Amanda Leader

Amanda Leader

Hą́ midáguyabi, Amanda Leader emą́giyabi. Céǧa k'ína edá namákoda. Hello my relations, they call me Amanda Leader. I am Nakoda from Carry the Kettle Nakoda Nation. I am in the Bachelor of Arts degree program, majoring in Psychology and minoring in Indigenous Fine Art at FNUniv. I am currently in the INCA Summer Institute, and have been loving the journalism journey. I got involved with the CFNU radio by giving updates about the FNUniv Students Association-Regina Campus as a council member and never left. The safe space created for students in the INCA and IFA departments has been life changing for me, and I highly encourage students to get involved!

Belinda Nelson

Belinda Nelson

Belinda Nelson’s academic and professional journey reflects her commitment to her community and personal growth. In 1999, she moved to Saskatoon from Ahtahkakoop Cree Nation to attend the Saskatchewan Indian Federated College, now the First Nations University of Regina. She began the INCA program in 2001 and completed her B.A. in Indigenous Studies in 2003, where she then returned to her community and worked in numerous positions. She felt a calling for change in 2023, and happened to run into Shannon Avison, which lead her back to academia. She completed her INCA certificate in the fall and has now decided to pursue a B.A. in INJC. Her interest in Journalism stemmed from a fellow classmate. One tiny clipping in the Saskatoon StarPhoenix revealed Lawrence Wegner had been found outside of Saskatoon, leading to what would soon be revealed as the “Starlight Tours.” Throughout her endeavors, her role as a mother and kokum remains a central source of joy and motivation. Belinda’s story is a testament to the power of lifelong learning and the importance of family.

Brittany Poitras

Brittany Poitras

Sample Title

My name is Brittany Poitras and I am a third-year Indigenous Communication Arts student at the First Nations University of Canada. I am an Anishinaabe and Nehiyaw woman from Peepeekisis First Nation. I hold a couple roles within the university, in which I am able to express my various interests. I am currently a radio host at CFNU The Stream and I am Vice-President of the FNUniv Regina Students’ Association. I have a passion for journalism and storytelling pertaining to Indigenous social justice, politics and history. I have always been a storyteller, but since I have joined the INCA program, I have been able to expand my skills as a communicator and learner. I understand that there is a great importance to respectfully listen to and learn the stories told by Indigenous people, and then to share them with others, in a good way. I look forward to my many years of Indigenous storytelling to come!

Chelsa Racette

Chelsa Racette

Desiraye Noname

Desiraye Noname

My name is Desiraye Noname, proudly from Regina, Saskatchewan, and a member of the Piapot Cree First Nation. Currently, I am a student at the First Nations University of Canada, enrolled in the INCA summer institute class. My journey into journalism was sparked by my passion for Indigenous storytelling and the desire to improve my professional skills. Being from an Indigenous background, I feel a strong sense of responsibility to become a public voice for my people and contribute to accurate and respectful media representation. The demand for First Nations and Métis people in media organizations motivates me, as I love to see Indigenous voices thrive in the industry. Journalism allows me to hold onto our legacy and ensure that Indigenous perspectives are included in the narrative. Through my work, I aim to be part of shaping a more inclusive media landscape, where our stories are told accurately and respectfully.

Hannah Scott

Hannah Scott

tânisi! My name is Hannah Scott and I am a third-year student at the First Nations University of Canada and University of Regina. My family is from Regina, Saskatchewan, where I currently call home. I was a pre-journalism student when starting my university career, but fell in love with the INCA program offered by the FNUniv. I am thrilled to be one of the first students joining the brand-new Indigenous Journalism and Communication Arts bachelor's degree, starting this fall semester. INCA has become my home and family and I have felt so welcomed. I hope to take these skills that I am learning through INCA into my future career, allying myself with Indigenous peoples and helping ensure Indigenous stories are told properly and with care. Reconciliation has room for everyone to be involved and I strongly believe in the importance of allyship. Reconciliation does not need to be a one-sided fight.

JR Brass

JR Brass

Tansi. JR Brass is an individual deeply rooted in his Indigenous heritage, from Sapotaweyak Cree Nation. Born to parents Barbara Theresa Brass and Robert Chartrand, Brass identifies with his mother's lineage as Swampy (Omuskegon/Western Omuskegowuk) Cree, while acknowledging his belief in his father's Saulteaux (Plains Ojibwa)/Metis heritage from Duck Bay, Mb. As the second youngest among approximately eight siblings, Brass spent his formative years navigating the complexities of the Child Welfare System across multiple communities in Manitoba during the 1990s and 2000s. Growing up primarily in Manitoba's west central region, he fostered numerous connections, building his own community network. Graduating from NDKMs in Sapotaweyak in 2011, Brass relocated to Winnipeg, Manitoba until 2020. His journey led him to pursue a degree in Indigenous Studies at the esteemed First Nations University of Canada. With a blend of resilience, cultural pride, and academic pursuit, Brass continues to be an advocate for Indigenous empowerment and cultural preservation. Egosi Meegwetch

Randi LaRocque

Randi LaRocque

Randi LaRocque is a Métis woman from the Qu’Appelle Valley with familial ties in Lebret, Saskatchewan. Randi grew up in a family that staunch in their Métis identity and involved in the Métis community. She danced with the Riel Reelers, a Métis square-dance group, volunteered plenty of times at Back to Batoche, and with Les Filles De Madelaines. Currently, Randi calls the south-central region of the province her home. She is a third-year film student out of First Nations University of Canada, where she also found the INCA program. Through the program, Randi found love in journalism and radio during time in the INCA program, as it allowed her to do something new and creative. Randi enjoys television, movies, and music and can often be seen indulging in those in her free time. Randi is hoping to switch her degree and join the Indigenous Journalism and Communication Arts in the fall.

Shanaiah Creedance Geddes

Shanaiah Creedance Geddes

Hello, my name is Shanaiah Creedance Geddes, I’m 21 years old and I’m a Cree woman registered to the Key Band First Nation. I’m adopted and originally from Saddle Lake First Nation but grew up with my adopted parents on George Gordon First Nation. My interests include Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, painting, sketching, filmmaking, hiking, photography, and many more. I have a wide variety of experience. I have worked at a library as a public service clerk for four years, and a youth mentor for three years. I have also worked at Peg's Kitchen as a production line cook and for Farm Credit Canada in media production. I also know a lot about law as I have taken policing prep programs like the Treaty 4 citizens police academy, Citizen’s Police Academy, Law, Public Safety and Security Program, and am currently sitting on the board as a special projects manager with the Citizen’s Police Academy Alumni. My goal is to work in law someday, whether it be in corrections, policing, conservation officer, or other law-related roles.

Shyla Myran

Shyla Myran

My name is Shyla Myran. I am Saulteaux and Ojibwe from Muscowpetung First Nation found in Treaty 4 Territory. I am in my last stretch of getting my Bachelors in visual arts from the University of Regina. Art is a huge part of my life that allows me to express myself in a personal and beautiful way. A big achievement of mine is to have an opportunity to have my art displayed alongside some of the famous indigenous artists found in Canada and the chance to share my art with the world. At first I was curious about the INCA program and through the INCA crash course I found a greater interest to pursue the Summer Institute program.

Tyrone Perreault

Tyrone Perreault

My name is Tyrone Perreault and I am a member of Cowessess First Nation, though I grew up off-reserve in the small city of Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan. I recently discovered my passion for writing which has led me to pursue the newly announced Bachelor of Indigenous Communication Arts degree being offered at the First Nations University of Canada. As a Cree man, storytelling plays an integral role in my culture and I am excited for the opportunity to apply aspects of Indigenous storytelling to the world of media and communications using a culturally relevant and trauma-informed approach. Being welcomed to the INCA program has been a highlight of my post-secondary career and I look forward to the continued opportunities that I will get to experience as a member of the INCA family.