APTN Executive Team
The Aboriginal Peoples Television Network (APTN) is Canada’s pioneering national Indigenous broadcaster. Since 1999, APTN has offered a platform for Indigenous voices from across Turtle Island, delivering original news, documentaries, dramas, and children’s programming in English, French, and Indigenous languages. The executive team leads APTN’s vision of media sovereignty, community empowerment, and authentic Indigenous storytelling.
Mike Omelus
Executive Director of Content and Strategy / Executive Management, APTN, Canada.
Mike Omelus oversees APTN’s programming, scheduling and content creation departments and leads the content and scheduling strategies for APTN’s broadcasting and online services.
Prior to joining APTN in 2020 as executive director of content and strategy, Mike was vice president of national news and newsgathering for Global News and also served on the senior leadership teams of Shaw Communications and Corus Entertainment.
Cheryl McKenzie
Executive Director of News and Current Affairs / Executive Management, APTN, Canada.
Cheryl McKenzie is a proud Anishinaabe and Cree woman from Hollow Water and Peguis First Nation in Manitoba. Cheryl earned a degree in philosophy from the University of Winnipeg. Her studies in seeking out truth and logical arguments proved to be essential skills when she joined APTN as a reporter in 2001.
Wayne McKenzie
Executive Director of Operations / Executive Management, APTN, Canada.
Wayne McKenzie is from the Gitxsan First Nation of Northwest British Columbia. Born and raised in Hazelton, BC. From an early age, Wayne knew that he wanted to work in the television industry.
He graduated from the Media Resources Program at Capilano University in North Vancouver before moving on to Ryerson University in Toronto where Wayne received a Bachelor’s Degree in Television Production in 1986.
Carolin Taubensee
Executive Director of Marketing and Communications / Executive Management, APTN, Canada.
Carolin Taubensee is a strategic, results-oriented marketing, communication and sponsorship professional with a sharp eye and an unwavering work ethic. She graduated with an honours bachelor of commerce degree from the University of Manitoba and from the Executive Development Program from the University of Nevada, Reno.
Darcy Smith
Chief Financial Officer / Executive Management, APTN, Canada.
Darcy Smith is of Métis descent and his ancestry is part of the Red River Settlement. Born and raised in Winnipeg, MB, Darcy’s family lineage also traces back to some members being employed at the York Factory. A settlement and trading post declared a national historic site, established by the Hudson’s Bay Company in northeastern Manitoba.