The Oniya Bison Animated Film Project

Imagine the future through the eyes of our children and grandchildren, made real though nature's wisdom. 

We're on a mission to regenerate the soil - and the soul - of North America through the hearts of children. Because of the transformative and limitless power of storytelling, we're making a children's animated film in order to jumpstart a collective movement for healing the Earth and our connection to it.

Bison "Oniya," which means "to breathe" in the Lakota language

WHO ARE WE?

A 501c3 founded in 2020 with a mission to "uplift youth in relationship with nature through the power of authentic self-expression," The Serious Type (TST) published Breathe, Bison (2024) and Respira, Bisonte (2025) with words by Nikki Beinstein, illustrations by Elizabeth Argüello) and book design by Light of the Moon, Inc after learning about the history and potential of the bison from Tara Sheahan at Oriana Bier-Moebius' 13 Moons Ranch in Carbondale, CO. 

Elizabeth (Eli) Argüello

          Alyssa Ohnmacht & Carrie LeChevallier

Inspired by the success of our Breathe, Bison in-school visits and summer camps, Shayla Paradeis of Great Grey Endeavors and Nikki Beinstein wrote the screenplay Oniya, adding three other keystone species (Beaver, Grey Wolf and Grizzly Bear) as well as many of Shayla's original songs into the story. 

The Oniya Film Team also includes: 

Melissa Bloom of The Sisters Bloom (an eco-conscious stop-motion animation company)

Carolyn Cantor (off-Broadway director of new works)

Kendra Mylnechuk Potter (playwright of The Buffalo Play and Can't Drink Saltwater; indigenous consultant)

Becky Parker Geist of ProAudioVoices, Inc 

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WHO BENEFITS MOST FROM OUR FILM?

Producing the film through TST allows us to distribute the film's profits towards established organizations that are already:

* Rewilding Bison

* Regenerating Agriculture

* Supporting Indigenous Communities

* Empowering Children through Heart-Centered Education

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HOW CAN YOU HELP?

We are seeking a total of $108,000 to cover the costs of our Pre-Production Film Budget, which includes the next phases of script and impact development; capacity building; legal, accounting and artistic needs, so we can begin production. 

A BONUS FOR YOUR DONATION - PRIMA MALAS

The donors of this campaign form the foundation for the Oniya Bison Film Project. In gratitude, we are offering a limited series of mala bead necklaces ("PRIMA MALAS") designed and handcrafted by Claire de L'Arbre.

Your donation, and every time you wear your Prima Mala, boosts the mission to return bison to the land and restore Earth’s bounty. 

These exquisite necklaces bring together sacred elements of Totem Animals based on the 4 main characters in the Oniya film, all keystone species. A Totem Animal is a spirit being that serves as a lifelong guardian, protector, and emblem for an individual, family, clan, or tribe. 

Significance of the Number "108"

108: a number of divine energy acknowledged by cultures around the world; a sign of abundance, achievement and new beginnings. 

• Sacred Geometry and Astronomy: The distance between the Earth and the Sun is roughly 108 times the Sun's diameter, and the distance between the Earth and the Moon is approximately 108 times the Moon's diameter. Additionally, the Sun's diameter is about 108 times the Earth's diameter.

• Yogic Anatomy: In traditional yoga, there are said to be 108 sacred energy lines (“nadis”) that converge to form the heart chakra.

• Spiritual Practice: Mala prayer beads traditionally number 108 beads, used to cycle through mantras 100 times, with 8 extra repetitions added to cover any mistakes or omissions during practice.

• Desires and Delusions: Eastern traditions often reference 108 earthly desires, human passions, or mental states to overcome on the path to spiritual attainment.

Choose from 4 Totem Animal-Inspired Designs:

• Bison (Buffalo): a sacred messenger of abundance; wisdom to ask for spiritual help; honor and gratitude for the simple and ordinary; strength through storms; interconnection;  everything lives in relationship; creates a path of healing. 
• Beaver: a master builder; creator of landscapes; persistence and determination; visionary planning; teamwork and community; creativity and resourcefulness; balance of work and restoration.

Beaver Prima Mala

• Bear: an invitation to own your inner strength and wisdom; true power comes from knowing yourself deeply; value of solitude and self-reflection; quiet, grounded energy that's undeniably magnetic.
• Gray Wolf: an invitation to reclaim authentic power; trust your intuition; balance independence and belonging; protector and guide to navigate unknown territories.

Which one will you choose? 

Or will it choose you?

Please note: Gemstones have natural variations in color & transparency, therefore every mala is unique while staying true to the overall designs shared above. 

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With BLESSINGS and LOVE, ALWAYS,

The Serious Type Board (IV): 

Diana                    Nikki             Sara          Shayla     Wendy