Sarah Simpson-Yellowquill
Manager of Programs & Development
As manager of programs and development, Sarah works across many of the National Screen Institute’s programs and manages CBC New Indigenous Voices and the TikTok Accelerator for Indigenous Creators.
Sarah is a multi-talented Indigenous woman, born and raised on Treaty 1 Territory, (Winnipeg, Manitoba) and registered to Long Plain First Nation. She is a filmmaker with extensive experience who is dedicated to her craft and has made multiple short films that have screened at North American festivals. She strives to create stories and to help others share their stories through the medium of filmmaking.
Meet the students
Cole Clark
Yellowknife, Northwest Territories
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Kim Coltman
Kamloops, British Columbia
Read bio Kim Coltman
Kamloops, British Columbia
Kim is a pioneering fashion model whose career began in 1972. As one of the first to bring Indigenous representation to the runway, she broke barriers in an industry that often lacked diversity.
Beyond modelling, Kim became a passionate mentor, dedicating herself to supporting and guiding Indigenous youth who aspire to enter the fashion world. Her mentorship goes beyond teaching modelling skills: she inspires confidence and cultural pride, helping young models embrace their heritage as a strength.
Kim has also played a key role in organizing shows and partnerships that spotlight Indigenous talent, challenging stereotypes and expanding opportunities. Despite the challenges she faced, Kim’s resilience and advocacy have left a lasting impact. Her work ensures the next generation of Indigenous models has greater access and representation in fashion, making her a true trailblazer and inspiration.
Canaan Kejick
Winnipeg, Manitoba
Read bio Canaan Kejick
Winnipeg, Manitoba
Hello, my name is Canaan Kejick. I am a participant of CBC New Indigenous Voices for 2026.
I was born in Winnipeg, but raised in Kenora, Ontario. I have directed my first short film, Strangers.
I love watching movies and [had a] desire to make movies from early childhood. I am eager to start my filmmaking career.
Lindsay Larocque
Winnipeg, Manitoba
Read bio Lindsay Larocque
Winnipeg, Manitoba
Lindsay is a young creative with a passion for storytelling, movies and all things pink. She is Ojibwe and Cree, born and raised in Winnipeg and a member of Maskwacis Louis Bull Cree nation.
A proud alumni of NSI Intro to Production where her film was selected for the class to bring to life.
When she’s not writing or dreaming up ideas, she’s beading, creating content on TikTok or listening to Madonna.
Cyrus Maytwayashing
Winnipeg, Manitoba
Read bio Cyrus Maytwayashing
Winnipeg, Manitoba
Cyrus Maytwayashing is an Anishinaabe filmmaker and writer from Winnipeg, Manitoba.
Since completing his first year at the University of Manitoba, he is studying political and Indigenous studies.
Through his experience as a storyteller and writer, Cyrus plans on creating stories based around his personal experience and contemporary issues happening in the world. He hopes to use the art of filmmaking and storytelling to uplift those who see his work, making his stories feel relatable as well as memorable.
Roni McGillivary
Barrows, Manitoba
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Tyrell Rowan
Onion Lake, Saskatchewan
Read bio Tyrell Rowan
Onion Lake, Saskatchewan
Lisa Rueckert
Winnipeg, Manitoba
Read bio Lisa Rueckert
Winnipeg, Manitoba
Lisa Diane Rueckert, Loving White Turtle Woman, is an Anishinaabe artist from Winnipeg, Manitoba, (Waywayseecappo First Nations) with a professional focus in film, makeup artistry, and performance.
After graduating with honours from the Complete Makeup Artist Program at CMU College of Makeup Art & Design in Toronto, Lisa built an impressive career working on over 70 film and TV productions as a makeup artist, department head and performer. Her film credits include work on Acting Good (seasons 1 to 4), Aberdeen, Finally Caught (season 2), and Don’t Even, among others.
Lisa is a board member of the Winnipeg Indigenous Filmmakers Collective, a recent participant in Skoododisden – Switcheroo and holds permittee applicant status with IATSE 856.
Deeply rooted in community, Lisa brings an Indigenous lens to all of her creative work—telling stories that uplift and empower. She remains committed to expanding her craft and network within the film industry.
Everett Sokol
Edmonton, Alberta
Read bio Everett Sokol
Edmonton, Alberta
Everett Sokol (they/he) is a two-spirit Metis producer and film director from Amiskwaciy-wâskahikan (Edmonton, Alberta).
After training as a musical theatre actor, Everett made the transition to production to become a producer and director. Previously, they worked as an associate producer with the National Film Board of Canada and graduated from the inaugural NSI Art of Business Management program for Indigenous producers.
Additional education includes the MacEwan University Theatre Arts program and the Red Deer Polytechnic Motion Picture Arts degree program. Everett is also the recipient of the national William F. White Inc. Vilmos Zsigmond Scholarship, which they were awarded at Toronto International Film Festival.
Chey Wright
Winnipeg, Manitoba
Read bio Chey Wright
Winnipeg, Manitoba
Chey Wright (they/them) is a Métis, Two-Spirit storyteller, spoken word poet and writer based in Winnipeg, Manitoba.
A consecutive winner of the Winnipeg Poetry Slam and Winnipeg Story Slam, their work blends personal narrative with advocacy, centering Indigenous identity, resilience and community. A contributing poet in Canadian anthologies and arts journalist with the Winnipeg Poetry Slam blog, Chey holds a bachelor of arts in English literature with a minor in theatre from the University of Manitoba.
As an autistic creator, Chey brings a distinct perspective to storytelling, exploring the intersections of neurodivergence, queerness and Indigeneity.
Currently participating in the CBC New Indigenous Voices, they are developing skills in film and digital storytelling, with a long-term goal of working with APTN to amplify Indigenous voices and lived experiences.
Alumni
- Kerri-Ann Bear – Edmonton, AB
- Mya Coutu – Winnipeg, MB
- Jeromy Desjarlais – Lestock, SK
- Garret Gunning – Winnipeg, MB
- Zoe Krzuk – Winnipeg, MB
- Julianna Peter Paul – Red Bank, NB
- John Seymour – Winnipeg, MB
- Joseph Smith – Tagish, YK
- Junior Whitefish – Winnipeg, MB
- Megan Wood – Winnipeg, MB
- Kieran Aho – Winnipeg, MB
- Spencer Blyan – Red Deer, AB
- Viola Cameron – Winnipeg, MB
- Stacy Flett – Winnipeg, MB
- Julia Ross – Winnipeg, MB
- Matthew Shoup – Winnipeg, MB
- Talon Simon – Elsipogtog First Nation, NB
- Amanda Wandler – Kamloops, BC
- Jerry Wolf – Woodstock, ON
- Kane Wood, Winnipeg, MB
- Lisa Abel – M’Chigeeng First Nation, ON
- Asha Bear – Tobique First Nation, NB
- Lucas Boudreau – St. Laurent, MB
- Sage Boulanger-McLeod – Berens River First Nation, MB
- Renée Courchene – Sagkeeng First Nation, MB
- Jacob ES Bird – Black River First Nation, MB
- Alysha Johnny-Hawkins – Tahltan First Nation, BC
- John Luke – Kivalliq Region, MB
- Linsey Murdock – Fisher River Cree Nation, MB
- Broden Halcrow-Ducharme – Brandon, MB
- Katherine Haynes – Winnipeg, MB
- Alyssa Isaac – Lachine, QC
- Julianna Maggrah – Prince Albert, SK
- Farrah Murdock – Winnipeg, MB
- Clay Mykietowich – Winnipeg, MB
- Jesse Nobess – Winnipeg, MB
- Dwayne Noon – Saskatoon, SK
- Kesha Tipewan – Saskatoon, SK
- Desiree Brightnose – Chemawawin Cree Nation, MB
- Anonda Canadien – Deh Gáh Got’îê First Nation, NWT
- Aiyana Hart – Carry the Kettle First Nation, MB
- Jordan Kelly – Ojibways of Onigaming First Nation, ON
- Brittany Monkman – Fisher River Cree Nation, MB
- Logan Nadeau – Norway House Cree Nation, MB
- Ariyah Pierre – Roseau River Anishinaabe First Nation, MB
- Holly Smith – Six Nations Reserve, ON
- John Wapioke – Iskatewizaagegan #39 Independent First Nation, MB
- Seth Arcand – Morinville, AB
- Sarah Carrier – Regina, SK
- Faith Gore – Winnipeg, MB
- Janell Henry – Winnipeg, MB
- Nathaniel Magbanua – Winnipeg, MB
- Matthew Tenute – Vancouver, BC
- AJ Wastasecoot – Winnipeg, MB
- Bethany Fontaine – Winnipeg, MB
- Isaac Kakegamic – Thunder Bay, ON
- Avery Kewistep – Saskatoon, SK
- Kane Kirton – Winnipeg, MB
- Chyann Maracle – Deseronto, ON
- André Nault – Winnipeg, MB
- Marissa Stevenson – Winnipeg, MB
- Celeste Sutherland – Winnipeg, MB
- Kale Swampy – Winnipeg, MB
- Daniel Bear – Winnipeg, MB
- Jon Berg – Burnaby, ON
- Adeline Bird – Winnipeg, MB
- Joe Courchene – Winnipeg, MB
- Damian Frazee – Winnipeg, MB
- Shauntelle George – Winnipeg, MB
- Rhonda Lucy – Toronto, ON
- Cynthia Murdock – Winnipeg, MB
- Diandre Thomas-Hart – Winnipeg, MB
- Michael Black – Winnipeg, MB
- Christopher Eastman – Winnipeg, MB
- Tyshana Hobson – Winnipeg, MB
- Alexis Leask – Winnipeg, MB
- Andrew Lown – Niagara, ON
- Gindalee Ouskun – Winnipeg, MB
- Jesse Spence – Winnipeg, MB
- Nikita Weiss Day – Vancouver, BC
- Ryan Wilson – Winnipeg, MB
- Shannon Bear – Winnipeg, MB
- Janelle Gossfeld – Thompson, MB
- Phoenix Campbell – Winnipeg, MB
- Cody Halcrow – Winnipeg, MB
- Zachary Harper – Winnipeg, MB
- Justin Kehler – Winnipeg, MB
- Olly King (aka Kenneth Burns) – Winnipeg, MB
- Norah Wagner – Winnipeg, MB
- Darcy Waite – Edmonton, AB
- Cody Blacksmith – Winnipeg, MB
- Matthew De Paz – Winnipeg, MB
- Vince Fontaine – Winnipeg, MB
- Frances Koncan – Winnipeg, MB
- Melissa Raven – Winnipeg, MB
- Kelsey Smoke – Winnipeg, MB
- Luther Alexander – Winnipeg, MB
- Sonya Ballantyne – Winnipeg, MB
- Jared Bone – Winnipeg, MB
- Gloria Burns – Ottawa, ON
- Joel Chartrand – Winnipeg, MB
- Sage Daniels – Winnipeg, MB
- Jaydon Flett – Winnipeg, MB
- Amanda Kindzierski – Winnipeg, MB
- Maggie Moose – Winnipeg, MB
- Chad Anderson – Winnipeg, MB
- Aubrie Bruyere – Winnipeg, MB
- Jordon Fish – Winnipeg, MB
- Andrew George – Winnipeg, MB
- Jamie Mckay – Winnipeg, MB
- Charlene Moore – Winnipeg, MB
- Randy Sutherland – Winnipeg, MB
- Tanner Trudzik – Winnipeg, MB
- Cheyenne Bruneau – Winnipeg, MB
- Rodney Contois – Winnipeg, MB
- Honey Courchene – Winnipeg, MB
- Dakota Eischen – Winnipeg, MB
- Jesse Frechette – Winnipeg, MB
- Deanna Mace – Winnipeg, MB
- Dennis Seenie – Winnipeg, MB
- Adam Wildeman – Winnipeg, MB
- Stanley Wood – Winnipeg, MB
- Christopher Bird – Winnipeg, MB
- Alison Campeau – Winnipeg, MB
- Anna-Celestrya Carr – Winnipeg, MB
- Kayla Hayden – Winnipeg, MB
- Justina Neepin – Winnipeg, MB
- Percy Ponniuk – Happy Valley, NL
- Vince Sanderson – Winnipeg, MB
- Earl Soldier – Winnipeg, MB
- Leonard Sumner – Winnipeg, MB
- Floyd Blackhorse – Calgary, AB
- Tyra Cox – Winnipeg, MB
- Erica Daniels – Winnipeg, MB
- Joey Ironstand – Winnipeg, MB
- Lief Palmi Johnson – Winnipeg, MB
- Jody Pacey – Winnipeg, MB
- Dion Telesky – Winnipeg, MB
- Colten Yuzicappi – Regina, SK
- Elliott Gordon-Nelson – Winnipeg, MB
- Leslie Brant – Winnipeg, MB
- Mario Ballantyne – Winnipeg, MB
- Theresa Stevenson – Winnipeg, MB
- April Seenie – Winnipeg, MB
- Dinae Robinson – Winnipeg, MB
- Trinity Bruce – Winnipeg, MB
- Dion Desjarlais – Winnipeg, MB
- Ashley Hirt – Winnipeg, MB
- Daniel Jebb – Winnipeg, MB
- Alanais Moar – Winnipeg, MB
- Fawnda Neckoway – Winnipeg, MB
- Jasmine Netsena – Yellowknife, NT
- Marjorie Roden – Winnipeg, MB
- Chantal Rondeau – Vancouver, BC
- Florence Spence – Winnipeg, MB
- Ed Turner – Winnipeg, MB
- Kerry Barber – Dawson City, YT
- Roger Boyer – Winnipeg, MB
- Candace Backfat – Siksika Nation, AB
- Clarence Fisher – Winnipeg, MB
- Chris Gabb – Winnipeg, MB
- Sheldon Greene – Winnipeg, MB
- Craig Guiboche – Winnipeg, MB
- Amanda Smart – Winnipeg, MB
- Brian Tuesday – Winnipeg, MB
- Sam Vint – Winnipeg, MB
- Angela Wandering Spirit – Winnipeg, MB
- Susan Solway – Siksika Nation, AB
- Brendon Campbell – Winnipeg, MB
- Dustin Courchene – Winnipeg, MB
- Crystal Greene – Winnipeg, MB
- Dustin Horrock – Winnipeg, MB
- Nicola Little – Winnipeg, MB
- Chris MacDonald – Winnipeg, MB
- Shannon Myran – Winnipeg, MB
- Ken Pangman – Winnipeg, MB
- Jason Parenteau – Winnipeg, MB
- Jeff Taylor – Winnipeg, MB
NSI Aboriginal Youth Pilot Project
- Tim Stevenson – Winnipeg, MB
- Paul Rabliauskas – Winnipeg, MB
- Peter Flamand – Winnipeg, MB
- Melanie Nepinak – Winnipeg, MB
- Jason Harper – Winnipeg, MB
- Pamela Vernaus – Winnipeg, MB
- Chris Thompson – Winnipeg, MB
- Cam Courchene – Winnipeg, MB
- Dwayne Bird – Winnipeg, MB
- Darryl Nepinak– Winnipeg, MB
- Janice Beaulieu-Roulette – Winnipeg, MB
- Lennie Davis – Winnipeg, MB
Program Partners
