Last July, we told you about a new Showcase Original series called Blackstone because we wanted you to enter to be cast for a role in the show. We've been light on show updates since then, but today we are proud to announce that Showcase viewers will get to see the show on Fridays at 11pm ET/PT, beginning January 28, 2011.

Intense, compelling and confrontational, Blackstone is an unmuted exploration of First Nations’ power and politics, unfolding over nine one-hour episodes. This raw, authentic drama tells the story of the fictional Blackstone First Nation, suffering disintegration by its own hand – the result of the corruption of its Chief and Council. From within the community, a new generation of leaders rise up and fight to create lasting and substantial change.

“Blackstone is relevant and relational in an Aboriginal story world, with universal themes and conflicts that are not only relatable to some First Nations out there today, but also to the world of politics and power in general,” said Ron E. Scott, who created, wrote, directed and executive produced the series.

An uncompromising story told from an Aboriginal point of view, Blackstone is in sharp contrast to sympathetic stories about First Nations’ people being victimized by outside forces. While the dramatization can be dark and all too real, Blackstone is foremost a story of hope and reconciliation in its portrayal of Native people fighting for a better life in their community.

The series stars a veritable who's who Aboriginal talent including Carmen Moore, Eric Schweig, Michelle Thrush, Nathaniel Arcand, Roseanne Supernault and Gordon Tootoosis.

Visit the official show page at blackstonetheseries.com and like Blackstone on Facebook -- for every new fan, the series producers will donate 50 cents to the Canadian Aboriginal Writing & Arts Challenge.