Decolonizing the Narrative Conversation Series with Michelle Thrush: 'Power of Transformation'

Michelle Thrush. Photo by Nadya Kwandibens Redworks Studio

Join us for an insightful conversation with Michelle Thrush as part of the Decolonizing the Narrative Conversation Series.

Michelle will share reflections from her over thirty-year career as an actress and director in film, television, and theatre. She will explore the power of "transformation" and her evolving role as a director and conveyor of Indigenous storytelling. Growing up in Calgary and moving to Vancouver at a young age to pursue acting without formal training, Michelle absorbed teachings from legendary actors she worked with throughout her career. These experiences helped her become a multi-award-winning artist. She will also discuss how a conversation with an Elder at a young age shaped her ability to create safe spaces for Indigenous stories to be told and empowered her to change the narrative as a director.

Facilitated by Janine Windolph, Director of Indigenous Arts at Banff Centre, the session includes a presentation by Stimson followed by a discussion and a Q&A. This conversation will be recorded and shared following the event, but the Q&A portion will remain unrecorded. Sessions may share experiences and ask difficult questions.

About the Decolonizing the Narrative Conversation Series

The Decolonizing the Narrative Conversation Series is a bi-monthly conversation session inviting leading Indigenous Art creators to discuss their practices and processes. The series engages an Indigenous lens across various art forms, including Literary Arts, Film and Media Arts, Digital Media, Visual Arts, and Performing Arts such as Theatre, Dance, and Music. These sessions offer a space to explore and deepen your understanding of how Indigenous artists use their disciplines as tools to decolonize artistic processes and creation.

Visit the Decolonizing the Narrative Conversation Series page to access recordings of previous talks and learn more about upcoming sessions.

Biography

Michelle Thrush has worked professionally in film, television and theatre for more than 35 years, with over fifty professional credits in the entertainment industry.

Ms. Thrush is best known for her leading role as Gail Stoney in the APTN hit series BLACKSTONE, for which she won the Gemini Award for Best Performance by an Actress in a Continuing Leading Dramatic Role. Other credits include her regular role Sky Atlantic’s drama TIN STAR, opposite Tim Roth. She also starred in the popular APTN/Showcase series MOCCASIN FLATS and starred as Kate in the comedy hit MIXED BLESSINGS. Michelle was also Sylvie Lebret in the hit CBC series NORTH OF 60 and was recurring on CBC’s ARCTIC AIR. Michelle’s most recent work can be seen in Marie Clement’s CBC series BONES OF CROWS, as well as the Crave limited series LITTLE BIRD.

Feature film credits include PREY, 20th Century Studios’ latest Predator film. AKA: JIMMY P, opposite Benicio Del Toro, which premiered in competition at the Cannes Film Festival. Other feature films include the award winning UNNATURAL AND ACCIDENTAL, PATHFINDER, DON’T CALL ME TONTO, BURY MY HEART AT WOUNDED KNEE and DREAMKEEPER. One of Ms. Thrush`s most memorable experiences were working opposite Johnny Depp and Gary Farmer in the feature film DEADMAN directed by Jim Jarmusch.

Ms. Thrush was recentely honoured with the 2023 Lieutenant Governor Distinguished Artist of Alberta Award. She continues to write, direct, and produce theatre, and has played many leading roles across Canada. She is a founding member, actor and past Artistic Director of MAKING TREATY 7 CULTURAL SOCIETY. She tours extensively through North America with her one-woman show INNER ELDER, which has been touring in Canada to sold out audiences and will be a part of the Indigenous Season at The National Arts Centre in Ottawa in April 2024. Ms Thrush was awarded the August Schellenberg Award of Excellence in November 2019 by the imagineNATIVE Film Institute for her body of work and involvement in mentorship and community work. She was also presented the Betty Mitchell Award for INNER ELDER in 2018 for Outstanding Actress and was nominated in two other categories including Best Overall Production. In 2018 Ms Thrush also directed Honour Beat at a Theatre Calgary. Her work with youth and children is her greatest passion with characters such as “Majica”, the Aboriginal Healing Clown and “Kookum Martha”, a sprite old Indian Elder. Michelle explains laughter is a natural part of her culture.

The mother of two wonderful daughters, Michelle and her family are currently residing in Calgary, Alberta.

Date: Wed, Jan 22 @ 7:00 PM

Location Max Bell Auditorium

Please arrive by 6:45 pm if you want to smudge before entering the auditorium.

Free. Register in advance.
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This event is free and all are welcome.

Age Restrictions

Ages 14 and Over

Decolonizing the Narrative Conversation Series

Decolonizing the Narrative Conversation Series is a bi-monthly conversation session that invites Indigenous Art creators to talk about their practice.