top of page

Deborah Lynn Marie Smith

6133 VLA Road, Chase, BC V0E 1M0   

Email: deborah.l.smith@ryerson.ca or deborahjacquette@gmail.com

Cell: (587) 501-1049

 

 

RESEARCH INTERESTS

 

Restoration practices, Mobilizing Indigenous knowledge, Spiritual Science Fiction Genre, Indigenous cinema and production, creative, alternative and cultural economies, Indigenous literary arts, performance, third space, rites of passage and liminality, Indigenous consciousness, Indigenous Storytelling as medicine, adult learning, communication, digital and new media, natural law, Indigenous youth, sports, sportsmanship, leadership, new cultural-relational curriculum, Indigenous spirituality, land stewardship,

 

EDUCATION

2022 - PhD in Creative Writing - Current Student, Warnborough College, Dublin, Ireland (Completion Date - 2025)

2018-19 Masters of Media Production, Ryerson University, Toronto, ON

2015-17 Bachelor of Arts (with Distinction), Double Minor, First Nations Studies, Art,

Performance and Cinema Studies, Faculty of Communications, Art and Technology Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, BC

2012-14 Communications Studies, Communications Dept., Cum. GPA: 3.810/4.0

Total Study Hours (S.H.): 112.00, Thomas Edison State University, Trenton, NJ

2009-12 Cinema Studies, Cinema/TV Department: Cum. GPA: 3.563, Total S.H.: 76.00

Los Angeles City College, Los Angeles, CA

2012 Broadcasting Studies, Media Arts Department: Cum. GPA: 4.0 Total S.H.: 6.00

Los Angeles Valley College, Los Angeles, CA

2007 Immersion Filmmaking Program, Certificate Awarded, GPA: 2.23, Hours Earned:

936.00, Los Angeles Film School, Los Angeles, CA

2005 Studio Production Technician, Certificate Awarded, GPA: 2.8, Hours Earned:

1330.00, Technology Development Center, Ventura, CA

1998-99 Psychology Studies, Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, GPA: 1.59

S. H.: 33.00, Athabasca University, Athabasca, AB

1996 Open Studies, GPA: 3.30, S.H. 3.00, University of Lethbridge, Lethbridge, AB

1982-83 Social Studies & Art Studies, Nursing, Bachelor of Education, B.N. RW,

Withdrew, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB

1980-81 University Transfer, Social Studies & Art Studies Bachelor of Education,

GPA: 5/67/9.00, S.H. 33.00, Grande Prairie Regional College, Grande Prairie, AB

 

 

TEACHING ASSISTANT EXPERIENCE

 

2018 - Teaching Assistant, RTA, Ryerson University

â–ª Marked undergraduate assignments, corresponded with students, invigilated exams

2018 - Teaching Assistant, Interim Aboriginal University Preparation Program,

(FNST 101 – Introduction to First Nations Studies)

â–ª Marked undergraduate assignments, corresponded with students during office hours and canvas email

 

RESEARCH EXPERIENCE

 

2022 - Independent Research Consultant – Short-term projects: Indigenous Tourism British Columbia (Spring/2022): providing input/written material to achieving success to engage Indigenous communities and youth; Women in Leadership - Indigenous Leadership Circle Project (Winter/2022)– analyze/summarize research for final report

2019 – Research Assistant, Develop and write SSHRC Grants, Business Proposals, Faculty of Communications and Design, Ryerson University, Toronto, ON

2017-18 Research Assistant, Department of First Nations Studies, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, BC

â–ª Conducted searches for Indigenous writings in historical online databases, digitized and catalogued 100 hours of audiotape for online SFU library database

â–ª Built database of Indigenous Authors images, gaining knowledge of Intellectual Property and Copyright management

â–ª Uploaded documents to the project folder and transcribed letters, as part of a larger project entitled “The People and The Text”

2018 Research Assistant, Department of First Nations Studies, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, BC

â–ª Researched and developed Department course posters, logo redesign, marketing strategies and publicity materials

â–ª Develop graphics & marketing materials related to Dept. courses, activities and academic, staff, student highlights for newly implemented public visual display monitor

 

 

WORK/PRODUCTION EXPERIENCE

 

PRODUCER

2019-2020 “Eyes North 2019”, Producer, Host/Commentator, CFRC 101.9FM 30 minutes, Weekly

2019 “The Indigenous “Oprah” Inspired Talk Show Pilot, TV Series Concept, 11:35 minutes

2018-2019 “Collective R.I.T.E.S. Radio”, Broadcast CFRC 101.9FM, Host/Commentator,

             30 minutes, Weekly

2018 “The Laura Maracle Show” Radio Broadcast, CFRC 101.9FM, Producer

2010 “Pepsi Max – Chime On”, 30 second Commercial

2009 “Summer Without Tommy”, Documentary, Short Subject, 6 min.

2009 “Shadows and Light”, Short film, 13 min., Jennifer Tung/Nancy Hendrickson, Executive

Producers, Drama, Super16mm Film, B&W, listed on IMDB

2007 “Motion Picture and Video Lighting DVD”, Second Edition, Blain Brown, Exec.

Producer/Writer, XL2/16mm Film

2007 "The Other Side of Town", Martin Larsen/Dir., Short Subject, 12 min., Drama,

2007 Reel Project- “Butch Cassidy and The Sundance Kid", Isaac Rosenthal/Dir., 8 mins.,

Drama, PS TECHNIC

2007 Reel Project- “Schindlers' List", Ricky Robinson/Dir., 10 mins., Drama, PS TECHNIC

2007 “Board Games" - Deborah Smith/Dir., Short Subject, 4 min., Drama

2004 "The Un'Sense'sored Entertainment Review", Deborah Smith/Dir., 30 min. Pilot

2004 "Schmooze with Suz", Donald McConnell/Dir., 30 min. Talk Show, 3 CAMERA

2004 "Ipod Shuffle; Who's Your Daddy?" Deborah Smith/Dir., Spec. Commercial, 60 secs.

2004 "Oxnard Beauty College; Promo", Deborah Smith/Dir., Commercial, 30 secs.

2004 "The Institute of Unlimited Potential - Respecting Others", Deborah Smith/Dir.,

          PSA, 30 secs.

2003 "Mashti Malone - Ice Cream is Love", Joe Rey/Dir., 3 Commercials, (60-60-60 secs.)

2003 "The Couch", Mark LeGrand/Director, Short Subject, Comedy/Drama, 16 min.

 

CO-PRODUCER

2003 “When Pigs Fly - A Documentary", Chris Kas/Editor/Co-Prod., Feature Doc./Compilation,

          120 mins.

2003 "The First Venice Spiritual Film Festival", Terri Rose/Exec. Prod., Film Festival, 2 Days

 

UNIT PRODUCTION MANAGER/PRODUCTION COORDINATOR

 

2007 "Mirror, Mirror", Jeremy Eisler/Director/Producer, Short Subject, 16min., Drama

2007 "Into the Flowers”, Kestin Thomas/Director, Short Subject, Drama, 14 min.,

2007 "Limbo", Isaac Rosenthal, Dir./Producer, Short Subject, 16 min., Drama, HD CAM

2003 "The World Needs Peace", Ed Rothkowicz/Prod., Short Subject, Drama, 22 min.

 

WRITER

  • 2019 “Thunder Spirit High – Pilot” – TV Series, In Development

  • 2019 “1000 – The Series Pilot’ – TV Series, In Development

  • 2019 “The Cloudkeepers” – TV Series, In Development

  • 2019 “Journey to Elk River” – TV Mini Series, In Development

  • 2019 “The Seven Teachings” – Childrens 3D-VR Animation Series in Development,

Currently an Interactive Website (2016)

  • 2018 “Warm Up the Bus” - Narrative Feature, In Development

  • 2017 “Stay” – Narrative Feature, In Development

  • 2015 “Journey To Elk River” – Narrative Feature, In Development

  • 2015 “The Bannock Club” – Narrative Feature

  • 2013 “Forever Hungry” - Narrative Feature

  • 2011 “Hell Raised” - Narrative Feature, Spec. Pilot.

  • 2009 “Summer Without Tommy” - Documentary

  • 2004 “The Un'Sense'sored Entertainment Review” - Comedy Series, 30 min. Spec. Pilot

  • 2004 "The PoweRCReation Mind" - Educational Series, 30 min. Spec. Pilot

  • 2002 "Saving Sydney" - Narrative Feature

  • 2000 “Who Wants to Live Forever” - Narrative Feature

 

CAMERA OPERATOR/SOUND MIXER

 

2019 Camera/Sound Operator, “360 Journalism and Fake News”, Nicole Dawe Journalist/Producer,

         Documentary, Panasonic HM150

2004 Camera Operator, “Schmooze with Suz", - Ventura CAPS Production, 4 Episodes, 3

          Camera,

2004 Camera Operator, "The Mayor's Forum” - Ventura CAPS Production, 3 Camera,

2004 Sound Mixer, “Schmooze with Suz" - 2 Episodes, Ventura CAPS Production, 3 Camera

 

 

 

WORK EXPERIENCE

2020-Present – Independent Research Consultant/Writer

2020 - Digital Media Specialist; Chief Atahm School, Adams Lake Indian Band, Chase, BC

  • Co-created video series project for TPR (Total Physical Response) Secwepemc Language Nest; Chief Atahm Nursery Program

  • Setup Digital Media Studio within budget parameters; Greenscreen/Audio Recording

  • Photography and edits for Level One Language Learning Book and uploads to Jetpack Educational Games Publishing Platform

  • Assist Curriculum dept. with prep of audio files for First Voices Language Platform

  • Various duties included equipment inventory, research, trouble-shooting, and problem-solving

2000 -19 Independent Filmmaker, Emerging film Production Company writing and

              developing Indigenous themed narrative, documentary, and new media projects

  • Currently in development; narrative feature film “Warm Up the Bus”

  • Continuous work-in-progress slate of projects in various stages of development

  • 19 years of hands on production, post-production, and networking experience. Primary work as a            producer was on short films with emerging and student filmmakers

  • Continuous study of writing, process, and theory through education and mentorship

2017-18 Administrative Assistant, Webmaster, Indigenous Literary Studies Association

(ILSA), Dr. Deanna Reder, Chair of SFU First Nations Studies Dept., Past President of ILSA

  • Revamp, maintain, update ILSA website

  • Assist with duties related to inaugural ILSA Indigenous Voices Awards (2018); correspondence, mailings, organization

2016 Administrative Assistant, (Summer term) Praxis Centre for Screenwriters,

Prof. Patricia Gruben, Supervisor, Faculty of Communications, Arts, and Technology

  • Script reading Selection Committee for WFF (Whistler Film Festival) Praxis Screenwriters Lab

  • Assist with preparation for events, workshops, screenings, related to Praxis Centre mandate to develop screenwriting skills and business opportunities for screenwriters

2016  Digital Scanning Technician, (Spring term), Bill Reid Centre, Simon Fraser University –

  • Documenting First Nations and West Coast Visual Culture from past to present

2015 - Ghostwriter, Author – Fabulous @ 50 Re-Experience

2014 - Cook/Cashier – Screaming Kettle Restaurant – Edmonton, AB

2014 - Waitress- Joey’s Only Restaurants – Sylvan Lake/Edmonton, AB

2013 – 2014 - Cashier - Walmart – Everett, Washington USA

2012 - Pizza Delivery Driver – Papa Johns' Pizza - Los Angeles California USA

2005 – 2010 - Cashier/Parking Attendant - Los Angeles California USA

2002 – 2003 - Production Office Coordinator, Los Angeles Film Cooperative/LAFCO

2000 – 2002 - Assistant Store Manager/Cashier - Los Angeles California USA

 

GUEST SPEAKER

 

2017 Deborah Smith, Indigenous Aesthetics; Digital Media, Appropriation, Spirituality and Interactivity. Fraser International College. October 2nd, 5th, 6th, 12th, 2017, 40-minute presentation, 30-40 students

 

HONOURS AND AWARDS

 

2019 - Frank Hori Award, For students with financial need, for academic Achievements,

           and their connection to the Indigenous Community ($5000)

2017 - Minerva Foundation Award for BC Aboriginal Women, Simon Fraser University,

           Burnaby, BC ($2500).

2016 - Minerva Foundation Award for BC Aboriginal Women, Simon Fraser University,

           Burnaby, BC ($2500).

2016 - First Nations Student Association Scholarship. Simon Fraser University,

           Burnaby, BC ($650).

2016 - SFU Alumni Scholarship. Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, BC ($500).

2009-12 - Dean’s List (DL), President’s List (PL) Los Angeles City College, Los Angeles, CA

         (DL - 4 terms) (PL - 2 terms)

1981 - Visual Art Plaque & Award, Grande Prairie Regional College, Grande Prairie, AB

         ($100)

 

CONFERENCE MEMBERSHIPS/CAPACITY BUILDING PROGRAMS

2021 – Roots of Indigenous Strength & Entrepreneurship (R.I.S.E.) Program

2018 - Indigenous Literary Studies Association

 

COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT/VOLUNTEER EXPERIENCE

 

2022 - Volunteer Gardening/Regenerative Farming Worker

2018-20 - Radio Producer/Show Host, CFRC 101.9FM, Pre-recorded weekly delivery

30 min. Episodes, “Eyes North Radio 2020”, “The Laura Maracle Show”, “Collective R.I.T.E.S. Radio”

2018-19 - Editorial Team Member & Content Contributor, Ryerson University TransMedia Zone        Publication “Rough Draft”

2018-19 - Grad School Council Representative, Masters of Media Production, Ryerson University

2015-18 Member, First Nations Student Association, SFU Campus, Burnaby, BC

2017 Independent Evaluator, First Nations Student Association, SFU Campus, Burnaby, BC

2016-17 Peer Mentor, Indigenous Student Centre, Burnaby, BC

2016-17 Indigenous Student Cultural House, Proposal Co-writer, Peer Mentor and House:  Co-Leader for pilot program that established the First Indigenous Community Living and Learning housing project at Simon Fraser University

bottom of page