Jules Arita Koostachin

Dr. Jules Arita Koostachin (Attawapiskat) is an award-winning filmmaker, mother, writer, performance artist, and academic. With a background in community work, her films reflect themes of social justice, bravery, healing, connection, and humor. Dr. Koostachin honors her Cree-speaking grandparents who raised her, as well as her mother, a residential school survivor and warrior. With a creative eye, sharp intellect, and strong heart, she has achieved much, including raising four sons while pursuing both academics and artistry.

Graduating from Concordia University’s Theatre program, Dr. Koostachin continued to Ryerson University’s Documentary Media master’s program, where she received an Award of Distinction and an Academic Gold Medal for her thesis documentary film, Remembering Inninimowin. She later completed a Ph.D. in Indigenous documentary protocols and processes through the Institute of Gender, Race, Sexuality, and Social Justice at the University of British Columbia. Her 2024 documentary, WaaPaKe (Tomorrow), was selected to open Montreal’s Rendezvous with Madness Film Festival in October 2024.

Dr. Jules Arita Koostachin is represented by The Characters Talent for acting and Lucas Talent for writing and directing. Photo by Karolina Turek, courtesy of the National Film Board.