A familiar face from Opaskwayak Cree Nation is taking on a new national role; Tiar Wheatle has been named host-producer at APTN National News.

Wheatle grew up on Jebb's Drive, attended Joe A. Ross School, and learned Cree from local teachers.

She proudly introduces herself in Cree during APTN newscasts 3 times a week, and will be taking over full-time in the fall, weaving the Cree language throughout the broadcast.

Here, Wheatle shares words of inspiration for youth in the community.

Wheatle says her journey from delivering the Natotawin newspaper, listening to CJ1240, and writing as a child helped drive her passion towards the national screen.