About Us

IndigE-girl Comedy is a non-profit, Indigenous organization based on the unceded territories of the Musqueam, Squamish and Tsleil-Waututh First Nations. Our primary mission is to offer performance and mentorship opportunities to Indigenous queer, non-binary women or people who identify as women. The project is rooted in a foundation of culture and healing, recognizing the significance of comedy as a form of medicine in the Indigenous communities.

Who we are

Administrators

Debbie Courchene

Debbie Courchene is a proud Anishinaabe ikwe with family roots in Sagkeeng Nation and Rolling River, MB, Debbie brings over 15 years of experience in producing, creating, and technical directing within the performing arts. She founded IndigE-girl in 2021 to carve out space for Indigenous women and non-binary people in comedy, championing their voices on stage and behind the scenes. Under her leadership, IndigE-girl has been featured at the Winnipeg Comedy Festival and Just For Laughs Vancouver, and has produced some of the best-selling comedy showcases across Canada, including Toronto, Winnipeg, Saskatoon, Vancouver, and Whitehorse. Debbie’s vision and dedication continue to inspire and elevate Indigenous talent in the comedy world.

Artistic Producer

Megan Rosso

Megan Rosso is a Carrier Sekani woman from the Lake Babine Nation, residing on the traditional territories of the Semiahmoo, Katzie, Kwikwetlem, Kwantlen, Qayqayt, and Tsawwassen First Nations, also known as Surrey. As Associate Producer, Megan brings a diverse skill set to IndigE-girl Comedy, drawing on her experience in community-based research, economic development networking, virtual essential skills training, drone operations, entrepreneurship, and comedy skill development. Her multifaceted background supports the organization’s growth and innovation, helping to foster connections and opportunities for Indigenous women in comedy across British Columbia

Associate Producer

Mentors

Issa Kixen

Issa Kixen is an Anishinaabe Two Spirit comedian, journalist & Producer, who is a band member of Couchiching First Nation, Ontario. They have traveled across Canada and the USA as a Comedian and improviser. They use comedy as a tool in dealing with racism, transphobia and ableism. They are the Co-founder/producer of WOKE Comedy Hour, Associate producer at CBC Manitoba, was featured on APTN’s The Laughing Drum, a member of the Bannock Babes drag collective and they are the executive producer for Minogondaagan: the good voice podcast.

Megan Mckay

Meg MacKay is a comedian and comedy writer trying her best. As a TV writer, she wrote for Baroness von Sketch and is currently a staff writer for This Hour has 22 Minutes. Her album Probably a Witch is available on Howl and Roar Records.

Dakota Ray Hebert

Dakota Ray does comedy [Album: I’ll Give You An Indian Act, Just For Laughs (Vancouver, Toronto, Montreal), New Wave of Standup (CBC Gem), Comedy Night with Rick Mercer(CBC)], television [Shelved (CTV & Crave), Run the Burbs (CBC + PBS), Crazy Like a Lynx (APTN), Roast Battles Canada (CTV & Crave), Zarqa (CBC Gem), Acting Good (CTV & Crave)], and movies [Run Woman Run (Crave)]. She has a skin baby (Frankie), two fur babies (Lieutenant Dan & Mr. Bean), countless plant babies, and the world’s best/greatest/funniest sweetheart and life partner (Dylan). Follow this Dene busybody on Facebook and Insta; she’s up to her beaded earrings in work that she loves to share.

Board Members

Nyla Bedard

Nyla Bedard’s board member experience is centered on her role with IndigE-girl Comedy, where she serves as a board member and cultural advisor. In this capacity, she helps guide the organization’s mission to amplify Indigenous women’s voices in comedy and performance, drawing on her extensive background as a Tahltan, Kaska, French, and Scottish performing artist, powwow dancer, and cultural educator. Her expertise in Indigenous cultural traditions and her leadership in community arts initiatives, such as co-founding the Powwow Bootcamp workshop series, inform her contributions to IndigE-girl Comedy’s programming and cultural authenticity

Chair

Michele Buckman

Michele Buckman is an urban-raised Ktunaxa and Syilx woman from British Columbia, balancing her family life and a government career with a Master’s in Public Policy. As a board member of IndigE-girl Comedy, Michele’s policy expertise and lived experience bring a valuable perspective to the organization’s leadership. She actively supports the development of new Indigenous comedic talent, recently performing in and helping guide showcases that spotlight emerging voices. Michele’s presence on the board strengthens IndigE-girl Comedy’s mission to amplify Indigenous women’s voices, ensuring the group’s work remains both community-focused and culturally grounded

Policy Lead

Laura Lewis is a dynamic Indigenous youth cultural advisor based in British Columbia, belonging to the Nisga’a, Tsimshian, Tahltan, and Tlingit Nations. Raised in East Vancouver, Laura is a celebrated member of the All My Relations women’s basketball team, where she champions health, wellness, and cultural pride among Indigenous youth. Off the court, she works as an Indigenous student support worker, using her platform as a TikTok influencer to share empowering messages, humour, and traditional teachings with over 30,000 followers. Laura’s deep roots in her communities and her commitment to cultural education help bridge urban and traditional experiences, inspiring young people to embrace their identities. Through her leadership, mentorship, and advocacy, Laura uplifts Indigenous youth, ensuring cultural knowledge and community connections thrive across generations in BC.

Indigenous Youth Cultural Advisor

Laura Lewis

Savannah Erasmus

Savannah Erasmus is a Cree-Métis comedian, writer, and broadcast personality from Kikino Métis Settlement and Cold Lake First Nation, now based in Vancouver. As Treasurer of IndigE-girl Comedy, she combines her creative talents with organizational skills, ensuring the group’s financial health and supporting its mission to amplify Indigenous women’s voices. Her leadership and experience co-producing shows like Millennial Line and Camp! Comedy! help foster inclusive, empowering spaces for emerging talent. Savannah’s presence on the board strengthens IndigE-girl Comedy’s commitment to authentic representation and community-driven storytelling.

Treasurer

Sasha Mark is a Cree-Métis comedian and experienced arts administrator based in Vancouver, BC. As a board member of IndigE-girl Comedy, Sasha brings a wealth of expertise in not-for-profit fundraising and organizational leadership. His background includes serving as General Manager of Blind Tiger Comedy, where he oversaw programming, taught workshops, and championed inclusive spaces for emerging comedic voices. Sasha’s deep commitment to community-building and representation, especially for Indigenous and LGBTQ+ performers, strengthens IndigE-girl Comedy’s mission and sustainability. His knowledge of arts administration, fundraising, and event production ensures the organization remains vibrant and accessible for Indigenous women and gender-diverse comedians in BC.

Director at Large