Sky & Kai: Awareness Video Series

A Storytelling Journey for Healing and Hope

The Sky & Kai series is a collection of short animated awareness videos that explore real issues faced by Native youth through compassionate, story-driven visuals. Each episode follows Kai, a resilient young squirrel representing courage and curiosity, and Sky, a thoughtful dragonfly who embodies empathy and reflection. Together, they navigate life’s emotional challenges — from grief and identity struggles to mental health and suicide awareness — within a world grounded in Native values, symbolism, and cultural teachings.

The videos are not lectures or PSAs; they are visual stories of connection and growth. Each chapter mirrors the experiences of young people who often feel unseen or misunderstood, showing that vulnerability, healing, and asking for help are acts of strength.

• Tone & Style:
  
  

  • A balance of gentle realism and stylized animation, blending 3D depth with painterly textures.
    
    

  • Rooted in authentic Native storytelling, respecting cultural teachings while speaking in a modern, relatable way.
    
    

  • Minimal dialogue, rich sound design, and emotional lighting guide the viewer through each moment.
    
    

• Purpose:
  
  

  • To spark conversation around mental health, stigma, and suicide prevention among Native youth and communities.
    
    

  • To promote healing through storytelling, encouraging open dialogue and cultural reconnection.
    
    

  • To serve as a bridge between modern awareness campaigns and traditional values.
    
    

Each story concludes with a message of hope — reminding viewers that healing begins when we share our voice, lean into community, and remember that every life has purpose.