HomeLatest NewsAndrea Menard named ACTRA National's Woman...

Andrea Menard named ACTRA National’s Woman of the Year

Andrea Menard has been named this year’s ACTRA National Woman of the Year.

Since 2010, ACTRA has bestowed the award each year upon an ACTRA member who uses her passion to support ACTRA members and women within the broader audiovisual industry. Past honourees have included Sarah Polley, Tina Keeper, Mary Walsh and Shirley Douglas.

Menard, who is originally from Manitoba, is a member of the Métis Nation and currently lives in Vancouver.

The singer/songwriter and actress was one of the stars of Netflix series Blackstone from 2011-15 and has also had recurring roles on Hard Rock Medical (TVO/APTN); OutTV series The Switch; Wapos Bay: The Series (APTN); and Moccasin Flats (APTN/Showcase), among other projects. Menard is a five-time Gemini-nominee.

Her 1998 one-woman, one act musical play, The Velvet Devil, earned her three Saskatchewan Showcase Awards and an American Indian Film Festival Best Actress Award. The CBC later adapted The Velvet Devil into a film in 2006.

Her work in the community includes speaking and performing on behalf of numerous organizations, including Indigenous Women Entrepreneurs LIFT Circle; National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls; Native Women’s Association of Canada; Women’s Executive Network; Indian Residential School Survivors Society; Gabriel Dumont Institute; SheEO; and the Professional Aboriginal Women’s Network. She also hosts women’s retreats as the founder of the Sacred Feminine Learning Lodge.

“Andrea Menard is a distinguished performer, singer and writer,” said ACTRA National President David Sparrow, in a release. “Andrea is deeply committed to the growth and development of Indigenous representation in Canada’s arts industries. She is an inspiration and a role model for all of us. We are proud to be honouring her in celebration of International Women’s Day.”

“ACTRA women are a tremendous force of change,” added Menard. “With the development of important initiatives like HAVEN Helpline, and Diversity & Inclusion Committees, ACTRA women work hard to address inequalities in our industry and to improve work opportunities for their sisters. I’m especially proud of my Indigenous ACTRA women colleagues who continue to push boundaries and to advance Indigenous representation on our screens. I am deeply grateful to receive this honour from my artistic community of peers.”

ACTRA (Alliance of Canadian Cinema, Television and Radio Artists) is the national union of professional performers working in English-language recorded media in Canada. ACTRA represents over 27,000 members across the country.


Subscribe Now – Free!

Broadcast Dialogue has been required reading in the Canadian broadcast media for 25 years. When you subscribe, you join a community of connected professionals from media and broadcast related sectors from across the country.

The Weekly Briefing from Broadcast Dialogue is delivered exclusively to subscribers by email every Thursday. It’s your link to critical industry news, timely people moves, and excellent career advancement opportunities.

Let’s get started right now.

* indicates required

 

SUBSCRIBE NOW - IT'S FREE!

At Broadcast Dialogue®, we are committed to delivering industry-leading insights, news, and analysis directly to your inbox—completely free of charge.

By providing full / accurate information, you are helping us sustain Broadcast Dialogue® as a free resource. In return, we commit to delivering high-quality content that keeps you informed on the latest trends, technology, and news shaping the broadcast landscape—at no cost to you.

The Weekly Briefing from Broadcast Dialogue® is delivered exclusively to our subscribers by email every Thursday.
Please enable JavaScript in your browser to complete this form.

Your Subscription Information

Your Name
Your Email Address
Broadcast Dialogue uses this information to understand our audience and deliver relevant content.
Broadcast Dialogue uses this information to understand our audience and deliver relevant content.

Your Company Information

A Couple Of Questions

Do you consider yourself retired?
Are you seeking employment opportunities?

Connie Thiessen
Connie Thiessenhttps://broadcastdialogue.com
Connie has worked coast-to-coast as a reporter, editor, anchor and host at CKNW and News 1130 in Vancouver, News 95.7 and CBC in Halifax, and CFCW Edmonton, among other stations. With a passion for music, film and community service, she led News 95.7 to a 2013 Atlantic Journalism Award and regional RTDNA award for Best Radio Newscast. More recently, she was nominated for Music Journalist of the Year at Canadian Music Week 2019. To report a typo or error please email - [email protected]

Latest News

Former CHUM head Jim Waters passes at age 73

Jim Waters, the former head of the CHUM empire, has passed away unexpectedly at age 73. Waters' Ontario Hockey League (OHL) team, the Erie Otters,...

CRTC sets timeline, negotiation framework under Online News Act

The CRTC has released the mandatory bargaining framework that will apply when major online platforms and eligible Canadian news organizations negotiate agreements under the Online...

Events / Conferences