Tamara Podemski, a dynamic and versatile artist, hails from the vibrant city of Toronto, where she was nurtured and shaped by her diverse cultural heritage. Through her Ojibway mother, she has a deep connection to the rich traditions and customs of Treaty 4 Territory in Saskatchewan, while her Ashkenazi father's roots in Israel have also had a profound impact on her identity.
As a student at the renowned Claude Watson School for the Performing Arts, Tamara had the unique opportunity to develop her skills in a comprehensive 10-year program that spanned multiple disciplines. She excelled in theatre, dance, and music, laying the groundwork for a successful career in the arts.
Tamara's illustrious stage career has extended over a considerable duration of twenty-five years or more, boasting an impressive array of notable roles on the esteemed Broadway stage, with one of her most distinguished performances being in the iconic musical production of RENT.
Tamara's remarkable career trajectory reached new heights with the critically acclaimed film "Four Sheets to the Wind" by Sterlin Harjo, garnering her the esteemed Special Jury Prize for Acting at the 2007 Sundance Film Festival, a prestigious recognition that solidified her status as a rising star.
This milestone achievement was swiftly followed by a nomination for the IFC Spirit Award for Best Supporting Actress in 2008, a testament to her exceptional talent and versatility as an actress.
In addition to her impressive work in film, Tamara has also received widespread acclaim for her stage performances, including a Jessie Theatre Award nomination for her powerful portrayal in Marie Clements' poignant play "The Edward Curtis Project".
Furthermore, her outstanding work in Colleen Wagner's thought-provoking play "The Monument" earned her a Governor General's Award-Winning Play nomination, a prestigious honor that underscores her exceptional skill and dedication to her craft.
The monumental success of "The Monument" was further cemented by the Globe & Mail's designation of the production as one of the "10 Best Theatre Productions of 2018", a resounding endorsement of Tamara's remarkable talent and the production's lasting impact on the world of theatre.
Tamara has recently become a part of the talented all-Indigenous cast in Keith Barker's critically acclaimed play, "This is How We Got Here", which garnered a prestigious 2020 Dora Award for Outstanding New Play.
Furthermore, behind the scenes, Tamara has demonstrated her multifaceted talents as the writer and story producer of the documentary TV series Future History, expertly crafted by her sister Jennifer Podemski. This impressive endeavor earned Tamara a nomination for Best Writing in a Factual Series at the esteemed 2020 Canadian Screen Awards.
In addition to her writing accomplishments, Tamara has also received recognition for her acting prowess, including a 2021 ACTRA Award for Outstanding Female Performance and a 2021 Canadian Screen Award for Best Supporting Actress - Drama for her captivating portrayal of Alison Trent in CBC's popular drama series, "Coroner".
Tamara, a dedicated community worker, has embarked on a global journey, utilizing her expertise to lead a diverse array of cultural and creative workshops, captivating audiences with her thought-provoking keynotes, and fostering meaningful discussions through her participation in esteemed panel forums.
A driving force behind her tireless efforts is her unwavering commitment to tackling the complex issues surrounding intergenerational trauma, with a particular focus on reconciliation and the establishment of secure environments that facilitate constructive dialogue, education, and collaborative problem-solving.
