Since graduating from Innis College with an Honours Bachelor of Arts, majoring in cinema studies, in 1997, Nadia Belokopitov’s career journey has taken many forms. Nadia has been a federal negotiator with Indian & Northern Affairs Canada; she produced the television series, The Creative Native; and she currently operates Vancouver’s Cedar Root Gallery.
A member of the Haida Nation, Nadia has also been a steadfast advocate for Indigenous Peoples—including those entering undergraduate study at Innis College. Several years ago, Nadia generously initiated the Innis Admission Scholarship for Indigenous Peoples. And her support did not stop there.
In this story for U of T’s Defy Gravity Campaign, Nadia reflects on her experiences as a student at Innis, her formative connection to now-Innis Principal Charlie Keil, and her deep motivations to pay it forward.
After meeting the inaugural recipients of the Innis Admission Scholarship for Indigenous Peoples, Nadia was featured in the 2018/19 edition of Innis Alumni & Friends. Read it here.