Meet the mother-son duo turning Cree language learning into comedy gold on APTN

Meet the mother-son duo turning Cree language learning into comedy gold on APTN

April 20, 2026

APTN is sharing this press release on behalf of Ice River Films and Nüman Films.

TREATY 1 TERRITORY, WINNIPEG, Man. — A wildly original new series is bringing Cree language learning to television in a way audiences have never seen before. wâposo-mîcimâpoy (Rabbit Soup) is an outrageous comedy disguised as a retro community TV show from another timeline — blending laughter, language and culture in one unforgettable experience.

Inspired by low-budget 80s access TV, social media, sketch culture and Indigenous humour, the show follows Cree language learner and radio host Davey Gott and his mom Melva as they guide viewers through themed adventures — all from their rez-couch studio. With cheesy video effects, over-the-top costumes and a giant video wall, the duo embarks on “virtual” journeys that make learning Cree feel natural, accessible and fun.

The show bridges traditional ways of speaking Cree with a modern spin that makes the language accessible and relevant to the next generation of speakers. The result is a genre-bending series that blends comedy and language learning in a way that invites laughter, connection and cultural pride across generations.

“The Cree language is alive when you speak it and when you interact with it,” says Davey Gott, co-host of wâposo-mîcimâpoy. “You can only learn so much from books and dictionaries, and we learned that the best way to learn and teach it is to do it the way you would at home, with your relatives.”

“The language is how we honour our ancestors, empower our youth, and protect the future. It’s about saving who we are,” says Melva Gott, co-host of wâposo-mîcimâpoy. “Speaking the language is more than preserving it, it’s bringing it to life and by doing so, we bring ourselves back to life.”

Winnipeg film company Ice River Films shot the 13-episode series in a downtown Winnipeg studio and in Chemawawin, where Melva still resides and Davey grew up. Working with the duo brought a dynamic, playful energy to the production, with Davey and Melva’s personalities helping shape the series’ tone.

“We had a wild first meeting with Davey where he showed up in public in a full vampire costume and really set the tone for where the show was going,” says Producer Andrew Wiens. “It instantly became clear that we wanted to create a show capturing his magnetic personality. It turns out his mom, Melva, is just as charismatic, and together they have incredible chemistry. So, we set them loose to teach some Cree and make people laugh.”

“The show is all about being silly and having fun. It doesn’t feel educational, and that’s what makes it work,” says Producer Sam Karney. “We believe people retain more of what they’re taught if they’re having a blast, and Davey and Melva are knocking it out of the park. You learn the language without even realizing it.”

“Using their traditional language, Davey and Melva are able to bring their unique brand of humour to the world through a unique lens – a Cree lens,” says Producer Jeff Newman. This show is the first of its kind, and there’s nothing else like it. It’s a joy to be a part of it.”

The 13-week series wâposo-mîcimâpoy airs Mondays on APTN Languages starting May 4 and will be available for same-day streaming on APTN+ and the APTN YouTube channel. The second season has been greenlit, with production starting mid-May.

The world premiere screening takes place at The Park Theatre on Sunday, May 3, 2026. Doors open at 7 p.m., with the screening at 7:30 p.m. A Q&A with Davey and Melva Gott follows the screening, moderated by David McLeod, CEO of Native Communications Inc. Free tickets are available through The Park Theatre.

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For more information, contact:
Tineke Buiskool-Leeuwma
wâposo-mîcimâpoy publicity
Cell: 204-899-4123
Email: tineke@tincancreative.ca

About Ice River Films
Winnipeg-based Ice River Films has produced numerous documentaries and factual series, including the award-winning Going Native and Nation Untamed for APTN. As filmmakers, our goal is to always reach for the next level with each production.

About Nüman Films
For over 20 years, Nüman Films has produced many unforgettable and award-winning documentaries, doc-series, and factual programming. Led by Owner/Producer Jeff Newman, this full-service production company delivers authentic, cinematic storytelling while navigating sensitive situations, larger-than-life characters, and uncharted territory. Recent productions include First Contact Canada, 6 x 1hr, (APTN/TVO), Nation Untamed, 13 x 22min (APTN), and Geekopolis, 6 x 10min, (Bell FibeTV1).

About APTN
APTN, launched in 1999, is the first national Indigenous broadcaster in the world. The network is a global leader in programming that celebrates the rich diversity of Indigenous Peoples at home and abroad. A respected non-profit media company, APTN inspires audiences by sharing bold and authentic stories. APTN’s programming is available across multiple platforms: APTN (English and French channel), APTN Languages (Indigenous language channel), APTN+ (streaming service), APTN Beyond (FAST channel) and the APTN YouTube channel.

About Davey Gott
With a magnetic personality, warm sense of humour, and a zest for life, Davey lights up every room he enters. But his life wasn’t always so sunny. Growing up in the Cree community of Chemawawin about 5 hours north of Winnipeg, Manitoba, he faced many challenges growing up in poverty with limited opportunities to succeed. But with the loving support of his Mother, Melva, Davey learned many traditions and the Cree language. Not only did this help centre him and give him a solid foundation upon which to live his life, it helped kick-off off his broadcasting career as a Cree speaking radio host.

Today, he wakes up Winnipeggers as the morning drive host at NCI-FM (Native Communications Inc.), and hosts the Cree language show “Cree Country” well as a new language learning show on the station. He lives a healthy and active life – even doing yoga – and is successfully raising his 14-year-old daughter as a single dad. He’s looking to fulfill his goal of inspiring the next generation of First Nations youth.

About Melva Gott
Melva Gott, 59, is the manager for the Aboriginal Head Start on Reserve (AHSOR) program in Chemawawin which supports school readiness in children living on reserve.

As Davey’s mother, she was able to provide a good example to him and you can see where he gets his joyous nature. The two have always had a close relationship. As a fluent Cree speaker, Melva has done her best to pass on her knowledge to Davey and still finds herself coaching him in the language. In many ways, this show is a continuation of the work she does in helping children and her efforts to keep teaching language to her son.

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