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WGBH, the PBS Station in Boston, asked WFYI to produce sign language videos for the animated series, Molly of Denali and recruited Hoosier Chelsie Burgett, who is part of the Alaska Native community. Dorothea Gillim, Executive Producer at GBH said “From the start, Molly of Denali was created with the help of many Alaska Native community members both in front of and behind the camera... Now in partnership with WFYI, we’re thrilled to be able to expand Molly’s audience even more by offering episodes in American Sign Language.”
WFYI Director of Video Content Kyle Travers spoke with Burgett on her experience:
What town do you live in, and what do you do for your day job?
I grew up in Galena, Alaska, which is located in the center of the state, by the Yukon River. I currently work as a Human Resources Specialist for the Department of Defense.
How did you get involved with the Molly of Denali production?
Someone mentioned me to a person involved with the show. She reached out to me via Instagram after hearing that I’m from Alaska and grew up in a village.
Why did you think it was important to do this work?
Molly of Denali is a very popular show in Alaska. My young cousins love watching it. It was important to me because Molly reminds me of everyone in Alaska. She is an idol for little kids. They can relate to Molly based on their own experiences, like snowshoeing, fishing, hunting, storytelling, snowmobiles, dogsledding, native dancing, artwork, and food—these things represent our heritage.
What does your Alaskan heritage mean to you?
I am an Alaska Native, Koyukon Athabaskan. My heritage is important to me because my great-grandparents and grandparents are from the same Koyukon Athabaskan background. We have a rich history and cultural heritage. We live a traditional lifestyle centered around subsistence living, relying on the land’s resources for food—moose (September) and fish (June-July). Picking berries, such as blueberries, salmon berries, and highbush cranberries, are also part of our diet (July). Cultural practices include singing, dancing, potlatches, and celebrations that pass down knowledge and tradition.
What did you find fun or challenging about the shoot?
First of all, my team was a lot of fun to work with. I am blessed and appreciative of their support and their feedback on my facial expressions. The challenge for me was that the captions for the TV show came so quickly. I had to make sure I didn’t sign too fast, as it could mismatch the characters’ emotions.
The Molly of Denali American Sign Language episodes featuring Chelsie Burgett are coming soon.
Access ASL translations of PBS KIDS favorites here.
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