HOSTS
Meet the hosts for Aboriginal Day Live:
Don Kelly
Host, Winnipeg
Don Kelly is a comedian, writer, actor and all-around communications specialist. As a stand-up comic he has performed across North America and has appeared on numerous television and radio comedy showcases, including his own national television specials on CBC’s Comics!, CTV’s Comedy Now, the Winnipeg Comedy Festival, The Debaters and many other national and regional programs. Don has hosted the 2008, 2009, 2010 and 2011 Aboriginal Day Live national broadcast on the APTN, and served as host for the Canadian Aboriginal Music Awards and the Aboriginal Peoples Choice Music Awards “First Night Festival.”
Don is co-host and writer of the Gemini-nominated television show Fish Out of Water on APTN. The show explores Don’s adventures as an urban Indian trying to learn the traditional skills and wisdom of Aboriginal peoples… with hilarious results! Don is a member of the Ojibways of Onigaming, a Treaty #3 First Nation in northwestern Ontario.
Candy Palmater
Host, Winnipeg
Candy is a recovered lawyer who was raised by bikers in the wilds of Northern New Brunswick. She is the creator and star of the national, prime time TV series The Candy Show, which airs Thursdays nights, on APTN & APTN HD, with a 3rd Season currently in Post Production. When Candy is not busy getting tattoos or working on her Masters Degree, or speaking all around globe, you can find her Vloging on YouTube, Tweeting on Twitter or status updating on Facebook! Candy is Canada’s only gay, native ( Mi’Kmaq) TV star, which has been voted Halifax’s funniest stand‐up comedian by The Coast Magazine, 5 years in a row. Candy’s unique ability grants her many hosting events in North America, she performs to sold out shows across the country, she has performed in many comedy festivals, and she is a regular on CBC radio DNTO. IN addition to her travelling with speaking and comedy, Candy is the Director of the Mi’Kmaq Liaison Office for the Dept. of Ed, for Nova Scotia. Once you’ve heard Candy you will never see the world the same way again!
Chantelle Ducharme
Host, Winnipeg
Chantelle Ducharme has been the host of Upload since 2010 as well as the former host of Friday Night Flick for APTN. She’s Métis and a self-proclaimed country girl from a small town in south western Manitoba where she was surrounded by a large presence of traditional Métis and country music.
Growing up for half of her life in a tiny village and the other half in large cities, Chantelle learned to appreciate all types of music, movies, artwork and the diversity of the human race.
Since moving to Winnipeg in 2005 to pursue a career in broadcast communications, Chantelle has worked in promotions. Shortly after college graduation, she found herself working for APTN behind the scenes for the history-making 2010 Vancouver Olympics broadcast as the assistant to the executive producer.
She has also been involved with the Aboriginal Peoples Choice Music Awards from 2007 to present. She was the live Webstage Pass host for APTN’s Aboriginal Day Live 2011 with her former co-host Kernel the Dog.
Chantelle loves spending her free time on the Internet and on social networking sites. She is very excited to be a part of APTN’s Aboriginal Day Live 2012 as the Webstage Pass host. At age 26, Chantelle is the youngest host for this year’s Aboriginal Day Live and Celebration.
Jennifer Podemski
Host, Regina
Jennifer Podemski is an award winning, Gemini-nominated actor born and raised in Toronto. With 20 years of experience, Jennifer is best known for her roles in Bruce McDonald’s acclaimed feature film Dance Me Outside, CBC’s The Rez, and Riverdale. She has appeared in more than 100 television series and feature films but most recently appeared in the comedy series Moose TV, Degrassi TNG, and The Robber Bride.
Jennifer began producing in 1999 when she co-founded production company Big Soul Productions with Laura Milliken. Together they created and produced many award winning television and film projects, including the first dramatic series to be created, produced and written by an all-Aboriginal production team, Moccasin Flats, which aired on APTN for three seasons and garnered three Gemini nominations.
Dedicating a large part of her time to working with children and youth, Jennifer tours Canada and the US speaking to Native youth and facilitating workshops in self-awareness, goal setting and self-empowerment. She has delivered over 1000 keynote addresses, sharing information on Aboriginal participation in the media and bridging the cultural divide. Jennifer works to build capacity within the Aboriginal community.
