Aagimaak, meaning ash tree in Ojibwe, refers specifically to the white ash, a tree deeply woven into the fabric of Ojibwe culture and history.
For generations, the Ojibwe people relied on the white ash not only as a vital resource for making paddles, bows, snowshoes, baskets, and canoes, but also as a powerful symbol of adaptability and strength. The flexibility and durability of white ash wood made it essential for travel and daily life across the waterways and forests of Northwestern Ontario. Its presence supported traditional practices, fostered community cooperation in craftwork, and represented a living connection to the land and ancestors.
The white ash has played an enduring role in stories, ceremonies, and the survival of Ojibwe communities, embodying the resilience and ingenuity of our people throughout history.
Historically, Indigenous peoples were prohibited from publicly celebrating or broadcasting their heritage due to laws enacted by the Government of Canada. Times have changed, and at Aagimaak, we believe it is time for Indigenous communities to take ownership of their narrative.
Our mission is to create a space that showcases and celebrates Indigenous culture, heritage, and events across the country. Through our production company and dedicated film team, we aim to highlight Indigenous stories, artists, and changemakers.
Our Team
Darian Holiday
FounderDarian Holiday is an Ojibwe producer, performer, artist, and screenwriter that is already making waves in the Albertan film industry.
His first film set was as a performer in Kevin Costner's The West with the History Channel. The experience he had on that set and the connections he made urged Darian to learn more about the process of filmmaking and film production, which is how he found himself as a Production Assistant on the LHI Productions/Numera Films co-production of Renegade Fever, mentoring under Griffin Cork and Monique Barrie, the show’s Producers. Impressed by Darian's work ethic and creative spirit, Griffin and Monique partnered with Darian in the formation of Aagimaak Productions.
Aagmiaak's most recent production - The Hunter and His Apprentice - has relished in a robust festival circuit. After having its World Premiere at Présence Autochtone (The Montreal First Peoples Festival), the film screened at Calgary International Film Festival, Asinabka Film & Media Arts Festival, Edmonton International Film Festival, and at both FogFest in St. John’s, and the Indigenous-focussed Yerel Kültür Film Festivali in Turkey.
Darian has experience on many film sets as an actor, and recently returned from Ireland, working on the feature film Young Washington with Angel Studios. He has written a 6 episode Indigenous anthology series set for preproduction, and starred in the proof of concept short Never Seen, which is set to enter the festival circuit in 2026. Additionally, Darian is working with his team at Aagimaak to foster young Indigenous filmmakers and give back to the community.
Outside of filmmaking, Darian has a Bachelor's Degree in History, has received his Diploma in Business with a focus on project management and agility methods, and has the first level for Early Childhood Education.
