One of the earliest interactions with Takaya occurred during his journey to the islands in 2012. Doug Paton met up with Takaya in his field and looked directly into his eyes. Doug’s tattoos testify to the profound impact that Takaya had on his life. Doug was the first of many people who have felt Takaya’s magic.

Takaya is an incredible ambassador for his species. He has given us a rare glimpse into the life of a wild predator and allowed people around the world to better understand and respect the nature of the wolf. His story is helping to change perceptions of wolves and their world. Takaya’s legacy will continue to inspire people to take action to make the world a safer place for wolves.

Personal accounts below illustrate the power of Takaya and his story.  If Takaya and his story has impacted you, please let us know how by clicking here.

Takaya has, and will continue to, change hearts and minds.

Personal Accounts

Just had to write and tell you how wonderful it was to see your film. It will touch me forever.  The minute I looked into the eyes of this divine creature I understood your extended quest to commune with Takaya. What a splendid mission…one so driven by your heart and deep respect for the Wild. Thanks so much for your labour of love. I’m sure you had many questioning moments if exposing the life of Takaya would be of benefit on all levels…for him primarily and then for the viewing public. Considering how his story penetrated my being, I’m sure there are many others of like spirit who feel most blessed. So, thank you Cheryl, and may Takaya always remain safe and protected.  Bless you both,

- Dana 

Your love for Takaya was obvious, and I really can relate to it. Wolves are the most misunderstood animals and hated by many. The way they get treated in Canada is abhorrent, especially in BC and AB. I think your film would open the eyes and minds of at least some people, and get them to realize that Wolves need our protection as much as Orcas, for instance, which are liked very much in BC, and are considered the same spirit in some cultures, just appearing in different shapes.

- Gustav

Meeting a wolf the way I did that night was a singular event. It wasn’t the fact of meeting Takaya (that’s cool all by itself), it was the way he behaved that blew me away. Still does. I learned a life lesson from him in about 30 seconds that has stayed with me to this day…For me, Takaya has lived in my memory and thoughts all this time, a living presence nonetheless …

I mentioned that I experienced a ‘cardiac event’ last November, and that I’d dreamt of the wolf during that time.  To make a long story short, in the dream I was in a precarious place, a dangerous situation. The wolf came to me and brought me ‘to ground’. That was exactly the experience I needed to recover from my ‘cardiac event’. I needed to ground myself and do what I had to do to survive, and things worked out very well. So, for me, wolf spirit is about survival. There’s a lot else going on there too, but doing what I have to do to survive is fundamental. 

- John

I’m sorry for your loss, our loss natures loss. We have all lost something today when the selfishness and ego of man can only be satisfied with the killing of such a sensitive and beautiful creature. This Wolf you call Takaya had made a shelter here at my house over the last few weeks. He had wandered over one morning, floating effortlessly and carefully not wanting to disturb anything. He was a gentle and majestic wolf with kind eyes and a gentle demeanor. The impact of those few moments will last a lifetime for me. I can only imagine the pain of those who observed his grace and gentleness for more than just a few beautiful moments.

- Ron

Educational Initiatives

In some BC schools, children in grades 1 to 6 have been introduced to Takaya through the documentary film and have been fascinated by his life. They have done units about Takaya and created art, writing and music about this inspiring wolf. Some of these projects are highlighted below. Teachers have found their students to be incredibly attentive during the film and enthusiastic to learn more.

Quote from Teachers 

 “I had a group of students watch the documentary on Takaya and they were left awestruck. We watched the documentary right before my student teacher and I began Piloting the First Peoples in Math textbook by FNESC, this resulted in students feeling inspired remaining engaged throughout the lessons.”

- Grade 6/7 Teacher in BC 

“I teach Grade 5 … and we recently watched your beautiful film on Takaya…a very moving story. The students were very inspired and as they are learning ukulele, they changed the words to the Lion Sleep tonight to Takaya howls tonight.”

- Grade 5 Teacher in BC

Takaya Rhyme

(by Ethan – grade 5)

Takaya will wait and howl for a mate.

He ignores the traps and goes straight to his naps.

He sees trees and maybe some bees.

He peels seals and finds swimming eels.

He hears car wheels and eats all the seals.

Home

(by Chloe – grade 5)

Takaya Takaya

Island: sand, rocks, trees, forest, ocean, dirt, beach

Things: playing with the seals in the deep blue sea

Hunts: seals, fish, goose eggs,

In the distance, Takaya sees them shimmering bright in the sunset

Emotions: scared, shy, active mind

What he does: bathes in the cold ocean

meets the photographer Cheryl

and helicopters.

On the island: There’s a lighthouse

All through the seasons

Quiet, small and lonely, cold

Takaya’s home.

Teaching Resources

LiveIt, an online educational company, has partnered with Takaya’s Legacy to create an educational initiative about wolves for children in Grades 2-6. This program is now available online for two years.

To view the program, please click here.

Two children’s books about Takaya are set to be released by Rocky Mountain Books in Spring 2021: Good Morning Takaya (Board Book for ages 1-3) and Takaya’s Journey (Picture Book for ages 3 – 6).