Jules Arita Koostachin

Dr. Jules Arita Koostachin is an InNiNew IsKwew (Swampy Cree woman) and a member of Attawapiskat First Nation. Jules was raised by her Cree speaking grandparents in Moosonee, as well as in Ottawa with her mother, a residential school survivor/warrior. She is a graduate of Concordia University’s Theatre program and later, TMU’s Documentary Media master’s program. In 2010, Jules was awarded an Award of Distinction and an Academic Gold Medal for her thesis documentary film “Remembering Inninimowin”. She is a proud mother of four incredible sons, a published writer, performance artist, an academic and an award-winning filmmaker. She completed her PhD with the Institute of Gender, Race, Sexuality, and Social Justice program at the University of British Columbia, and her research focused on Indigenous documentary practices. Jules is the voice of Layla on the award-winning animated series “Molly of Denali” and is currently working on several productions concerning Indigeneity. She recently released two feature documentaries and is in post-production with her second scripted feature “Angela’s Shadow”. Jules has also been actively working with the  Indigenous community supporting those who face barriers.