Candis Mclean

“As an investigative journalist, I have spent 10 years searching through thousands of pages of RCMP documents obtained under Access to Information legislation, as well as all available documents on the numerous legal avenues the police officers have pursued in attempts to prove their innocence. I have also spoken to dozens of Aboriginal people who say that a grave injustice has been done to these officers.” Candis Mclean

LAUNCHING HER CAREER WITH A REGULAR COLUMN IN THE YORKTON ENTERPRISE AT THE AGE OF 16, CANDIS MCLEAN EARNED AN MA IN ENGLISH FROM THE UNIVERSITY OF SASKATCHEWAN BEFORE MOVING WITH HER GEOLOGIST HUSBAND TO CALGARY. THERE SHE WORKED IN PRINT AND RADIO, WINNING A CANADIAN RADIO AND TELEVISION NEWS DIRECTORS’ AWARD FOR OUTSTANDING WORK IN THE DOCUMENTARY FIELD. HER PROUDEST MOMENT CAME IN 2004 WHEN HER STORY ABOUT FORGOTTEN VICTIMS OF TAINTED BLOOD TRANSFUSIONS WAS PLACED ON THE DESK OF EVERY MP, AND A PARLIAMENTARY COMMITTEE LATER UNANIMOUSLY VOTED TO OPEN THE COMPENSATION FUND TO ALL VICTIMS.

IN 2005, CANDIS TEAMED UP WITH HER SON STUART TO PRODUCE A FILM DOCUMENTARY, WHEN POLICE BECOME PREY: WHAT LIES BEHIND “STARLIGHT TOURS.”AFTER SCREENINGS IN CANADIAN CENTRES, THEIR FILM WON AN AUDIENCE FAVORITE AWARD AT THE 2010 NEW HOPE FILM FESTIVAL. SHE ALSO WORKED WITH CALVIN HELIN ON HIS BOOK DANCES WITH DEPENDENCY: INDIGENOUS SUCCESS THROUGH SELF-RELIANCE, WHICH BECAME A NATIONAL BESTSELLER.