Merchants of the Wild

Six Indigenous strangers are dropped into the woods with no food, supplies or shelter. As they learn to patch birchbark canoes and reconnect with their roots, the reality of the adventure starts to affect members of the group.

A wet and cold first night affects the group and Elder Charlie teaches them the life-saving art of starting fire with flint. The group realizes they must learn to work together to survive the trip and face the challenges from Mother Nature.

Venturing on their first paddle in patched-up canoes, the adventurers are eager to learn how to build a proper shelter from knowledge keeper, Caleb Musgrave. Nature has given them the tools, but teachings from an Elder are essential to surviving in the wild.

After facing a long paddle on an open lake and problems with their canoe, Caleb and Brendan are relieved to learn the art of net-making on a secluded beach. But with no food available, they must learn to survive off the land.

After waking up to an empty net and empty stomachs, the group works together to fix the net and find food. Later, Elder Mary teaches them how to smoke fish, which will help them make the most out of whatever they catch.

The group is forced to eat their fish raw and paddle to a new camp in the hopes of securing better food. Hungry and low on energy, the paddle is more difficult than anticipated. Once they arrive, Elders show them how to catch birds and rabbits with snares.