About Tracey
A passionate Indigenous woman who strives to have a positive impact on the world.
What we are putting out on our television screens really does shape our society, so those stories need to be representative of the society we are in.
Born and raised in the Mohawk community of Kahnawake, Tracey Deer is an award-winning Indigenous director, producer, writer, mentor, speaker, and leader. A graduate of Dartmouth College’s Film Studies program, Tracey is a visual storyteller who wants to have a positive impact on the world.
“My work is my effort to bridge the gap between two worlds: native and non-native.”
Tracey has been dreaming of being a filmmaker since she was 12 years old. Since graduating from Dartmouth College’s Film Studies program, she has amassed dozens of writing, directing and producing credits in documentary and scripted works. And Tracey always has many projects on the go. She is currently the Co-Executive Producer on “Anne with an E”, and in production on her feature film, “Beans”.
Production on Beans Begins
CBC FILMS Screenwriter Award for Beans
Created to help support diverse screenwriters and fund the development of Canadian scripts, the award recognizes work that presents diverse perspectives via a Canadian experience.
Bad Blood Story editor
A dramatization of the life and death of Montreal mob boss Vito Rizzuto.
New Constellation Tours
A documentary following the western dates of Jason Collett’s ambitious cross-country jaunt involving "reconciliation through art" concerts and workshops by Indigenous and non-Indigenous literary and musical performers.
Honoree at The Birks Diamond Tribute to the Year’s Women at TIFF
The Birks Diamond Tribute to the Year’s Women in Film celebrates Canada’s diverse film landscape by way of its storytellers on both sides of the camera.Sex, Spirit, Strength premieres
Sex, Spirit, Strength follows Michael and Jack, two young Indigenous men, as they shed the stigma and shame associated with their sexual health and gender identity. Michael, a former addict who lived a high-risk lifestyle that left him with permanent scars, hopes his activism work will discourage other young people from going down the same path. Jack, a transgender gay man, is committed to bringing pride back to two-spirit identity through education and activism.
Mohawk Girls (Series) premieres
The series centers around four twenty-something Mohawk women trying to find their place in the world. And, of course, trying to find love. But in a small world where you or your friends have dated everyone on the rez, or the hot new guy turns out to be your cousin, it ain't that simple. Torn between family pressure, tradition, obligation and the intoxicating freedom of the "outside world," this fabulous foursome is on a mission to find happiness... and to find themselves.
Dream Big premieres
Dream Big follows Indigenous youth as they learn what it really takes to be a successful pop star, comic book artist, cartoon voice actor, lacrosse player, filmmaker, actor, doctor, baker, hockey goalie, photographer, palaeontologist, teacher. Knowledge is power. Role models inspire. Ambition leads to results.
8th Fire premieres
A Canadian broadcast documentary series, which aired in 2012. Featuring television, radio and web broadcasting components, the series focused on the changing nature of Canada's relationship with its First Nations communities.
Working It Out Together premieres
A 13-part series that follows the empowering journey of 8 Aboriginal people to reclaim their vitality through health, wellness, and fitness.
"Oka was when I learned that I was different."
Tracey was 12 when the Oka Crisis occurred and changed her life forever. The anger, fear and frustration from that significant event fuel her work, her desire to help her people heal and create an understanding between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples.
Feminist, Mohawk, Survivor, Filmmaker - Tracey’s work is a reflection of the issues most important to her. Tracey looks to evolve social change through her work.
An activator, facilitator,
survivor, and mentor
Tracey is passionate about social issues and inspiring youth, storytellers and Indigenous communities. As a speaker she is all about empowering women, youth and Indigenous communities to pursue their dreams.
