New Documentary Series Explores Canadian Folklore

The Canadian Broadcasting Corporation is launching a new documentary series delving into myths, legends, and untold stories that have shaped regional identities.

2025-06-19 06:01

By By Matthew Thompson, True North Journal

The CBC is set to debut a new docuseries that dives deep into the myths, legends, and oral traditions that shape Canada’s cultural tapestry. Titled 'Northern Echoes,' the series will spotlight folklore passed down through generations across Indigenous, Francophone, and settler communities.

The six-part series travels across the country, from the Mi’kmaq legends of the east coast to the haunted mining towns of British Columbia. Each episode combines archival footage, reenactments, and interviews with storytellers and historians who keep these tales alive.

Executive producer Lauren Beaudoin says the idea for the show was inspired by her Métis grandmother’s stories. “These aren’t just tales to entertain—they’re reflections of identity, survival, and belonging,” she said. “They reveal what mattered to people in a particular place and time.”

One episode features the legend of the Wendigo, a creature from Algonquian folklore that has haunted northern forests for centuries. Another explores Acadian ghost stories tied to the expulsion and resettlement of French Canadians in the 18th century.

Beyond the eerie and fantastical, the series also highlights stories of resilience and resistance—like the tale of Chi’Noodin, a wind spirit invoked during times of struggle by Plains Cree communities.

The CBC hopes the series will reach younger viewers as well, and has partnered with educators to develop classroom materials that connect folklore to history and cultural studies curricula.

‘Northern Echoes’ will premiere next month on CBC Gem, with new episodes airing weekly. A French-language version is also in production for Radio-Canada.