Of more than 130 clinically useful major prescriptive drugs that are derived from plants over 70% came to the attention of pharmaceutical companies because of Indigenous peoples use in traditional forms of medicine.
Indigenous peoples represent a rich diversity of cultures, religions, traditions, languages and histories.
Andrea Menard Actor + Singer + Writer + Messenger
“Own Your Voice”
A Canadian Aboriginal Icon, Andrea Menard has performed for Royalty, Prime Ministers, Premiers, Ambassadors, Governor Generals, and even sang her song Peace to NATO’s Generals. From five-time Gemini-nominated actor to multiple award-winning singer/songwriter, Andrea’s electrifying, spiritual and heartfelt performances surpass the boundaries of culture and language and capture audiences of all ages and nations.
As she walks through life, Andrea knows where she comes from and where she is going. Her authenticity is refreshing and will leave you wanting more. This very funny ‘medicine talker’, continues to bring joy and break down barriers wherever she goes.
In May 2014, she partnered with the longest standing Symphonic Orchestra in Canada, the Regina Symphony Orchestra. The self-titled show, I Am Andrea Menard took all the elements of her various talents - the jazz crooner, the traditional Métis singer, the actress, and the storyteller, and showcased a genuine entertainer.
“Menard is all about channelling hope at a time when many of us may need it most.” Eric Thom, Maverick Magazine, UK
“Menard is more versatile than duct tape, Red Green would approve”. Les Pearson, Medicine Hat News.
Her new album, Lift, which launched in early 2014, is a collection of joyful songs about beauty, awakening, and unity. Andrea’s third album, Sparkle, is featured in a 70-minute holiday special. The heart-warming musical TV show, deeply influenced the direction of her latest album.
“I just want to make music that makes people feel good, about life and about themselves. I want to honour the teaching of my elders, so that when I sing, they feel joy. “
Menard’s second album, Simple Steps, describes her experiences and reflections of her place in the world as a proud Métis woman. The Velvet Devil, Menard's debut CD features original jazz songs from her hit one-woman musical stage play, The Velvet Devil, that travelled across Canada. In 2006, The Velvet Devil became an award-winning television movie for CBC, co-written by Menard and Larry Bauman, and produced by WestWind Pictures (Little Mosque on the Prairie). The movie won 17 cinematic awards worldwide and Menard was nominated for “Best Performance by an Actress” at the Gemini Awards and won the 2007 American Indian Film Festival’s “Best Actress” award.
Andrea is part of the all-star casts in both the TVO/APTN medical series, Hard Rock Medical, which films in northern Ontario, and Blackstone (APTN, Prairie Dog Film & TV), the edgy, dramatic series about politics on a reserve. Always helping bridge communities, Andrea also landed a role in the first transgender sitcom, The Switch (OutTV). Andrea is well-known for her award-winning lead roles in the supernatural crime drama, Rabbit Fall, and in the gritty dramatic series, Moccasin Flats. Both performances garnered nominations for Gemini Awards in the “Best Actress in Leading Dramatic Role in a Continuing Series” category.
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Lighting your Creative Fire
Andrea Menard is a Creativity Fire-Starter and an Expert in Feminine Leadership who aims to enhance Mental Health and Well-being.
Many heart-centred women and men, who have developed a focused, Masculine work style to succeed, are tapped out, burned out and stressed out. Andrea helps business women and heart-centred leaders ignite their Creative spark and return to their natural, creative, Feminine Power.
By developing awareness of, and practising, the gifts hidden within the realm of the Sacred Feminine, such as receptivity, allowance, creative expansion, and emotional expression, participants will end the cycle of burnout and learn techniques to enhance their mental health and well-being. Your team will receive a boost in confidence, creativity, and consistency, and come away with a renewed sense of purpose.
Let Andrea’s skill in transforming mental drain into mental health help you and your organization kickstart your creativity.
This Presentation is perfect for:
- Business Women, Women leaders, Indigenous women, Women of colour
- Heart-centred business leaders (all genders)
- Teams struggling with change, burnout, or confidence
- Organizations concerned with mental health
Format: 45-60 minute Keynote/20 minute Energizer Keynote/or 2 hour Breakout Session
Own your Voice: Hone Your Brilliance
Are you forcing yourself to fit into an old system? Have you been criticized for being too emotional? Are you successfully activating your masculine qualities, but rejecting your feminine qualities? It might be time to Own Your Voice and Hone Your Brilliance.
According to Elders, it is time for the Sacred Feminine to shine.
For this to happen, women and men must let their authentic self step out of the shadows and into the light.Let critically acclaimed, Métis performer and TEDx speaker, Andrea Menard, help you change the system from within by finding and honouring your authentic Feminine voice. Do not fret if no one recognizes your unique Feminine talents. This culture does not know how…yet.
That is our job. To show them how bright and beautiful this world can be.Using the wisdom of her Indigenous culture and her expertise in Feminine Leadership, Andrea Menard will help you own your voice and hone your brilliance. For that is what you came here to do.
This Keynote is perfect for:
- Business women, Women entrepreneurs, Women leaders, Indigenous women, Women of colour, LGBTTQ2S
- Heart-centred business leaders (all genders)
- Teams struggling with confidence, or visibility
Format: 45-60 minute Keynote
Reconciliation: A Journey Out of Us & Them
As a Métis woman who has lived a life of Reconciliation, celebrated Métis actress and singer Andrea Menard is committed to making the invitation set forth by the Truth & Reconciliation Commission to “seek reconciliation with Indigenous people”, simple, straight forward and pain free.
Andrea’s uplifting keynote and workshops offer effective strategies, provide missing knowledge, and create safe spaces for those businesses and organizations interested in creating better relationships with their fellow Indigenous Canadians.
Leave this session with 2 or 3 action items that you can adopt to bring your organization or business closer to reconciliation.
Format: 45-60 minute Keynote
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Andrea Menard did a keynote presentation for the Indigenous Women’s Leadership Summit in November 2018. Knowing that her beautiful energy and talents would inspire the audience, we asked Andrea to speak on the subject of “Lighting Your Creative Fire.” Not only did Andrea deliver a thought-provoking talk but she had participants roaring with laughter and connecting with one-another on a very personal level. Andrea uses her voice, humour and creative talents to connect with audiences and deliver messages of love, respect and positivity. We’re big fans, so we asked her to participate again this year..
- Laurie Sterritt & Nicole Taylor-Sterritt, Co-FoundersOn behalf of the Board and over 1,000 participants of the 2018 Vision Quest Conference & Trade Show, I would like to sincerely thank Andrea for sharing her time, talents, expertise, and experience as a keynote speaker at this year’s 22nd annual event. Andrea’s presentation, with her incredible energy, was a highlight for our delegates.
- Kim Bullard, Chair, Vision Quest ConferenceAndrea Menard’s presentation on “Reconciliation: A Journey Out of Us & Them” inspired our small business owners to seek meaningful ways to integrate reconciliation into their business. With the tools that Andrea provided during her session, businesses have the knowledge and insight to move closer towards reconciliation.
- Deneen Everett, Executive Director, Yellowknife Chamber of CommerceAndrea Menard is not just a popular entertainer, but she is a powerful voice for social justice in our Canadian society. Yes she is very talented, but these talents are presented with strong instincts for social justice and with a big heart. Andrea’s acting has presented important issues, her singing/songwriting has given people hope and optimism in dealing with these issues, and her personal integrity has given her message credibility.
- Bart Begalka, M.A., M.Ed. Ed. D, Graduate Program in Counselling Psychology Trinity Western University -
Music Awards
Lift (2015)
- Nominated for Western Canadian Music Award: 2015 Aboriginal Recording of the Year
- Received Honourable Mention at the 2015 Positive Music Awards: “Let’s Sing a New Song” – Honourable Mention
- Received Honourable Mention at the 2016 Positive Music Awards: “Sparkle” – Honourable Mention
Sparkle (2008)
- Sparkle (2010) - nominated 2 Aboriginal Peoples Choice Music Awards:
- 2010 Female Entertainer of the Year
- 2010 Best Music Video, Evergreen (Big Soul Productions, directed by Tony Hrynchuk)
- Sparkle (2008) - wins an Aboriginal Peoples Choice Music Awards, 2009 Best International Album
- Sparkle (2008) - nominated for a Canadian Aboriginal Music Award:
- 2009 Best Music Video, Evergreen (Big Soul Productions, directed by Tony Hrynchuk)
Simple Steps (2005)
- Simple Steps (2005) - wins a Western Canadian Music Award: 2006 Outstanding Aboriginal Recording
- Simple Steps (2005) - wins 3 Canadian Aboriginal Music Awards: 2006 Best Folk Album, 2006 Best Single – 100 Years, 2006 Best Album of the Year
- Simple Steps (2005) - wins an Indian Summer Music Award: 2006 Best Folk Album
- Simple Steps (2005) - nominated for 4 awards: 2006 Best Female Artist – Canadian Aboriginal Music Award, 2006 Best Folk Album - Aboriginal Peoples Choice Music Awards, 2006 Best Songwriter - Aboriginal Peoples Choice Music Awards, 2006 Best Female Artist - Aboriginal Peoples Choice Music Awards
The Velvet Devil (2002)
- The Velvet Devil (2002) - nominated for 3 awards: 2003 Best Aboriginal Recording –Western Canadian Music Awards, 2003 Best Female Artist - Canadian Aboriginal Music Awards, 2003 Best Folk Album - Canadian Aboriginal Music Awards
Individual Performance - Acting:
- Nominated Leo Award - 2014 Best Supporting Performance Female – Dramatic Series (Blackstone)
- Wins award at the 35st Annual American Indian Film Festival in San Francisco - 2010 Best Actress, A Windigo Tale (Windigo Productions)
- Nominated for a Gemini Award - 2011 Best Performance in a Performing Arts Program or Series – Sparkle (APTN, Wabunganung Films) – Andrea Menard
- Nominated for a Gemini Award - 2009 Best Performance by an Actress in a Continuing Leading Dramatic Role, Rabbit Fall (Space TV, APTN, Angel Entertainment) – Andrea Menard
- Nominated for 2 Gemini Awards - 2006 Best Performance by an Actress in a Continuing Leading Dramatic Role. Moccasin Flats (Showcase, APTN, Big Soul Productions) – Andrea Menard, 2006 Best Performance in a Performing Arts Program or Series, The Velvet Devil (CBC, APTN, SCN, WestWind Pictures) – Andrea Menard
- Winner of a Gemini Award - 2008 Best Individual or Ensemble Performance in an Animated Series - Wapos Bay (APTN, Dark Thunder Productions) - Gordon Tootoosis, Raven Brass, Trevor Cunningham, Lorne Cardinal, Taylor Cook, Eric Jackson, DerRic Starlight, Andrea Menard
- Winner of 4 Showcase Awards (SMPIA), 2009 Best Lead Female, Rabbit Fall (Space TV, APTN, Angel Entertainment) – Andrea Menard, 2008 Best Lead Female, The Velvet Devil (CBC, APTN, SCN, WestWind Pictures) – Andrea Menard, 2008 Best Original Script, The Velvet Devil (CBC, APTN, SCN, WestWind Pictures) – Andrea Menard, Larry Bauman, 2008 Best Original Score, The Velvet Devil (CBC, APTN, SCN, WestWind Pictures) – Andrea Menard, Robert Walsh, Rob Bryanton
- Nominated for 3 Showcase Awards (SMPIA) - 2009 Best Supporting Female, Wapos Bay (APTN, Dark Thunder Productions) – Andrea Menard, 2008 Best Supporting Female, Wapos Bay ((APTN, Dark Thunder Productions) - Andrea Menard, 1998 Best Lead Female, Harold & Katje (WestWind Pictures) – Andrea Menard
- Wins an award at the 31st Annual American Indian Film Festival in San Francisco - 2007 Best Actress, The Velvet Devil (CBC, APTN, SCN, WestWind Pictures), Andrea Menard
Project Accolades - The Velvet Devil
- Wins 13 Showcase awards at the 2008 Saskatchewan Motion Picture Awards, Best of Showcase - The Velvet Devil - WestWind Pictures (Michael Snook, Clark Donnelly & Andrea Menard), Best Drama (Over 60 Minutes) - The Velvet Devil - Westwind Pictures (Michael Snook, Clark Donnelly & Andrea Menard), Best Direction (Dramatic) - Larry J. Bauman – The Velvet Devil, Best Art Direction - Hugh Shankland – The Velvet Devil, Best Overall Sound - Rob Bryanton, Steve Hasiak & Leon Johnson – The Velvet Devil, Best Original Score - Rob Bryanton, A Menard & Robert Walsh – The Velvet Devil, Best Script (Fictional) - Larry J. Bauman & Andrea Menard – The Velvet Devil, Best Costume - Cathy McComb – The Velvet Devil, Best Hair - Tamara Harrod – The Velvet Devil, Best Post-Production Special Effects - Jack Tunnicliffe – The Velvet Devil, Best Performance (Male Supporting) - Rod Salloum – The Velvet Devil, Best Performance (Female Lead) - Andrea Menard – The Velvet Devil, Best Performance (Female Supporting) - Kayleigh Shikanai – The Velvet Devil
- Wins the Silver Chris in the Arts Category at the Columbus International Film & Video Festival, 2006 Silver Chris - Arts Category - The Velvet Devil – Westwind Pictures (Michael Snook, Clark Donnelly, Andrea Menard)
- Wins 2 awards at the 31st Annual San Francisco American Indian Film Festival, Best Leading Actress – Andrea Menard – The Velvet Devil, Best Supporting Actress – Renae Morrisseau - The Velvet Devil.
- Wins a 2008 Canadian Aboriginal Music Award, Best Music Program – The Velvet Devil – Andrea Menard
Project Accolades – Blackstone
- Nominated 13 Alberta Showcase awards - 2014
- Nominated 7 Leo Awards – 2014
- Nominated 5 Canadian Screen Awards - 2014
- Nominated for 3 Canadian Screen Awards - 2103, Best Performance by an Actor in a Continuing Leading Dramatic Role - Steven Cree Molison, Best Performance by an Actress in a Featured Supporting Role in a Dramatic Program or Series - Georgina Lightning, Best Achievement in Casting - Rhonda Fisekci
- Winner of two Gemini Awards, Best Actress in a Leading Role in a Dramatic series – Michelle Thrush
- Nominated for 49 awards, winning 20, including multiple Leos Awards, including Best Dramatic Series in 2012 and numerous Alberta Film and Television Awards.
- Nominated for 2 Directors Guild Awards, 2011 Best Dramatic Series, Blackstone (Showcase, APTN, Prairie Dog Film & TV)
Project Accolades – Rabbit Fall
- Nominated for 2 Directors Guild Awards, 2008 Best Dramatic Series, Rabbit Fall (Space TV, APTN, Angel Entertainment), 2009 Best Production Team, Rabbit Fall (Space TV, APTN, Angel
- Winner of 2 Showcase Awards (SMPIA) - 2009 Best Drama (under 60 Minutes), Rabbit Fall (Space TV, APTN, Angel Entertainment)
Project Accolades - Moccasin Flats
- Nominated for 3 Gemini Awards in 2006 - Best Dramatic Series – Moccasin Flats – Big Soul Productions (Jennifer Podemski, Laura Milliken), Best Original Music Score – Moccasin Flats – Donald Quan, Derek Miller, Best Performance by an Actress in a Continuing Leading Dramatic Role – Moccasin Flats - Andrea Menard
Project Accolades – Wapos Bay
- Receives a 2006 Gemini Award, and two 2008 Gemini nominations - Canada Award – Wapos Bay – Dark Thunder Productions (Dennis & Melanie Jackson, Anand Ramaya), Best Individual or Ensemble Performance in an Animated Series - Gordon Tootoosis, Raven Brass, Trevor Cunningham, Lorne Cardinal, Taylor Cook, Eric Jackson, DerRic Sterlight, Andrea Menard – Wapos Bay, Best Writing in a Children’s or Youth Series – Dennis Jackson – Wapos Bay
Speaker Categories:
Master of Ceremonies and Facilitators Authors and Storytellers Environment Filmmakers Leadership and Mentorship Mental Health Motivation Social Change Spirituality Indigenous Awareness and Diversity Womens Issues Health Healing and Traditional Medicine Actors Entertainers and CelebritiesAs she walks through life, Andrea knows where she comes from and where she is going. Her authenticity is refreshing and will leave you wanting more. This very funny ‘medicine talker’, continues to bring joy and break down barriers wherever she goes.
In May 2014, she partnered with the longest standing Symphonic Orchestra in Canada, the Regina Symphony Orchestra. The self-titled show, I Am Andrea Menard took all the elements of her various talents - the jazz crooner, the traditional Métis singer, the actress, and the storyteller, and showcased a genuine entertainer.
“Menard is all about channelling hope at a time when many of us may need it most.” Eric Thom, Maverick Magazine, UK
“Menard is more versatile than duct tape, Red Green would approve”. Les Pearson, Medicine Hat News.
Her new album, Lift, which launched in early 2014, is a collection of joyful songs about beauty, awakening, and unity. Andrea’s third album, Sparkle, is featured in a 70-minute holiday special. The heart-warming musical TV show, deeply influenced the direction of her latest album.
“I just want to make music that makes people feel good, about life and about themselves. I want to honour the teaching of my elders, so that when I sing, they feel joy. “
Menard’s second album, Simple Steps, describes her experiences and reflections of her place in the world as a proud Métis woman. The Velvet Devil, Menard's debut CD features original jazz songs from her hit one-woman musical stage play, The Velvet Devil, that travelled across Canada. In 2006, The Velvet Devil became an award-winning television movie for CBC, co-written by Menard and Larry Bauman, and produced by WestWind Pictures (Little Mosque on the Prairie). The movie won 17 cinematic awards worldwide and Menard was nominated for “Best Performance by an Actress” at the Gemini Awards and won the 2007 American Indian Film Festival’s “Best Actress” award.
Andrea is part of the all-star casts in both the TVO/APTN medical series, Hard Rock Medical, which films in northern Ontario, and Blackstone (APTN, Prairie Dog Film & TV), the edgy, dramatic series about politics on a reserve. Always helping bridge communities, Andrea also landed a role in the first transgender sitcom, The Switch (OutTV). Andrea is well-known for her award-winning lead roles in the supernatural crime drama, Rabbit Fall, and in the gritty dramatic series, Moccasin Flats. Both performances garnered nominations for Gemini Awards in the “Best Actress in Leading Dramatic Role in a Continuing Series” category.
Speaker Summary
Location: Canada
Language: English
Website: Click Here
Categories
Master of Ceremonies and Facilitators Authors and Storytellers Environment Filmmakers Leadership and Mentorship Mental Health Motivation Social Change Spirituality Indigenous Awareness and Diversity Womens Issues Health Healing and Traditional Medicine Actors Entertainers and CelebritiesWhat People Say
"
Andrea Menard did a keynote presentation for the Indigenous Women’s Leadership Summit in November 2018. Knowing that her beautiful energy and talents would inspire the audience, we asked Andrea to speak on the subject of “Lighting Your Creative Fire.” Not only did Andrea deliver a thought-provoking talk but she had participants roaring with laughter and connecting with one-another on a very personal level. Andrea uses her voice, humour and creative talents to connect with audiences and deliver messages of love, respect and positivity. We’re big fans, so we asked her to participate again this year..
- Laurie Sterritt & Nicole Taylor-Sterritt, Co-Founders
On behalf of the Board and over 1,000 participants of the 2018 Vision Quest Conference & Trade Show, I would like to sincerely thank Andrea for sharing her time, talents, expertise, and experience as a keynote speaker at this year’s 22nd annual event. Andrea’s presentation, with her incredible energy, was a highlight for our delegates.
- Kim Bullard, Chair, Vision Quest Conference
Andrea Menard’s presentation on “Reconciliation: A Journey Out of Us & Them” inspired our small business owners to seek meaningful ways to integrate reconciliation into their business. With the tools that Andrea provided during her session, businesses have the knowledge and insight to move closer towards reconciliation.
- Deneen Everett, Executive Director, Yellowknife Chamber of Commerce
Andrea Menard is not just a popular entertainer, but she is a powerful voice for social justice in our Canadian society. Yes she is very talented, but these talents are presented with strong instincts for social justice and with a big heart. Andrea’s acting has presented important issues, her singing/songwriting has given people hope and optimism in dealing with these issues, and her personal integrity has given her message credibility.
- Bart Begalka, M.A., M.Ed. Ed. D, Graduate Program in Counselling Psychology Trinity Western University
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Featured Speakers
Eddy Robinson
Featured in CBC’s Moccassins & Concrete documentary and having performed with the likes of Serena Ryder, Andrea Menard, Plex and many others, Eddy Robinson’s perspective and drum beats are highly sought after.
Eddy Robinson is a caring and motivated educator, speaker, and life changer. He speaks to the need for understanding the benefits of knowing your culture. Eddy will enlighten and entertain with passionate, personal narratives, along with a depth of insight into indigenous culture and knowledge.
Jaris Swidrovich
Named one of CBC Saskatchewan’s "Future 40", Dr. Jaris Swidrovich is Canada's first self-identified First Nations Doctor of Pharmacy. As President of the Canadian Society of Hospital Pharmacists, and member of numerous other boards Swidrovich brings his successful multiversity experience of bridging organizational needs with Health Care mandates. Passionate about health, education, and how Indigenous and marginalized people are impacted at local, provincial, national, and international levels, Dr. Swidrovich delivers powerful presentations illustrating how we can all be part of the cure and partake in the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada's Calls to Action.
Michelle Thrush
Gemini Award winning Actress, and multi-award nominee, including Best Lead Actress and Best Actress in a TV series, powerhouse celebrity Michelle Thrush knows what it takes to light up a stage. Wit, humour, passion, and creativity are just a few of Michelle’s attributes, outside of celebrity, that draw her to stages world-wide. Whether she is speaking from her heart, hosting galas, or breaking down the barriers of stereotypes, Michelle engages, captivates, and moves audiences to feel and see her unique vision of life.
Ngahihi Bidois
Multi-award winning International Leadership Speaker and Author, Ngahihi o te ra Bidois is known as "The Face of New Zealand" inspires with the timeless wisdom from the Maori culture. This Modern day warrior’s presentation on "Ancient Wisdom Modern Solutions" is why he is the recipient of the National Professional Speakers Association, New Zealand Inspirational Speaker of the Year. A Maori leader, Ngahi combines centuries of tradition, along with his hands-on business experience, and academic qualifications to bring a message that transcends cultural boundaries.