Airdate: Rewired

NITV will screen Rewired, the first children’s series to focus on Indigenous science and sustainability as part of National Science Week.

The four-part series stars “Dr. Rae Johnston*” (The Point, Gizmodo) and her sidekick WOM-BOT X (Matthew Webb).

Producer for Rewired, Luke Briscoe said, “Diverse superheroes are on the rise, as we have seen in the success of Black Panther included in the Marvel franchise. The Black Panther and the world of Wankada have changed the entire narrative of what and who a superhero can be, and Indigenous characters aren’t just the sidekicks anymore, they are the ones that will save the day.

“Rewired is about providing the world with another superhero for young girls and boys to look up to that just happens to be Indigenous. I can’t imagine another superhero that could reverse the ecological damage made by humans anyway, can you? “

Created for primary school aged children, each episode of Rewired follows a mission which reveals fascinating and important AI [Aboriginal Intelligence] that helps WOM-BOT X to think ethically and responsibly about the world around him.

Important themes such as Climate Change, Physics, AI and Astronomy are featured in the four episodes, as well as basic scientific concepts, the latest research and hands-on activities from a First Nations’ perspective.

For Rewired, NITV has partnered with Earth Guardians, an international organisation which empowers young environmental and social leaders by providing education, tools and resources to become effective leaders in their communities.

Earth Guardians Xiuhtezcatl Martinez, Ruby the Climate Kid, Boydon George, MC Trey and Aloe Blacc each featured in Rewired’s four episodes: Earth, Fire, Wind and Water.

NITV has also worked with a range of high-profile environmental advocates on each episode, such as Grammy Nominated Afro Roots artist and humanitarian, Rocky Dawuni, Hollywood screen legend and deep sea explorer, James Cameron and Black Eyed Peas rapper and Indigenous rights activist Taboo.

Rewired’s theme song was created through a collaboration between NITV and international musicians Aloe Blacc, Maya Jupiter, Quetzal Flores of Artivist Entertainment. Two song-writing workshops were held simultaneously in Los Angeles and Sydney, bringing together First Nations youth to discuss how they could take action on climate change and be thought leaders in finding solutions to living more sustainably. The workshops were also an opportunity for the youth to write a theme song for the series. The theme song is being produced, sung and performed by Aloe Blacc, Quetzal Flores, Maya Jupiter, as well as Calina Lawrence of the Suquamish Tribe and First Nations youth that participated in the Los Angeles workshops, to mark UN International Day of the World’s Indigenous People on August 9.

Aloe Blacc and Maya Jupiter said, “We’re excited by Artivist Entertainment and NITV’s partnership on the theme song for the children’s series Rewired.

“It was so powerful and fulfilling for all involved to be together to imagine, dream and create a song that makes a difference in the fight for environmental justice. I’m excited for all to hear their words.”

Rewired is guided by the 46 Article within the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples with the 17 United Nations Global Sustainable Development Goals (SDG).

*Dr Rae Johnston is a character; she is not a qualified doctor.

Monday 13 August at 9.30am and 2.30pm on NITV.

Updated: NITV advises this will no longer air and is to be rescheduled.