NICOLE AUGINASH

photographer / filmmaker / teaching artist

photographer . filmmaker . teaching artist

BIOGRAPHY

Nicole Auginash is a dedicated filmmaker, digital photographer, storyteller, and mentor who has lived her entire life in Minnesota’s Twin Cities. Proudly Ojibwe and Lakota, with roots in the Red Lake / South Dakota Nation, Nicole’s cultural heritage deeply informs her work and her commitment to community.

Nicole’s artistic journey began in earnest when she first connected with In Progress in 2004. The program offered her more than technical training—it gave her belief in herself at a time when she needed it most. Encouraged by the support she received, Nicole went on to create films that were selected for prestigious festivals, including screenings in New York and at the Smithsonian Institution. These opportunities affirmed her voice as an artist and storyteller, demonstrating the power of community-based arts education to transform lives.

Today, Nicole is committed to paying that experience forward. She is passionate about teaching filmmaking and photography to youth, showing them that they can achieve anything they set their minds to. She understands firsthand the importance of having positive role models, especially growing up without many herself, and strives to be that source of encouragement and guidance for her daughter and for young people in her community. For Nicole, working with youth is not just a profession but a calling—a way to show them the same love, belief, and opportunity that once inspired her. She sees it as a blessing to help the next generation find their voices, tell their stories, and believe in their potential.

Qualifications

Nicole Auginash is an experienced filmmaker whose work has been showcased at major festivals, including in New York and at the Smithsonian Institution, demonstrating her ability to create impactful, authentic stories that resonate widely.

She is a skilled digital photographer with a talent for capturing compelling images that reflect personal and cultural narratives. In addition to her artistic practice, Nicole is an enthusiastic educator and mentor with experience working with youth, teaching them filmmaking and photography while fostering self-confidence and creative expression.

Nicole’s approach is rooted in empathy, cultural awareness, and a deep commitment to community, making her not only a talented artist but also a trusted role model dedicated to empowering the next generation.

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