Introducing Adeline Bird: A Creative Force for Change

In a thought-provoking episode of the Matriarch Movement podcast, host Shayla Oulette Stonechild welcomed Adeline Bird, an Afro-Indigenous filmmaker, author, and creative from Treaty 1 territory in Winnipeg, Manitoba and the Rolling River First Nation. Adeline’s experience working within the film and television industry offers a critical lens on the lack of nuanced Afro-Indigenous representation—and a powerful vision for change.

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Breaking Free from Stereotypes: Everyday Afro-Indigenous Stories

Adeline expressed frustration with the way Afro-Indigenous identities are often portrayed on screen, limited to either historical or educational narratives. She emphasized the need for stories that highlight the everyday realities of Afro-Indigenous people—stories that reflect joy, love, and complexity beyond stereotypes.

“I want to see stories of an Afro-Indigenous girl, person, just existing—going on dates, getting ready, just being herself,” Adeline shared. “That would be fun to see on screen.”

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Behind the Scenes: The Need for Afro-Indigenous Creators in Key Roles

Her reflections make it clear: meaningful change is not just about what stories are told, but who gets to tell them. While there has been a gradual push for Indigenous and Black narratives, Adeline pointed out that Afro-Indigenous creators remain largely absent behind the scenes. Writers, directors, and producers with lived experiences are still underrepresented in the spaces where creative decisions are made.

“There are shows out there claiming to tell our stories,” she said, “but without Afro-Indigenous voices shaping them, it misses the mark. There are a lot of people out there just taking—and the voices that need to be respected get sidelined.”

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Building Pathways for Emerging Afro-Indigenous Creators

To bridge this gap, Adeline called for systemic changes, including more accessible funding and training programs for Afro-Indigenous filmmakers. She emphasized the importance of bringing opportunities directly to Indigenous communities, empowering emerging creators where they are rather than making them navigate bureaucratic processes alone.

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Reclaiming Narratives: Adeline’s Creative Projects in Motion

Adeline is also carving out new spaces for Afro-Indigenous storytelling. She’s currently working on a novel about an Afro-Indigenous influencer navigating identity, while exploring the concept of an Indigenous erotica podcast—offering bold, authentic narratives that challenge mainstream expectations.

For Adeline, these creative projects are not just artistic expressions—they are acts of self-determination. “We need to take control of our own stories,” she said.

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A Call to Action: The Urgency for Authentic Representation

Her vision highlights the urgent need for more Afro-Indigenous representation across all levels of the film and TV industry, calling for the dismantling of colonial structures that exclude marginalized voices. Adeline’s work is a testament to the power of storytelling as a means of healing, visibility, and transformation.

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Conclusion: Investing in the Future of Afro-Indigenous Storytelling

As the entertainment landscape slowly evolves, Adeline’s message reminds us that authentic representation is not a trend—it is a necessary step toward justice. Now is the time for the industry to listen, invest, and make space for the stories that have yet to be told.

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Stay tuned for more conversations amplifying Indigenous voices on the Matriarch Movement podcast. Join us in supporting creators like Adeline Bird who are reclaiming narratives and inspiring future generations.

To learn more about Adeline Bird and support her work, make sure to follow her on instagram @adeline.bird – https://www.instagram.com/adeline.bird/

Find Shayla Oulette Stonechild on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shayla0h/

Find more about Matriarch Movement: https://matriarchmovement.ca/

Watch this episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@matriarch.movement

Our producer is Nicole Robertson with Muskwa Productions.

Our podcast producer is Kattie Laur.

Our videographer is Sara Cornthwaite.

Behind the scenes photography is by Kiki Guerard, Michelle Aregentieri, and Stephanie Neves.

Special thanks to the Indigenous Screen Office for supporting this video podcast!