I met Mike Wivell last year when I came across his “Bison’ film. After several conversations, I found out he has several films available and I’m sure will have more to come in the future. I loved the first one I saw simply titled “Bison”, as a researcher I assumed I was familiar with the content, and to be honest I wasn’t expecting anything to surprise me. Was I ever surprised, not only in content but by the way he presented the images and music in the background, I was deeply touched. I really enjoyed it and the others, which is why I asked him if I could present them here on my site. The artistry of these films is truly impressive. I cannot express that enough. The scenes he captured on film are a perfect example of what is being narrated.
Mike Wivell was raised in London, England, and relocated to Canada later in life. Prior to his move, he worked as a Police Officer in the Metropolitan Police and was also a SCUBA Instructor, which allowed him to explore various diving spots around the world. During his time as a diver, Mike began filming his underwater adventures with a camcorder and underwater housing. However, due to other commitments, he was unable to pursue filmmaking as a full-time career until he started his own video services business in Canada.
After settling near Elk Island National Park, just outside of Edmonton, Mike developed a fascination with the bison that inhabited the area. This led him to travel across Canada for the next five years, producing documentaries that not only focus on the bison but also delve into the history associated with them, as well as with the First Nations people. Mike’s latest film, titled “The Story Never Truly Told,” is currently being showcased at various film festivals, and will soon be available for purchase or rental.
Here is what caught my eye on this first film, Mr. Wes Olson. Okay, now I have to see this film. (I’m a fan) and now his wife as well. She is a professional photographer, Johane Janelle. This couple has dedicated their lives to finding all they can about Bison and Wildlife and they share that adventure with us. (see Bison Ecology)
Wes Olson shares his knowledge of North America’s largest land mammal, the bison. Filmed in Elk Island National Park and Grasslands National Park, Canada; The film allows the viewer to get up close to this iconic animal and learn of their behaviour.
With more than 40 years of experience working with bison in almost every habitat they occupy in Canada, and on topics ranging from ecology to behaviour, genetics to subspeciation, Wes is one of, if not the leading experts on bison in North America.
Included with Purchase (only) – “Restoration – 10,000 Bison In A Suitcase On A Plane”.
The “Restoration 10,000 Bison In A Suitcase On A Plane” film is included automatically with the purchase of “BISON” (above) only, not accessible when renting it.
In this short film, you get an inside look into the work being done to preserve bison behind the scenes.
THEY BELONG
The film visits a milestone in bison conservation efforts within Canada and looks behind the scenes of a herd of plains bison being transferred from Elk Island National Park to Banff National Park. Behind the scenes of Parks Canada working to re-introduce a herd after a significant absence and what the hopes are for the project for both restoration of the land and for peace and reconciliation efforts with First Nations.
James Daschuk, Bill Waiser, Frank Tough, Amelia Fay, George Colpitts, Brock Silversides and Bruce Cutknife feature.
“The Story Never Truly Told” is a fascinating documentary that sheds light on the remarkable story of the bison’s revival from near extinction, with a particular focus on the crucial role played by Canada and the Pablo Allard Herd. Through this important film, viewers will discover how this iconic species once teetered on the brink of extinction, but was brought back from the edge of the abyss through dedicated conservation efforts.
The film explores the contributions of the Pablo Allard Herd in helping to secure the bison’s survival. These dedicated ranchers played a vital role in protecting a small but resilient group of bison, which eventually became the foundation of the thriving bison population we know today.
Additionally, the documentary offers a corrected narrative regarding the origins of the bison calves sold to Michel Pablo and Charles Allard, with Roy Bigcrane setting the record straight. Contrary to popular belief, it was not Samuel Walking Coyote who captured the calves but rather Roy Bigcrane’s ancestor, Latatitsa. This important historical detail adds a new layer of depth and richness to the bison’s conservation story and underscores the importance of honouring the contributions of all those involved in preserving this keystone species.
