Shirley Cheechoo

Dr. Shirley Cheechoo is an award-winning filmmaker, director, writer, actor, and visual artist known for her poignant, transformative storytelling across scripts, plays, film, and television dramas. Passionate about her craft—describing it as her breath and lifeblood—she founded the respected De-ba-jeh-mu-jig Theatre Company on Manitoulin Island to nurture like-minded artists, and despite finding her voice later in life, she immersed herself in writing classes, director’s labs, acting workshops, and film schools to master her medium. A mentor in the Native arts community and one of Canada’s most respected artists, she also co-owns Kasheese Studios art gallery, serves as president of Spoken Song film production company, and founded the Weengushk Film Institute to train and support independent filmmakers.