Shirley Cheechoo

History

Shirley Cheechoo CM (Cree: ᔒᓕᒋᒍ born 1952) is a Canadian Cree actress, writer, producer, director, and visual artist, best known for her solo-voice or monodrama play Path With No Moccasins, as well as her work with De-Ba-Jeh-Mu-Jig theatre group. Her first break came in 1985 when she was cast on the CBC's first nations TV series Spirit Bay, and later, in 1997, she found a role on the CBC's TV series The Rez. She was named chancellor of Brock University in July 2015,[1] the institution's first female and first aboriginal chancellor.

Movies

Johnny Tootall
Johnny Tootall
Writer
Discharged from Bosnian war, Johnny carries the weight of this war on his shoulders. He left the war with a dark and frightening secret, the murder of a young boy that haunts him. But Johnny carries many demons. The death of his father, running from his destiny as Chief of the Band and abandoning the love of his life. Nevertheless, Johnny must return home, the wolf spirit has called. Upon his return, he finds a new war. His estranged brother is leading his people in a revolt to save their sacred land. Johnny faces a dilemma; does he fight to save his people, or does he save himself? His journey will guide him to realizing that they are the same. In a blink, his world changes and in death, his brother guides him on a spirit walk to meet his destiny as leader of his people.
Johnny Tootall
Johnny Tootall
Director
Discharged from Bosnian war, Johnny carries the weight of this war on his shoulders. He left the war with a dark and frightening secret, the murder of a young boy that haunts him. But Johnny carries many demons. The death of his father, running from his destiny as Chief of the Band and abandoning the love of his life. Nevertheless, Johnny must return home, the wolf spirit has called. Upon his return, he finds a new war. His estranged brother is leading his people in a revolt to save their sacred land. Johnny faces a dilemma; does he fight to save his people, or does he save himself? His journey will guide him to realizing that they are the same. In a blink, his world changes and in death, his brother guides him on a spirit walk to meet his destiny as leader of his people.
In Shadow
In Shadow
Director
A young up-and-coming artist works hard to build a future for herself while a shadow from her past threatens to push her into madness.
Pikutiskaau (Mother Earth)
Pikutiskaau (Mother Earth)
Director
A feature-length documentary tracing the Cree philosophy of Mother Earth and the responsibilities of the Cree people to honor her and those who continue to give life to the Cree people.
Christmas in the Clouds
Christmas in the Clouds
Betty
A classic comedy of mistaken identity and romance set during the holiday season at a ski resort that is owned and operated by a Native American Nation. Shot on location at The Sundance Resort in Utah, this is the first contemporary romantic comedy to feature an almost entirely American Indian cast. The film was featured at the 2001 Sundance Film Festival.
Backroads
Backroads
Producer
A lawyer returns to her Cree reservation to defend her sister against murder charges.
Backroads
Backroads
Writer
A lawyer returns to her Cree reservation to defend her sister against murder charges.
Backroads
Backroads
Director
A lawyer returns to her Cree reservation to defend her sister against murder charges.
Backroads
Backroads
Ruby
A lawyer returns to her Cree reservation to defend her sister against murder charges.
Place of the Boss: Utshimassits
Place of the Boss: Utshimassits
Narrator
In the '60s, the Mushuau Innu had to abandon their 6,000-year nomadic culture and settle in Davis Inlet. Their relocation resulted in cultural collapse and widespread despair.