Our Team
Grace Hardy
Founder - Executive Director - Producer
Grace Hardy is a proud Métis woman and member of the Kikino Métis Settlement in Alberta, where she was born, raised, and continues to live and work. Deeply rooted in her community and culture, Grace brings over a decade of experience in the nonprofit sector and more than eight years of dedicated work with Indigenous youth to her role as Founder and Executive Director of The White Poplar Project.
Grace's path into the Indigenous screen sector was shaped by her early background in the creative arts and a growing commitment to cultural storytelling.
Grace later served as Executive Director and Producer at Tantoo Cardinals Tap Root Actors Academy for nearly six years, where she played a leadership role in developing youth programming and screen-based initiatives. She worked alongside mentors, film crew and community collaborators to expand youth programming and screen-based opportunities producing six short films - Kikino Kids, Obscheenies, Home, Whistling Woods, Culture Shock, and Last Summer.
These works have earned recognition on both national and international stages, screening at festivals including the Calgary International Film Festival, Edmonton International Film Festival, Acimowin Film Festival, ImagineNATIVE Film Festival, the Birrarangga Indigenous Film Festival in Australia, and the Maoriland Film Festival in
New Zealand.
Kikino Kids received the Moon Jury Award at ImagineNATIVE, and Last Summer won Best Alberta Short at the Calgary International Film Festival.
In 2025, Grace founded The White Poplar Project Society — an Alberta incorporated nonprofit dedicated to empowering Indigenous youth through immersive programming in storytelling, film, art, cultural traditions, and community building. The organization is rooted in the Kikino Métis Settlement and guided by a Youth Committee of emerging Indigenous storytellers and developed in collaboration with Kikino Metis Settlement’s local leadership.
Grace's vision is to create culturally grounded, inclusive spaces where Indigenous youth feel seen, heard, and celebrated and where the next generation of storytellers can develop their voices, strengthen their identities, and contribute to the living legacy of Indigenous screen culture in Canada.
Blake Thompson
Associate Director
Blake Thompson is a proud member of the Kikino Metis Settlement who has over 6 years of experience working with and for Non Profit Organizations that focus on youth programming. Blake has spent over 17 years working in the Oil and Gas industry and has spent over 7 years as Super Intendant of the Metis owned business Kingdom Cats. Blake has a passion for the arts, spending years as a Tattoo Artist Apprentice and has an interest in painting, drawing and woodworking.
The Youth Committee
Our Youth Committee will serve as the Organizations Artistic Directors leading the direction on what programming and creative pathways we will explore.
Youth
Adrienne Lynis
I’m a 1 year old Métis youth filmmaker, actor, and writer with 4 years of experience. I’m passionate about making films and telling stories that celebrate and share my culture, while growing as a storyteller through every project I take on. I’ve also spent the past 4 years acting in theatre plays, which has strengthened my skills as a performer and storyteller.
Youth
Jasmine "Jazz" Paul
Tansi, my name is Jasmine “Jazz” Paul. I’m a 18 year old Plains Cree youth actor, writer, and filmmaker. For the past four years I’ve spent my time connecting with other youth through storytelling, acting, and filmmaking. The stories we tell embraces indigenous cultures along with building connections within our community. I’ve found myself finding a love for acting, and filmmaking while increasing my skills as a writer over the years. As time went on I’ve become more passionate and confident with acting and filmmaking. As well as trying to teach other youth these skills to the best of my abilities.
Youth
Alice Cardinal
Tansi. My name is Alice Cardinal, I am 16 years old, and have lived in Kikino Métis Settlement for my entire life. I started my journey as a filmmaker/ storyteller during the summer of 2022 and since then, I have acted in 5 short films, have directed one, and have worked behind the camera on things such as, lighting, grip, sound and set deck, for several short films. I am so glad to be able to share my stories with the world and am so excited to grow in this field!
Youth
Kaylan Lavallee
Lights, camera, action! I am a 17 year old cree metis youth, home to treaty 6. Three years of experience in the storytelling field, whether through acting, camera work, lighting the mood, or co-directing, I do my best to strengthen my abilities by assisting anyway possible. I garner knowledge through trial and error, and stay open minded to any new opportunities that can further my artistic abilities to project the voice of our stories. Since I was young, acting has been a passion of mine, over the years i’ve been in drama classes which has further developed my storytelling abilities through body language, voice acting, and facial control. I also love expressing myself through painting and drawing, embracing every unique aspect of myself.
Youth
Sophia Cardinal
Hello! My name is Sophia Cardinal; I am 15 years old and I am from Kikino Métis Settlement. I’ve began taking a more in-depth interest in film during the summer of ‘22. I really enjoy writing and acting and I’m very excited to get to share my stories!
Youth
Gerald White
Hi my name is Gerald White, I’m 14 years old, from the Kikino Metis Settlement. My experience as an actor is great! I like being around mentors and doing scenes I also like being on the camera. I think once I seen good boys 2019 and saw those child actors and since then acting had been my passion.
Board of Directors
The White Poplar Project is guided by a committed Board of Directors who bring experience in community leadership, youth programming, arts, and industry. Together, they ensure the project stays rooted in culture while creating opportunities for Indigenous youth to grow as storytellers, artists, and leaders.
President
Grace Hardy
Grace is a proud member of the Kikino Métis Settlement with a deep passion for artistic expression, cultural connection, and community empowerment. Her journey has been guided by a heartfelt commitment to uplifting Métis youth through creative storytelling and cultural programming. Grace’s dedication to fostering safe, supportive spaces where young people can thrive reflects her belief in the transformative power of culture and community. She brings passion, vision, and a strong connection to Métis heritage to her role on the board.
Vice President
Blake Thompson
Blake Thompson is a proud member of the Kikino Métis Settlement and a dedicated leader committed to empowering youth through The White Poplar Project. With over 17 years of leadership experience grounded in culture and community values, Blake passionately supports the growth of youth as artists and storytellers. He believes in the power of culture to strengthen voices and inspire meaningful change within Kikino and beyond.
Secretary
Lee Hardy
Lee Hardy brings over 25 years of professional experience in the Oil, Gas, and Mineral Resource sectors, where he built a respected career as a negotiator and leader. With extensive expertise in land management, government relations, and economic development, Lee has consistently demonstrated his commitment to building strong partnerships and creating opportunities that benefit communities.
Throughout his career, Lee has been dedicated to advancing projects that support long-term sustainability, including in-community initiatives, traditional territory projects, and nation-building strategies. His strong background in economic development and business negotiations provides valuable insight into building pathways toward independence, opportunity, and growth.
As a Board Director for the White Poplar Project, Lee brings not only his professional expertise but also his passion for creating meaningful opportunities for youth and community members. He believes in fostering economic independence, supporting education and training, and building strong foundations for the next generation.
With a reputation for integrity, professionalism, and trustworthiness, Lee’s leadership and vision continue to guide his work toward building healthier, stronger, and more sustainable communities.
Treasurer
Randy Hardy
Randy Hardy is a proud member of the Kikino Métis Settlement who brings a strong commitment to supporting youth, culture, and community development. With deep roots in Kikino, Randy values the importance of preserving Métis identity while creating opportunities for the next generation to grow, learn, and thrive.
Randy has dedicated over 50 years of his adult life to furthering the 8 Metis Settlements rights to their lands, self governance and culture.
In 1990, Randy (then President of the Metis Settlement’s General Council) negotiated the Metis Settlements Act with the Alberta Government, which changed provincial law with the purpose to enhance Metis identity, culture and self governance by recognizing the 8 Metis Settlements land base.
Randy has spent years advocating for the Metis Settlements in such roles as the President of the Metis Settlements General Council, as the Commissioner of the Metis Settlements and as a local council member for the Kikino Metis Settlement. Randy has sat on many boards, offering his years of experience and knowledge.
As a board member of The White Poplar Project, Randy contributes his knowledge, lived experience, and passion for strengthening community connections. His dedication to fostering safe, supportive spaces for Métis youth reflects the mission of the organization and ensures that young people are empowered to share their stories, build confidence, and create meaningful futures.
Randy is honoured to serve on the board and to help guide the work of The White Poplar Project in uplifting youth and celebrating the resilience and creativity of the Métis community.
Officer
Carissa de la Vega
Carissa is a dedicated community advocate and experienced leader with a strong track record in driving collaboration and delivering impactful programs. With years of global professional experience, Carissa brings strategic and innovative thinking, organizational expertise, and a passion for creating opportunities that empower others to thrive.
Beyond her professional role, Carissa is deeply committed to supporting youth in building confidence, skills, and pathways for success. She believes that every young person deserves access to resources and mentorship that can unlock their potential. Her involvement with The White Poplar Project reflects her desire to give back to the community and help shape programs that foster growth, resilience, and hope for the next generation.
Carissa’s leadership experience, combined with her dedication to making a difference, positions her as a strong advocate for initiatives that create lasting impact for youth and their families.