First US children’s series with Alaska Native lead kicks off

ANCHORAGE, Alaska — Alaska Natives are sharing their world with a general audience in the nation’s first-ever children’s series featuring indigenous leads.

“Molly of Denali” premieres July 15 on PBS Kids. The animated show highlights the adventures of a 10-year-old Athabascan girl, Molly Mabray. Her family owns the Denali Trading Post in the fictitious community of Qyah (KAY’-ah), which has a diverse population.

Native Americans voice the indigenous characters.

The series is co-produced by Boston-based WGBH and animation partner Atomic Cartoons in collaboration with Alaska Native advisers and script writers.