Jesse Wente facts for kids
Jesse Wente is a well-known Canadian journalist who writes about arts and culture. He is also the chairperson of the Canada Council for the Arts. Jesse is a member of the Ojibwe people, from the Serpent River First Nation.
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About Jesse Wente
Jesse Wente was born in Toronto, Ontario, in 1974. His father was American, and his mother was Anishinaabe. His grandmother, Norma, was Indigenous from the Serpent River First Nation. Jesse went to Crescent School in Toronto. He received help from the Canadian government through a group called Indspire. This support allowed him to study cinema at the University of Toronto. He finished his studies in 1996.
Jesse Wente's Career
Jesse Wente has worked in Canadian media for many years. He is a strong supporter of Indigenous rights. He also champions art made by First Nations, Métis, and Inuit people.
Broadcasting and Film Work
For 20 years, Jesse Wente shared his thoughts on films and pop culture. He did this on CBC Radio One's show Metro Morning. He also appeared on CBC Radio One's national program Unreserved.
Jesse has been very involved in Canadian film. He works to make sure more voices are heard in movies. He used to be the director of film programs at the TIFF Bell Lightbox. There, he managed movie showings and film events.
Leading Indigenous Initiatives
In January 2018, Jesse Wente became the first director of Canada's new Indigenous Screen Office. This government program helps Indigenous people create, produce, and share their stories through film and TV.
Role at Canada Council for the Arts
Jesse Wente joined the board of the Canada Council for the Arts in 2017. This organization supports artists and arts groups across Canada. In July 2020, he became its chairperson. Before this, he was a director at the Toronto Arts Council.
His Book
Jesse Wente wrote a book about his life and Indigenous issues. It is called Unreconciled: Family, Truth, and Indigenous Resistance. The book was published in September 2021.
Awards and Recognition
- Jesse Wente received the Reel Activist Award from the Reelworld Film Festival.
Authored books
- Unreconciled: Family, Truth, and Indigenous Resistance (2021)
