One of the most supporting factors of getting me off the ground was my acting coach from The Grizzlies, Melee Hutton. She was beyond amazing and helped us all prepare for really difficult scenes. I had never acted before but right from the beginning she believed in me, supported me and was always doing her best to coax out the emotions to make sure that I can portray vulnerability and sensitivity authentically, but also safely. I’m so extremely grateful for her support and for encouraging me to be a powerful force in the acting industry for Indigenous women and Indigenous youth. She never cast any doubt on me and really made me feel like there was nothing I couldn’t do. Melee really was monumental and made me feel like I could go further than just one film. She made sure I knew that I was capable. She was also our incredible acting coach for North of North.

Anna Lambe, The Grizzlies, Canadian Screen Award Best supporting Actress nomination, True Detective, North of North.

Elizabeth Yu, AZULA in Avatar the Last Airbender Live Action, Netflix

“Working with Melee not only kept me focused and confident in my work, but she also reminded me to have fun. She showed me how to use the tools I already had to build a whole new person unlike myself, and taught me how to use so many new ones. She’s perfect for that no bullshit and all love treatment that every actor needs in order to grow. Melee makes you feel safe and eager to be vulnerable to make mistakes so that you know exactly what to do in front of the camera .”