Meet Rudy Kelly

Podcasting to a National Audience

Rudy Kelly is the closest we have to a local celebrity in Prince Rupert. From his lounge lizard “Chad Estrada” character in the local theatre scene, to his CBC Podcast the “Urbariginal” and novel “All Native” about growing up Ts’msyen in Prince Rupert  – his creative presence is a constant. He writes plays in his spare time, sings in a local band, plays softball twice a week, and hosts regular dinner parties. He credits Prince Rupert with giving him the opportunity to write and perform. “This is a very friendly, supportive town, with lots of things to do,” Rudy says.

Born and Raised

Rudy grew up here, the son of a Ts’msyen Chief, with big love for his community. He’s proud that we’re home to the All Native Tournament. It’s the largest basketball tournament in BC and the largest Indigenous cultural event in Canada, attracting upwards of 4,000 people in February of each year.

“I love the annual All Native Basketball Tournament. It attracts teams from all across the province…. I see lots of old friends and it gets tremendous community support.”

Working in Community

Alongside his many creative pursuits, Rudy is a Family Circle Coordinator at Northwest Inter-Nation Family & Community Services Society. The organization provides culturally appropriate care to support the well being of Indigenous children and families through programs like Rudy’s.

What’s something about Rupert that’s hard to explain to others?

“We are a city that was dropped into the middle of a big forest. It’s as green as a town can be. I love the clean air and the rain doesn’t bother me – rain is life. It also cultivates hearty souls and optimists.”

To learn (much) more about Rudy’s story, and hear it from the man himself, check out the Urbariginal Podcast: The Urbariginal | CBC Podcasts | CBC Listen

For more information on Harbour Theatre, where Rudy is a regular, head to: Harbour Theatre Prince Rupert