
Lisa Meeches
Indigenous Training Programs Advisor
Lisa Meeches is one of the most dynamic and respected producers in the film industry and is Anishinaabe from Long Plain First Nation.
After studying broadcasting in North Dakota, Lisa began her career in 1986 with the Native Media Network. She later began news reporting for Craig Broadcasting Systems in Manitoba and Alberta, where she established a liaison team who connected the newsroom with surrounding First Nations communities.
Her journalism career recently came full circle with a Beyond Borders Media Award for her work on Taken as co-creator, executive producer and host, for which Lisa has also been nominated for two Canadian Screen Awards (best factual series, best cross platform project). Lisa is also an episode director on the series.
She is the founding partner and executive producer of Eagle Vision, the most prolific production company in Canadian history with Indigenous ownership.
Lisa has produced numerous projects to critical acclaim including The Sharing Circle, Canada’s longest running Indigenous television series; Ice Road Truckers; Tipi Tales, a Parent’s Choice award-winning children’s series; and Elijah, a Gemini Award-winning MOW; and the three-time nominated, two-time CSA winner for JACK.
She executive produced the four-time CSA nominee and two-time winner We Were Children, which is widely praised by residential school survivors for its power to heal, while general audiences have been moved by its accurate and truthful portrayal of the impacts of Canada’s colonial past. Prior to this project, Lisa travelled the country with her team interviewing residential school survivors about their experiences for the Legacy of Hope project.
Most recently Lisa served as creative director/executive producer for the National MMIWG Inquiry. Her work was honoured with two gold medals at the international Shorty Awards for excellence in social media. Other Eagle Vision Inc. productions include the comedies Lovesick, Walk All Over Me, which premiered at Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) and sold to the Weinstein Company, the politically-charged romantic comedy Blue State, and the Academy Award®-winning feature film Capote. Lisa is co-executive producer on the CBC/eOne series Burden of Truth.
Lisa also devotes considerable time to other causes. She has been critical to the success of the Manito Ahbee Festival since its inception 15 years ago where she has acted in the capacity of board chair on a volunteer basis until recently stepping down to assume the role of executive director.
True to her heritage, Lisa is a renowned champion fancy shawl dancer. Lisa is executive producer of Orange Daisy Project, a social action campaign in support of mental health for teen girls. Among her numerous awards and nominations are: 2007 National Aboriginal Achievement Award for Media & Communication, 2009 YMCA-YWCA Woman of Distinction Award in the area of Creative Communications, University of Manitoba’s Excellence in Aboriginal Business Leadership Award, Women in Film and Television 2009 Crystal Award for Mentorship, Order of Manitoba, and she was even Ms. Chatelaine.
Lisa is also an alumna of NSI.

Erica Daniels
Program Advisor
Erica is Cree/Ojibway from Peguis First Nation. She is a proud mother, multi-award winning filmmaker and owner of Kejic Productions providing video production, photography and graphic design.
Erica started her journey through a multimedia program called Just TV and is an alumna of the CBC New Indigenous Voices and NSI IndigiDocs programs.
Erica recently won the first ever Indigenous Film Award at Manito Ahbee Festival 2019. Her most recent film, Run As One – The Journey of the Front Runners has been shared in film festivals across the globe, won two Golden Sheaf Awards and was nominated for a Canadian Screen Award and Banff World Media Festival Award.
Along with her passion for storytelling, Erica is also passionate about working with Indigenous youth in her community by reconnecting them to their culture and identity. Erica currently runs a cultural program at the Broadway Neighbourhood Centre and mentors youth in video production.
The beauty of her culture continually inspires Erica’s work and motivates her to share the knowledge of her elders for future generations.

Sarah Simpson-Yellowquill
Manager, Programs & Development
As manager of programs and development, Sarah works across many of the National Screen Institute’s programs, helps run the day-to-day activities of CBC New Indigenous Voices and provides production and mentorship support for NSI New Northern Voices.
As program manager, Sarah works across many of the National Screen Institute’s programs, helps run the day-to-day activities of CBC New Indigenous Voices and provides production and mentorship support for NSI New Northern Voices.
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.
Sarah went from thinking filmmaking could only be a hobby to making it a full-time career for herself: as a production manager for various productions and working at the National Screen Institute.
She is also co-chair of the board of directors for WNDX Festival of Moving Images and chair of Winnipeg Film Group.
Associate faculty
* Indicates alumni
Indigenous and life guidance
- Colin Mousseau, Elder/Traditional Advisor
- Dr. Winona Wheeler, Indigenous history
Producers
- Ryan Cooper*, Rainy Storm Productions
- Jon Montes, National Film Board
- Coty Savard, National Film Board
- Michelle St. John
- Jeff Newman, Nüman Films
Broadcasters
- Robin Summerfield, CBC
- Paul Barnsley, APTN
- Nadia Gaudet, APTN
Directors
- Shane Belcourt*
- JJ Neepin*
Writers/story editors
- Jordan Wheeler, writer
DOP/cinematography
- Andrew Forbes
- Erica Daniels*
Other industry resources
- Rosanna Deerchild, CBC
- Darcy Fehr, actor
- Steven Foster, Directors Guild Of Canada (Manitoba)
- Terence Fuller, IATSE 865
- Noël Habel, Canada Council for the Arts
- Julie Hackett, editor
- Anita Lubosch, sound technician
- Louise O’Brien-Moran, Manitoba Film & Music
- Monique Perro, City of Winnipeg
- Rob Rowen, IATSE Local 865
- Adam Smoluk*, Film Training Manitoba
- Taavo Soodor, production designer
- Kerry Swanson*, Indigenous Screen Office
- Kim Wheeler, podcast producer
Meet the students

Alyssa Isaac
Lachine, QC
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Alyssa Isaac
Lachine, QC
Alyssa Isaac is Mi’gmaq from the First Nations community of Listuguj, Quebec.
Alyssa is currently living in Montreal, studying to get her bachelors of fine arts at Concordia University with a major in electroacoustics which includes sound design and recording.
Despite studying a very new and technology-based art, Alyssa is always trying to find ways of mixing it together with her Indigenous and Two-Spirit identity including inventing sound-design atmospheres using recordings from nature in the reservation of Listuguj as well as telling stories through sound and music.
Even though it can be difficult to stay in touch with one’s Indigenous roots while living in a city far from home, there are so many more opportunities she aims toward so that someday in the future, she can take everything she’s learned and bring it back to her reservation to hopefully educate and inspire the youth.

Broden Halcrow-Ducharme
Brandon, MB
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Broden Halcrow-Ducharme
Brandon, MB
Broden Halcrow-Ducharme is a 26-year-old Cree man from Cross Lake First Nation, Manitoba.
Broden started his storytelling journey through the interactive media arts program at Assiniboine Community College in Brandon, Manitoba, where he graduated with a two-year diploma in media specialization.
After graduation, Broden began working as a videographer and editor with Trident Films. He continued to develop his skills in multimedia and worked on many feature films including ‘Tis The Season To Be Merry (Hallmark) and he submitted his first short film to Gimli Film Festival in 2021. Since then, he decided to make the jump and permanently move to Winnipeg, Manitoba to continue furthering his career as a cinematographer, animator and web designer.
As someone who is eager to learn, Broden describes himself as a multi-passionate storyteller. There are so many stories that need to be told, and he is constantly looking for more ways to strengthen his skillsets, creative thinking and techniques. He is truly honoured and grateful to be selected for the CBC New Indigenous Voices program and looks forward to widening his horizons as an Indigenous storyteller.

Clay Mykietowich
Winnipeg, MB
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Clay Mykietowich
Winnipeg, MB
Clay is a Métis, transgender man who was born and raised in Winnipeg, Manitoba.
Clay is an artist and designer with a special interest in textiles, fashion and creative writing. He is currently attending the University of Winnipeg working towards a bachelor of arts in theatre and film design.
When not studying or working, Clay is often found creating new works of art or binge-watching his favourite comfort shows. Clay has a passion for storytelling through many art forms and is excited to start this journey with the CBC New Indigenous Voices program.

Dwayne Noon
Saskatoon, SK
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Dwayne Noon
Saskatoon, SK
Dwayne “Benji” Noon is from Thunderchild First Nation in Saskatchewan.
Dwayne fell in love with the visual storytelling of movies and TV at a young age and knew it was what he wanted to do. However, as a young adult, due to a lack of resources and support for furthering his education in film, he felt his dream was over.
He spent most of his early adult years in and out of university and working jobs just to get by with no goals. It wasn’t until he went through the darkest moment in his life that he finally reached out for help with his depression. With support from his partner, therapy and getting in touch with his spirituality, he was able to dream again.
At the age of 32, Dwayne decided to attend Saskatchewan Polytechnic for media production. As father to an amazing daughter, his focus now is trying to tell visual stories for those voices who are not heard and to inspire the Indigenous youth to never stop dreaming.

Farrah Murdock
Winnipeg, MB
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Farrah Murdock
Winnipeg, MB
Farrah is 21 years old and from Peguis First Nation in Manitoba.
Farrah grew up in Fisher River Cree Nation and Peguis First Nation and moved to Winnipeg, Manitoba in 2018 to attend post secondary where she studied film and Indigenous studies at the University of Winnipeg.
As a Indigenous filmmaker, Farrah aspires to tell authentic stories told for and by Indigenous peoples. It is important to her that Indigenous people tell their stories and gain control over their narrative. She is excited to work through the CBC New Indigenous Voices program to connect with like-minded people and create and tell stories.

Jesse Nobess
Winnipeg, MB
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Jesse Nobess
Winnipeg, MB
Jesse is a Métis / Ojibwe artist from Winnipeg, Manitoba.
Jesse developed a strong passion for acting early on and went on to train at Toronto Film School where he learned from industry professionals. From there he landed an agent and booked a few parts that gave him the confidence to pursue it fully.
Upon graduating, Jesse has stepped through many doors, he and his brother Kyle have travelled to over 50 communities across the country and the United States where they delivered film and acting workshops filled with confidence and self-esteem building methods. It was humbling and rewarding and always felt like they were making a difference with all the Indigenous youth they had the pleasure to teach.
He’s also a videographer / editor who learned from picking up the camera and teaching himself through online programs and YouTube. He’s filmed and captured two weddings, two business promos, a real estate video and over 50 content promos for both his brothers’ Indigenous outreach companies.
Now, Jesse is creating funny TikToks and has over 15,000 followers and counting! He’s been in some major television shows like Mohawk Girls (APTN), Skymed (Paramount) and Burden of Truth (CBC). He hopes to make a documentary, feature film and a TV series in the next four years.

Julianna Maggrah
Prince Albert, SK
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Julianna Maggrah
Prince Albert, SK
Julianna Maggrah is a Mètis storyteller / writer from La Ronge, Saskatchewan.
Julianna began writing while unable to work due to illness and rediscovered her passion for TV and film.
After studying media arts production, she got a job with CTV and has written for The Northern Advocate, where she won an award.
Julianna plans to have a media company based in Prince Albert and La Ronge to bring more filming to the north and will offer training to northern youth.

Katherine Haynes
Winnipeg, MB
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Katherine Haynes
Winnipeg, MB
Katherine Haynes is a young Métis and Anisinaabe woman born and raised in Treaty One Territory and the heart of the Métis nation in Winnipeg, Manitoba.
Katherine is a recent high school graduate accredited with honours and a French immersion diploma. As part of her French immersion program, she attended a school trip to Quebec to learn about other French-speaking cultures in Canada. During her time in high school, she completed the broadcast media program at the Louis Riel Arts and Technology Centre (ATC), granting her a vocational diploma. At ATC, she explored media such as radio, news and television, podcasts, documentaries and film.
Katherine grew up surrounded by her Métis culture her whole life and is very proud of her heritage. She has shown it by helping out with multiple community events for the Louis Riel Institute over the years which led her to eventually work as an interpreter at Riel House National Historic Site for the past three summers. As an interpreter, she worked with the public through on and offsite programming, educating them on not only the history of the Riel family, but also the history of the province of Manitoba which is so closely intertwined with Louis Riel.
Although immediately connecting with the broadcast media program at ATC, in-person classes only lasted six weeks until COVID-19 restrictions limited and closed many opportunities, ultimately ending the program online. With the National Screen Institute, Katherine hopes for a second chance to further her know-how and experience to eventually find her place within the industry and make a fulfilling career in it.

Kesha Tipewan
Saskatoon, SK
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Kesha Tipewan
Saskatoon, SK
Kesha Tipewan is a Plains Cree digital creator, podcaster and entrepreneur from Treaty Six Territory, Witchekan Lake First Nation, Saskatchewan.
Kesha is a survivor of sexual abuse and a cycle breaker of intergenerational trauma.
She created a TikTok platform that focuses on healing from trauma, self-love, humour and awareness.
Kesha lives an alcohol-free lifestyle and is reconnecting with her Cree language. She shares her own personal experience through podcasting in hopes of encouraging other Indigenous people to rise, thrive and heal from their own trauma.
Alumni
- 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
- 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
- Jordan 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, YK
- 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