Michelle Thrush (Cree) tells JD about waiting for aliens to sweep her off to space and the power of Indigenous-led sets when handling stories of unthinkable trauma. She recounts her transformative time at the first school run by and for Indigenous people in Calgary, being mentored by the legendary actor, Gordon Tootoosis, and, most recently, her first ever lead role in a film! Michelle shares her tips for anyone getting started in the biz and what to be prepared for (with a bit of clowning around!).

CREDITS

Actors & Ancestors is created, produced, and hosted by Joel D. Montgrand. Audio editing and production support from Daniella Barreto.

Moral support from Awas the pod-cat.

Episode photo of Michelle by Nadya Kwandibens Redworks Studio

Thank you to the Indigenous Screen Office for generously supporting this show!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Here's an interview with JD from a different show you might like! "Cows and Plows and Rescue Ranger Fumbles (ft. JD Montgrand)" -- Joel (JD) Montgrand, host and creator of the "Actors and Ancestors" podcast, joins Canardian to discuss the town of La Ronge, its kaiju mosquitos, the mysterious drug cartel queen of Chicken Delight, winter survival 101, and so much more!

If you loved this episode, there's a lot more Canardian where that came from. Check out the show and give them a follow!

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JD meets up with Gary Farmer (Cayuga from the Six Nations of the Grand River) for a conversation about his fifty years in performance, blazing a trail for Indigenous actors to come, knowing your language and being known for "cheeky" humour.

Check out Gary's band, Gary Farmer and the Troublemakers: "Cadillacs Don't Care" (From the album "Fool For Love", 2024 Gonzo Drive Records)

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.