Black Antelope, an actor and stunt performer, is hoping to create a six-part reality television series called Tribal Quest, where participants will learn every aspect of traditional daily life and survival from Blackfoot elders.

"With a lot of reality series you're voting each other off, pitting people against each other, but this is the exact opposite," he said. "It's about working together as a tribe, the essence of how people are supposed to be doing things."

Casting calls for Tribal Quest are set for later this month on the Blood, Piikani and Siksika Reserves and men and women 12-60 years of age, in good physical health with no serious medical conditions are invited to attend.

Once the cast is selected, filming is expected to begin later this summer on either the Blood or Piikani reserve. The pilot, a partnership between Black Antelope and Eaglechild's company Herd of One Productions and Halifax-based Tell Tale Productions, will then be sent to the Aboriginal Peoples Television Network (APTN).

During the Blood Reserve open call, interested individuals will be asked to fill out an application and have their photos taken.

Black Antelope points out in-depth knowledge of Blackfoot traditions is not mandatory, but a desire to learn and apply them is.

"What we're looking for is people who have a heart for it, that their heart is in it for the right reasons. I think this could be something that could have a very profound effect."

Black Antelope, who has appeared in "Into the West," "Mixed Blessings" and "Bury My Heart at Wounded Knee," explained the show will cut participants off from the outside world and they'll learn how to make tools and weapons, start a fire without matches, hunt with a bow and arrow, build and set up a teepee, make clothing, prepare and preserve food and identify and use medicinal plants.

They'll also learn about traditional Blackfoot culture, including art, music, dance, storytelling and spirituality.

"Anybody's ancestors, they were a lot tougher than we are," said Black Antelope. "I think one of the hardest things will be rediscovering that spiritual connection with the earth and all the things around you."

Casting calls for the Blackfoot Reality Series are set for May 24

Casting calls will be held from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Kainai Old School Gym in Stand Off, 11-5 May 25 at the Piikani Community Hall Gym in Brocket and May 31 from 11-5 at the Siksika Community Hall Townsite.

© Copyright by Lethbridge Herald.com