“People & Wolves: A Story of Coexistence,” An Award-Winning Film Screening for Endangered Species Day

The film aligns with the theme of conservation, focusing on the protection of the Wisconsin wolf population.

People & Wolves (2024–2025) is an award-winning documentary short that explores the deep, spiritual, and contentious relationship between the Ojibwe people, Wisconsin residents, and gray wolves. Directed by Rachel Tilseth, it won Best Documentary Short at the Red Cedar Film Festival and includes commentary by the renowned conservationist Jane Goodall.

Won Best Documentary Short at the Red Cedar Film Festival in July 2024.

Short Synopsis:

For centuries, the Ojibwe have lived alongside their brother, Ma’iingan, who we know in English as the wolf. In February 2021, a brutal assault, a hunt on their wolf relative, stirs emotion and grief for Ma’iingan as they know what happens to him will happen to them.

Watch the full film:
People & Wolves Movie: a moving tribute to the deep bond between the Ojibwa people and the wolves

Chronicles the “Wisconsin Story of Coexistence” between humans and wolves, highlighting the cultural significance of the wolf (Ma’iingan) to the Ojibwe people. Examines the controversy surrounding wolf hunting, particularly a 2021 hunt during breeding season. Features interviews with indigenous leaders and experts, including Edith Leoso, Peter David, and special contributor Jane Goodall.

Produced by Rachel Tilseth, Wolves of Douglas County Wisconsin Films, and edited by Justin Koehler.

MEET THE PEOPLE
Cast and Crew

Edith Leoso

Edith Leoso is a Bad River Tribal member, retired from working as the Bad River Tribal Historic Preservation Officer (THPO) for the past 18 years. She is a discussant and presenter on a local, regional, national, and international level on a variety of issues related to Bad River Tribal History, inherent practices (culture), Traditional Ecological Knowledge (TEK), Tribal perspectives of climate change, Tribal Historic Preservation, historical trauma, and the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA). She is also a published co-author of Waking from Paralysis: Revitalizing Conceptions of Climate Knowledge and Justice for More Effective Climate Action; Marion Suiseeya KR, O’Connell MG, Leoso E, et al. The ANNALS of the American Academy of Political and Social Science. 2022; 700(1):166-182. Also, in the process of being published as co-author for Ganawendan Ginibiminaan: Mobilizing with the Bad River Ojibwe Community for Watersheds-At-Risk; Conaway D, Leoso E. Ecology and Society; 2023.

Marvin DeFoe

Marvin DeFoe is a contributing author of the Ma’iingan Relationship Plan and a member of the Red Cliff Band of Lake Superior Chippewa. He is an educator, teacher, birch bark canoe builder, and Red Cliff elder. He grew up in the Red Cliff community and is part of the Sturgeon clan. He is named Shingway Banase in Anishinaabe and is passionate about maintaining and revitalizing the Ojibwe language. Marvin is the past Vice Chair of the tribal council and has been the Tribal Historic Preservation Officer for four years.

Peter David

Peter David is a retired wildlife biologist with the Great Lakes Indian Fish and Wildlife Commission, where he assists GLIFWC’s member tribes in implementing their off-reservation, treaty-reserved rights. He received his education (bachelor’s and master’s in Wildlife Ecology) from UW-Madison and from the tribal elders and members for whom he has worked for the last 35 years. At the Commission, he has had the opportunity to steward resources as varied as wild rice and wolves.

Patrick Durkin

Patrick Durkin of Eau Claire, Wisconsin, is an award-winning outdoor writer, newspaper columnist, and general outdoors reporter. He has been MeatEater’s wildlife research contributor since June 2018 and frequently writes for national archery and hunting magazines. Durkin also provides editing services for books and magazines and was a contributing editor/writer for the Archery Trade Association from September 2001 through January 2021.

Dr. Jane Goodall, DBE (3 April 1934 – 1 October 2025), founder of the Jane Goodall Institute & UN Messenger of Peace.

When Jane Goodall entered the forest of Gombe, the world knew very little about chimpanzees, and even less about their unique genetic kinship to humans. She took an unorthodox approach in her field research, immersing herself in their habitat and their lives to experience their complex society as a neighbor rather than a distant observer and coming to understand them not only as a species but also as individuals with emotions and long-term bonds. Dr. Jane Goodall’s discovery in 1960 that chimpanzees make and use tools is considered one of the greatest achievements of twentieth-century scholarship. Her field research at Gombe transformed our understanding of chimpanzees and redefined the relationship between humans and animals in ways that continue to emanate around the world.

Michael Waasegiizhig Price

Michael Waasegiizhig Price is the Traditional Ecological Knowledge Specialist at the Great Lakes Indian Fish and Wildlife Commission in Odanah, WI. He is Anishinaabe, an enrolled member of Wikwemikong First Nations, Canada. His role as a TEK Specialist involves integrating the Anishinaabe language, cultural perspectives, and ceremonies into research methods and resource management to make science more culturally relevant. Michael received his Master of Science in Forestry from the University of Montana and a Bachelor of Arts in Biology from Benedictine College in Atchison, KS. He also received his Certificate of Ojibwe Language Instruction from Bemidji State University.

Sandy Gokee, an enrolled member of the Red Cliff Band of the Lake Superior Chippewa Indians.

John Johnson Sr. was the Chairman of the Lac Du Flambeau Band of the Lake Superior Chippewa Indians.

Rachel Tilseth – Producer & Director

Rachel Tilseth is an art educator, freelance writer, filmmaker, and retired DNR volunteer Winter Wolf Tracker. She has a Bachelor of Science Degree in Art Education in 1992 from UW-Stout, graduating with cum laude honors. She became a Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources Volunteer Winter Wolf/Carnivore Tracker in the year 2000 and, as a result, learned about the lives of wild gray wolves. As the film’s producer, Rachel brings her knowledge of Wisconsin’s wolves & the politics surrounding them. Rachel Tilseth’s documentary work is a testament to her dedication to environmental and cultural education. Through her short films, she gives a voice to the Indigenous people and the majestic wolves they revere. Her craftsmanship is commendable, from the high technical standards of ‘People & Wolves’ to the heartfelt narrative of ‘More than a Wolf: Wolf 813’. Tilseth’s films are not just documentaries; they are emotional journeys that challenge viewers to empathize with the plight of both wolves and the Indigenous communities that cherish them. In an era where conservation is more critical than ever, Rachel Tilseth stands out as a passionate filmmaker with a strong, unwavering voice. Her ability to bring various perspectives together to advocate for wolves is admirable and inspiring. Her films are essential viewing for anyone who cares about the delicate balance between humans and nature. Through her exceptional work, Tilseth continues to educate, inspire, and move audiences worldwide.

Manish Bhatt – Co-Producer

Manish Bhatt is a conservationist, writer, lawyer, and education leader. He holds a Bachelor of Arts magna cum laude from The George Washington University, a Juris Doctor magna cum laude from St. Thomas University School of Law, and a LL.M. from Georgetown University Law Center.

Having grown up in a rural New York Catskills community, Manish is committed to preserving wild spaces and wildlife. As an officer and Judge Advocate in the United States Coast Guard, Manish deployed in support of cleanup efforts following the Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill and led section 7 consultations with federal agency partners under the Endangered Species Act. He also worked closely with the Environmental Protection Agency and State Historic Preservation Officers to ensure compliance with marine environmental laws and regulations. Manish has served as a teacher and Head of School and believes in experiential and outdoor education. As a school leader, he worked closely with fundraising partners and grant providers to ensure student success and curricular development.

Manish is a feature and investigative writer for the Wolves of Douglas County Wisconsin Films. He brings deep curiosity and a commitment to objectivity to each article. As a lifelong learner, Manish seeks data and trend analysis in his reporting and interviews experts in wolf biology. Manish has co-hosted, alongside Rachel Tilselth, WORT Radio’s Access Hour to share wolf science and information with the listening audience.

People & Wolves Movie poster designed by Ned Gannon