“I speak my truth quietly. I
want to break the stigma
of false stories about the
First Nations People then
and now in books and films,
most are wrongly told.”
In true fairytale fashion, they met, and now their bond is stronger
than ever. "My Papa Bear is a tremendous inspiration in my
life. Jimmy 'The Bear’ is what everyone calls him in the Billiards
world. He’s won many championships throughout Canada,
USA, and England and the first Indigenous man to come 2nd in
the World Snooker Championship. I am proud of his achievements
and his loving spirit. I am working on a documentary
about him. "
She is grateful for her family despite their past hardships.
"Thanks to my Mom who encouraged me to move to Vancouver
to be with my Dad - it changed my life. I grew more into my true
self with his love and support. It is also where I met so many genuine
friends who protected me, gently guided me on my glorious
journey. It was best time of my life, and love them all dearly. "
Survival - graduating with straight A's while still working in film.
“I love learning, we’re all here to teach one another. It’s 100
percent effort in work and relationships. Harness your visions,
enrich your mind by focusing on innovative ideas.” A major
highlight for Lesia came the following year in 1994, when she
was cast in Children of The Dust, working with the one and only
Sydney Poitier and Jim Caviezel.
Lesia shares another dear moment. “One day on set I learned
a valuable lesson from my dear friend & actor Jimmy Herman.
He was watching me when he pulled me aside saying, “Stop
giving away your kindness and power so easily to some of these
people, they will just use it against you one day Lesia, please
just be very careful.” It was powerful moment knowing he was
watching out for me. I was blessed having Jimmy’s love and
support and from many other close friends like Rochelle Parrent
& Al Stickel, who literally saved my life on set. I am eternally
grateful. They are in the Land of the Everlasting. I miss them
dearly along with my Mom Shirley. My connections are sacred,
with my friends and family who all saved me in their own way.
Now I also share my love with love Jack Crowells and my fur-babies
Sulaa and Aulani who are always there for me. We all have
to reconnect with gratitude.”
6 years later, Lesia went to Hollywood, earning 2 degrees at
Joe Blasco Professional Make-Up School upgrading her skills in
makeup and prosthetics. After school she attended To The Top
showcases, auditioning for: agents, casting directors and producers.
When Lesia caught the attention of producer Matthew
Earl Jones, brother of actor James Earl Jones, he
immediately recognized her talent and hired her.
Read more of her article on our site, imherewithmag.com
Lesia quickly connected with the designers in the art, fashion,
and photography world in Vancouver, who took immediate
notice of the ‘new kid in town. She was asked to model in hair
& fashion shows, photoshoots, her photos found their way
into art galleries, and even to the cover of the 100th issue of
The Georgia Straight. In 1984, she was voted ‘Favorite Model’
in the famous Bo Brown Salon hair show, out of 150 models.
In fact, if you were to stop by the salon today, you will still
find her photograph and trophy on display. Soon after, she
hosted a local Vancouver show called Hollywood North, about
how Hollywood TV shows were coming to Vancouver. Than a
friend suggested she ‘find an agent’. That agent was Lisa King
and started her the following day on 21 Jump St. - featuring
Johnny Depp! Her first day on set, producer Patrick Hasburgh,
took immediate notice of Lesia enrolling her at The Peter Breck
Academy for Film and Television. She took acting for television,
film, theatre, voice, improv, directing and screenwriting, earning
her Acting Degree while continuing to work on her other
TV series, film, and modeling jobs.
In 1993, there was a writer’s strike, which brought her back to
Calgary. Lesia made the decision to learn about her heritage
by enrolling at the Plains Indian Cultural Survival School where
she studied the Cree and Blackfoot languages, Traditions and
20 | I'M HERE WITH
LESIA WITH HER PARTNER JACK CROWELLS
AT THE HELL ON WHEELS WRAP PARTY.
JACK IS WITH IASTE LOCAL 212 IN THE SET DEPARTMENT
- LEAD DRESSER/SET DRESSER.