Born and raised in rural Manitoba, Natalie Batkis is a proud member of the Red River Métis Nation with a deep appreciation for community, storytelling and the land. An accomplished media and communications professional with over two decades of experience, she champions Indigenous voices across television, digital media and public communications. 

Since joining APTN in 2004, Natalie has worked in communications, on-air promotions and, most recently, programming. She has written and produced content in English, French and Indigenous languages, led cross-functional production teams and managed communications strategies that amplify Indigenous stories and perspectives. She has also contributed work to the documentary Closing Time: The Vanishing Prairie Beverage Room and written a children’s book called Zoe and the Wiggle Wigglesons. 

In 2025, Natalie became APTN’s Indigenous language production executive, a role in which she leads initiatives to revitalize Indigenous languages through television and digital content. She brings with her a unique blend of editorial expertise, production leadership and cultural insight, ensuring that Indigenous languages and storytelling traditions are represented on screen with authenticity and care. 

Outside of work, Natalie is a beadwork and visual artist, and she remains active in her community through volunteer work and board service with various sport and cultural organizations.