Tina Keeper facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Tina Keeper
CM OM MSM
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Keeper in 2014
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| Member of Parliament for Churchill |
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| In office January 23, 2006 – October 14, 2008 |
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| Preceded by | Bev Desjarlais |
| Succeeded by | Niki Ashton |
| Personal details | |
| Born | March 20, 1962 Winnipeg, Manitoba |
| Political party | Liberal |
| Residence | Manitoba |
| Profession | actress, producer |
Christina Jean Keeper, also known as Tina Keeper, was born on March 20, 1962. She is a talented Cree actress and film producer from Canada. She also used to be a politician.
Many people first knew her as RCMP officer Michelle Kenidi in the TV show North of 60. Later, she became a Member of Parliament (MP) in Canada. She was elected in 2006 and represented the area of Churchill for the Liberal Party. After her time in politics, she went back to working in film and television. She continues to act and produce movies and shows today.
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About Tina Keeper
Her Early Life
Tina Keeper is a member of the Norway House Cree Nation. This community is located in northern Manitoba. She was born in Winnipeg, a city in Manitoba.
Her grandfather was Joe Keeper, an Olympic long-distance runner. Her father, Joseph I. Keeper, was recognized with the Order of Canada. Her mother, Phyllis Keeper, was an Anglican priest.
Tina studied history and theatre at the University of Winnipeg. She first planned to become a history professor. However, she became an actor after joining an Indigenous theatre group in Winnipeg.
Her Acting Career
Tina Keeper had several smaller roles in movies. One notable role was in the short film For Angela. In 1992, she was cast in the popular TV series North of 60.
She was nominated five times for a Gemini Award for Best Actress for her work on North of 60. She won this award in 1997. In 1995, she also received a Gemini nomination for her performance in For Angela. This nomination was for a Children's or Youth Program.
After North of 60 ended as a regular series, Tina continued to play Michelle Kenidi in several TV movies. She also appeared in other films like Skins and On the Corner.
After her political career, she returned to acting and producing. She worked on the APTN drama series Cashing In. More recently, she has acted in TV shows such as Mohawk Girls and Heartland. She also appeared in films like Through Black Spruce and Falls Around Her.
Tina Keeper is a partner in a film production company called Kistikan Pictures. She helped produce Through Black Spruce and other films. In 2014, she helped create Going Home Star. This was a Royal Winnipeg Ballet show about Indigenous reconciliation.
Her Time in Politics
Tina Keeper was elected as a Member of Parliament (MP) in 2006. She represented the Liberal Party for the area of Churchill. She won because the votes for the New Democratic Party were split between two candidates.
She worked as the Official Opposition's Critic for Public Health and Canadian Heritage. She was also a special advisor for Aboriginal Outreach. In 2008, she ran for re-election but was not successful.
Even though she has not run for office since, Tina Keeper continues to be a political activist. She helps lead the Helen Betty Osborne Memorial Foundation. She is also involved with groups like the Red Cross Manitoba. She is an honorary witness for the Truth and Reconciliation Commission.
Awards and Recognition
Tina Keeper has received many awards for her work. Besides her Gemini Award win, she has won a National Aboriginal Achievement Award. She also has three American Indian Film Festival awards for acting and producing.
In 2014, she received an award from the Canadian Civil Liberties Association. In 2017, she was named ACTRA's Woman of the Year. In June 2017, she received an honorary doctor of letters from Wilfrid Laurier University. She also received a Governor General's Meritorious Service Medal for the ballet Going Home Star.
She was named to the Order of Manitoba in 2002. In December 2019, she received the Earle Grey Award from the Academy of Canadian Cinema and Television. This award celebrates a lifetime of work in Canadian television.
In June 2024, Tina Keeper was inducted as a Member of the Order of Canada. This is one of Canada's highest honors. It recognized her work as an actress and producer, especially for North of 60. It also honored her for being one of the first Cree Members of Parliament.
