Darla Contois (Wasakahaw Mikisu Iskwew) is an Indigenous (Cree-Saulteaux) writer and actress from Misipawistik Cree Nation, Grand Rapids, Manitoba, Canada.[1] She stars as Esther Rosenblum / Bezhig Little Bird in the Canadian drama television series Little Bird, which premiered on Crave and APTN lumi on May 26, 2023.[2]

Contois graduated from the Centre for Indigenous Theatre’s professional training program in 2014 and attended David Smukler's National Voice Intensive. Her solo show White Man’s Indian premiered at Summerworks 2017 in Toronto where she was awarded the Emerging Artist Award. Her most recent work, The War Being Waged, was produced by Winnipeg's Prairie Theatre Exchange as part of their 2021–22 season.[3]

The War Being Waged was shortlisted for the Governor General's Award for English-language drama at the 2023 Governor General's Awards.[4] In 2024 she won the Canadian Screen Award for Best Leading Performance in a Drama Series at the 12th Canadian Screen Awards, for the television series Little Bird.[5]

Filmography

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Year Title Role Notes
2015 Dhaliwal '15 Nina TV series
2018 Eros Aniibishan Short movie
2023 Little Bird Esther / Bezhig TV series
2023 Frank Gets the Job Done Sheryl Short movie
2024 Many Wounds Crystal Post-production

References

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