Jessica Matten is a well-known Canadian actress, producer, and advocate. She has spent decades building a powerful career across film and television. Her work consistently highlights Indigenous stories and communities.
Jessica Matten is best known for her role in the AMC drama Dark Winds. She plays Sergeant Bernadette Manuelito with incredible strength and depth. Her performance has earned her a loyal and growing fanbase worldwide.
In 2026, Jessica Matten is at the peak of her professional journey. She is voicing Katara in the new Avatar animated film. Her influence in Hollywood and Indigenous communities continues to grow every year.
Who is Jessica Matten?
Jessica Matten is a Canadian actress, film producer, and wellness entrepreneur. She was born and raised in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. Her career spans acting, advocacy, and community leadership across two countries.
She belongs to Red River Métis and Saulteaux-Cree heritage through her mother. Her father carries British and Chinese ancestry, making her background beautifully diverse. This mixed heritage deeply shapes the roles she chooses and stories she tells.
Jessica Matten has appeared in major productions on AMC, Netflix, and Discovery. She also runs her own production company and film academy. She is widely respected as one of Canada’s most impactful Indigenous actresses today.
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Jessica Matten Quick Bio
| Detail | Information |
| Full Name | Jessica Matten |
| Date of Birth | November 30, 1985 |
| Age (2026) | 40 years old |
| Birthplace | Edmonton, Alberta, Canada |
| Nationality | Canadian |
| Ethnicity | Red River Métis, Saulteaux-Cree, British, Chinese |
| Zodiac Sign | Sagittarius |
| Height | 5 ft 10 in (178 cm) |
| Weight | approx. 59–62 kg (130–136 lbs) |
| Eye Color | Dark Brown |
| Hair Color | Dark Brown / Black |
| Profession | Actress, Producer, Wellness Entrepreneur |
| Net Worth (2026) | approx. $3 million USD |
| Partner | Brendt Thomas Diabo |
| @jessicamatten | |
| Notable Works | Dark Winds, Tribal, Frontier, Rez Ball |
Jessica Matten Age and Height
Jessica Matten was born on November 30, 1985, in Edmonton, Canada. She celebrated her 40th birthday in November 2025. Her Sagittarius energy matches her bold and adventurous personality perfectly.
Jessica Matten stands at an impressive 5 feet 10 inches tall. She personally confirmed her height on her official Instagram account. Her height has always been a strong asset in both modeling and demanding action roles.
Jessica Matten Age and Height Details
| Detail | Information |
| Date of Birth | November 30, 1985 |
| Age in 2026 | 40 years old |
| Zodiac Sign | Sagittarius |
| Birthplace | Edmonton, Alberta, Canada |
| Height | 5 ft 10 in / 178 cm |
Jessica Matten Weight and Physical Appearance
Jessica Matten maintains a lean and athletic body through active training and a healthy lifestyle. She co-founded Lemon Cree, an Indigenous wellness and fitness company. Her dedication to fitness is visible in every physically demanding role she takes on.
Her dark brown eyes and naturally dark hair give her a striking and commanding screen presence. Her sharp jawline and high cheekbones make her instantly recognizable on camera. Years of modeling experience have also shaped her confident and professional appearance.
Jessica Matten Physical Appearance Details
| Detail | Information |
| Weight | approx. 59–62 kg (130–136 lbs) |
| Body Measurements | 34-25-35 inches |
| Bra Size | 34B |
| Eye Color | Dark Brown |
| Hair Color | Dark Brown / Black |
| Build | Lean and Athletic |
Jessica Matten Family
Jessica Matten comes from a family deeply rooted in Indigenous activism and creative work. Her mother, Theresa Ducharme, was a Red River Métis and Saulteaux-Cree activist, dancer, and model. Theresa also founded an early First Nations talent agency where young Jessica began modeling at age six.
Her father is of British and Chinese descent and worked as a businessman and marketer in London. Jessica spent part of her early twenties working at his London marketing firm. This international exposure shaped her global outlook and professional ambitions early on.
Jessica Matten is a direct descendant of Cuthbert Grant, the historic captain-general of the Métis people. This ancestral connection fuels her passion for Indigenous storytelling and advocacy. Her family also co-runs Lemon Cree, an Indigenous wellness company serving communities across Canada.
Jessica Matten Husband
Jessica Matten is not married and has no husband as of 2026. She has always kept her romantic life away from public attention. Her focus has largely remained on her career and community work over the years.
She has been in a long-term relationship with Brendt Thomas Diabo, a Mohawk actor, visual artist, and rock musician. The two first crossed paths while filming the Netflix series Frontier around 2016. Their shared passion for Indigenous culture and storytelling brought them close together.
Brendt Thomas Diabo has appeared in film and television alongside his music career. The couple has been together for nearly a decade without any public announcement of marriage. Jessica Matten has never publicly confirmed or denied the current status of their relationship.
Is Jessica Matten Married? Partner and Relationship Status
Jessica Matten is not married as of 2026, and no engagement has been announced. She has maintained a very private personal life throughout her career. Fans and media have always respected her boundaries around this topic.
Her known partner is Brendt Thomas Diabo, a creative and multifaceted Mohawk entertainer. They met on the set of Frontier and have been linked together since approximately 2016. Both share deep Indigenous roots, which forms a strong foundation in their relationship.
Jessica Matten has no publicly known children as of 2026. She has channeled most of her personal energy into her acting, production, and advocacy work. Her relationship with Brendt remains the only known romantic connection she has shared publicly.
Jessica Matten Career
Jessica Matten began her professional journey in the entertainment industry back in 2010. She started with short films and Canadian network television before gaining international recognition. Over the years, she has steadily grown into one of the most respected Indigenous actresses working today.
Beyond acting, her career includes film production, wellness entrepreneurship, and education leadership. She founded 7 Forward Entertainment and co-created the Indigenous Film Academy across North America. Her career is a strong combination of creative talent and meaningful community impact.
Key Career Highlights:
- Started acting professionally in 2010 with short films and Canadian TV
- Gained international fame through the Netflix and Discovery series Frontier
- Landed the lead role in APTN’s Tribal while also serving as associate producer
- Became a household name playing Sergeant Bernadette Manuelito in Dark Winds on AMC
- Voiced Katara in the 2026 animated film Avatar: Aang, The Last Airbender
- Founded 7 Forward Entertainment, an Indigenous-owned production company
- Co-founded the Counting Coup Indigenous Film Academy for Native youth
Jessica Matten Movies and TV Shows
Jessica Matten has built an impressive and diverse filmography over more than fifteen years. She has appeared in crime dramas, horror films, sports movies, and animated features. Her range as an actress continues to expand with each new project she takes on.
In 2026, her most celebrated roles remain Bernadette Manuelito in Dark Winds and Katara in the Avatar animated film. Both projects showcase her ability to command attention in very different formats. Her Netflix appearances in Frontier and Rez Ball have also earned her a strong global audience.
Complete Filmography Table
| Year | Title | Role | Platform |
| 2022–2026 | Dark Winds | Bernadette Manuelito | AMC / AMC+ |
| 2026 | Avatar: Aang, The Last Airbender | Katara (Voice) | Paramount+ |
| 2024 | Rez Ball | Heather Hobbs | Netflix |
| 2024 | Tales from the Rez | Associate Producer | AMC+ |
| 2023 | Boil Alert | Executive Producer | Documentary |
| 2020–2021 | Tribal | Chief Sam Woodburn | APTN |
| 2020 | The Empty Man | Fiona | Disney / 20th Century Fox |
| 2018–2019 | Burden of Truth | Gerrilyn Spence | CBC / The CW |
| 2016–2018 | Frontier | Sokanon | Discovery / Netflix |
| 2019 | Hudson and Rex | Odina Wilmot | CityTV |
| 2017 | Shadowhunters | Maria | Freeform |
| 2014–2015 | Blackstone | Gina | APTN |
| 2012 | A Red Girl’s Reasoning | Delia | Short Film |
Early Modeling and Education
Jessica Matten began her journey in the entertainment world at just six years old. She assisted her mother Theresa at Mystique Models, one of Canada’s first First Nations talent agencies. This early experience gave her a deep connection to Indigenous identity and professional performance.
She later earned a Bachelor of Science in Human Ecology from the University of Alberta. She also trained at Central Saint Martins and the London College of Fashion for modeling. Her acting education came from Shoreline Studios Vancouver Acting School, completing a truly well-rounded foundation.
Television Breakthrough
Jessica Matten made her on-screen debut in 2010 through the short comedy Eddie’s Stereotype. She quickly gained recognition through the award-winning short film A Red Girl’s Reasoning in 2012. Her recurring role as Gina on APTN’s Blackstone helped build her early television reputation across Canada.
Her international breakthrough came when she joined Jason Momoa’s historical drama Frontier on Netflix and Discovery. She appeared in 18 episodes across multiple seasons, earning widespread praise for her portrayal of the fierce warrior Sokanon. This role opened major doors in both Canadian and American television markets.
Tribal and Dark Winds Success
In 2020, Jessica Matten stepped into a lead role on APTN’s Indigenous police drama Tribal. She played Chief Sam Woodburn, a newly appointed leader of an Indigenous police force in Alberta. She also served as associate producer, showing her growing power behind the camera as well.
Her most defining career moment came with AMC’s Dark Winds, which premiered in 2022. She plays Sergeant Bernadette Manuelito, the only female officer in a Navajo Tribal Police Department set in the 1970s. By 2026, the show is in its fourth season and her character has become one of cable television’s most compelling leads.
Film Work
Jessica Matten expanded into feature films with her appearance in The Empty Man in 2020. Produced by Disney and 20th Century Fox, the supernatural horror film gave her a taste of big studio productions. This role helped position her for larger film opportunities in the years that followed.
Her most celebrated film role came in Netflix’s Rez Ball in 2024, where she played Heather Hobbs. The film, produced in association with LeBron James, followed a Native American high school basketball team chasing a state championship. Rez Ball was widely praised for its authentic and uplifting portrayal of Indigenous athletic life.
Voice Acting
Jessica Matten made a significant leap into animation with the upcoming Avatar film in 2026. She voices the beloved character Katara in Avatar: Aang, The Last Airbender, releasing October 9, 2026, through Paramount. The casting team specifically sought voice actors whose ethnic backgrounds aligned with their characters.
This role marks a major milestone in Jessica Matten’s already impressive career journey. Stepping into a role as iconic as Katara places her at the center of one of the year’s most anticipated animated releases. It also introduces her voice and talent to an entirely new and younger generation of global fans.
Production Company
Jessica Matten is the president of 7 Forward Entertainment, an Indigenous-owned production company based on Canada’s West Coast. The company focuses on creating authentic Indigenous stories for mainstream and streaming audiences. It has played a key role in projects like Tales from the Rez on AMC+.
She is also the co-founder of the Counting Coup Indigenous Film Academy, known as CCIFA. The academy provides training in film production and stunt combat specifically for First Nations, Métis, and Inuit artists. Through these ventures, Jessica Matten is actively reshaping who gets to tell Indigenous stories on screen.
Jessica Matten Awards and Achievements in Film and Television
Jessica Matten has earned a remarkable list of honors that reflect both her artistic talent and her humanitarian dedication. Her work in film, television, and advocacy has been recognized by major organizations across North America. Each award reflects a different dimension of her impact on the entertainment industry.
Her recognition has only grown stronger in 2026, with two major awards received earlier this year. These honors place her alongside some of the most celebrated names in contemporary Hollywood. Jessica Matten’s achievements continue to set the standard for Indigenous representation in mainstream media.
| Award / Honor | Year | Details |
| American Indian Film Festival Best Actress | 2012 | For A Red Girl’s Reasoning |
| Imagine Native Film Festival Award | 2012 | For A Red Girl’s Reasoning |
| Variety Faith and Spirituality Award | December 2025 | Alongside Ziggy Marley and Jay Shetty |
| Bold Beacon Award | 2026 | Black Theatre Coalition |
| Chadwick Boseman Changemaker Award | March 2026 | Alongside Taraji P. Henson, New York City |
| Hollywood Reporter Recognition | Ongoing | Named one of Canada’s most promising talents |
Jessica Matten Indigenous Heritage, Ethnicity, and Cultural Influence
Jessica Matten’s cultural identity is the very core of everything she does professionally and personally. Through her mother, she carries Red River Métis and Saulteaux-Cree heritage, connecting her to one of Canada’s most historic Indigenous lineages. Her father’s British and Chinese background adds further richness to her diverse and layered identity.
She is a direct descendant of Cuthbert Grant, the legendary 19th-century captain-general of the Métis people and hero of the Battle of Seven Oaks. This ancestral heritage is not something she simply mentions in interviews but rather something she actively honors through her work. Every production company she builds and every role she accepts reflects this deep cultural responsibility.
The Globe and Mail and The Hollywood Reporter have both recognized Jessica Matten as a trailblazer for Indigenous representation in North American entertainment. She uses every major platform she earns to push for greater authenticity, inclusion, and fair storytelling in mainstream media. Her cultural influence in 2026 is stronger and more visible than at any previous point in her career.
What is Jessica Matten’s Net Worth?
As of 2026, Jessica Matten’s net worth is estimated at approximately $3 million USD. She has built this wealth steadily through acting, producing, modeling, and her wellness business. Her income streams are diverse, well-established, and continuing to grow with each new project.
Her primary earnings come from her series regular role on Dark Winds, which is now in its fourth season on AMC. Additional income flows in from Netflix films, voice acting, production revenue, and speaking engagements listed through All American Speakers Bureau. Jessica Matten’s financial profile reflects both her creative success and her smart entrepreneurial choices.
Jessica Matten Net Worth Breakdown
| Income Source | Details |
| Dark Winds (AMC) | Series regular, 4 seasons, estimated $50K–$150K per episode |
| Rez Ball (Netflix) | Film royalties, 2024 release |
| Avatar: Aang (2026) | Voice acting fee, Paramount animated film |
| 7 Forward Entertainment | Production company revenue |
| Lemon Cree | Indigenous wellness and fitness business |
| Speaking Engagements | Listed with All American Speakers Bureau |
| Estimated Net Worth | approx. $3 million USD (2026) |
Jessica Matten Wellness Work and Advocacy
Jessica Matten has dedicated over 25 years to suicide prevention and addiction counseling within Native communities. She has worked directly with Indigenous youth across Canada and the United States throughout this time. Her off-screen impact is just as powerful and lasting as anything she has done on camera.
She funded vital programs through the Coalition to Stop Violence Against Native Women and supported the Navajo Nation’s first all-matriarch Skatepark. Her documentary Boil Alert, released in 2023, exposed the ongoing clean drinking water crisis affecting dozens of Native reserves across North America. These efforts have earned her recognition far beyond the entertainment industry.
Her personal loss also drives her advocacy work in a deeply meaningful way. In 2013, her cousin Jennifer McPherson was tragically murdered, intensifying her commitment to the #N8Vgirls campaign for missing and murdered Indigenous women. Jessica Matten turns personal pain into powerful public action every single time.
Martial Arts and Stunt Work
Jessica Matten is a trained Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu competitor who has regularly won matches against male opponents. Her impressive height and technical skill give her a natural edge in combat training and physical competition. This martial arts background adds genuine authenticity to every action sequence she performs on screen.
Her fitness regimen includes high-intensity circuit training, weightlifting, and regular combat practice. This disciplined approach to physical preparation has made her one of the most capable physical performers in Canadian television. Fans of Dark Winds and Tribal can see the results of that training in every chase and confrontation scene.
Through the Counting Coup Indigenous Film Academy, she also teaches stunt combat skills to emerging Indigenous film artists. She believes that Indigenous performers should have access to the same professional stunt training as anyone else in the industry. This commitment to physical empowerment extends well beyond her own personal fitness journey.
Jessica Matten Social Media Presence
Jessica Matten is active on Instagram under the handle @jessicamatten, with approximately 77,000 followers as of early 2026. She uses her platform with clear purpose, focusing on advocacy, behind-the-scenes content, and cultural awareness. Her posts regularly highlight Indigenous representation, Dark Winds updates, and wellness topics.
One of her most talked-about posts in 2025 was a recording studio story confirming her voice role in Avatar: Aang, The Last Airbender. She keeps her social media content intentional and meaningful rather than chasing viral trends. Her online presence reflects the same values she brings to every role and project in her career.
Jessica Matten Social Media Details
| Platform | Handle | Followers (2026) | Content Focus |
| @jessicamatten | approx. 77,000 | Advocacy, Dark Winds, wellness, BTS |
Fast Facts About Jessica Matten
- Jessica Matten was born on November 30, 1985, in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, and is 40 years old in 2026.
- She is of Red River Métis, Saulteaux-Cree, British, and Chinese descent through her parents.
- She is a direct descendant of Cuthbert Grant, the historic captain-general of the Métis people in the 19th century.
- She began modeling at age six through her mother’s First Nations agency, Mystique Models.
- She earned a Bachelor of Science in Human Ecology from the University of Alberta and studied fashion in London.
- She is the president of 7 Forward Entertainment and co-founder of the Counting Coup Indigenous Film Academy.
- She will voice Katara in Avatar: Aang, The Last Airbender, releasing October 9, 2026, through Paramount.
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Jessica Matten Now Today in 2026
Jessica Matten is having one of the most milestone-heavy years of her entire career in 2026. Dark Winds Season 4 is currently airing on AMC and AMC+, with her character Bernadette Manuelito facing intense new emotional and professional challenges. Audiences and critics alike continue to praise her performance as one of the strongest on cable television today.
Her voice role as Katara in the Avatar: Aang, The Last Airbender animated film is set to release on October 9, 2026. This Paramount production is one of the most anticipated animated films of the year worldwide. It marks a completely new chapter in Jessica Matten’s already impressive and diverse career.
She also received the Chadwick Boseman Changemaker Award in March 2026 at a ceremony held in New York City. The honor was presented alongside Taraji P. Henson, recognizing her decades of work uplifting Indigenous communities. Through 7 Forward Entertainment and the Indigenous Film Academy, she continues shaping the future of Native storytelling in film.
Last Words
Jessica Matten has built something rare in Hollywood, a career that is both commercially successful and deeply purposeful. From modeling at age six to voicing iconic animated characters at forty, her journey is unlike anyone else in the industry. She represents what it looks like when talent, heritage, and mission all move in the same direction.
In 2026, Jessica Matten’s profile has never been higher and her community impact has never been stronger. Whether audiences know her from Dark Winds, Rez Ball, Frontier, or the new Avatar film, one thing remains constant. She is an Indigenous actress who leads with purpose, and the best of her career is still ahead.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Jessica Matten?
Jessica Matten is a Canadian Indigenous actress, film producer, and wellness advocate from Edmonton, Alberta. She is best known for playing Sergeant Bernadette Manuelito in AMC’s Dark Winds.
How old is Jessica Matten in 2026?
Jessica Matten is 40 years old in 2026, having celebrated her birthday on November 30, 2025.
How tall is Jessica Matten?
Jessica Matten stands 5 feet 10 inches tall, which she personally confirmed on her official Instagram account.
What is Jessica Matten’s net worth?
Jessica Matten’s net worth is estimated at approximately $3 million USD as of 2026, earned through acting, production, and her wellness business.
Is Jessica Matten married?
Jessica Matten is not married as of 2026. She has been in a long-term relationship with Mohawk actor and musician Brendt Thomas Diabo since around 2016.
What is Jessica Matten’s ethnicity?
Jessica Matten is of Red River Métis, Saulteaux-Cree, British, and Chinese descent, making her a proud mixed Indigenous and multicultural Canadian.
What is Jessica Matten famous for?
She is most famous for her role as Sergeant Bernadette Manuelito in the critically acclaimed AMC crime drama Dark Winds, now in its fourth season.
What movies and TV shows has Jessica Matten appeared in?
Her major credits include Dark Winds, Frontier, Tribal, Rez Ball, The Empty Man, Burden of Truth, and the 2026 animated film Avatar: Aang, The Last Airbender.
Who does Jessica Matten voice in the Avatar movie?
Jessica Matten voices the character Katara in Avatar: Aang, The Last Airbender, releasing on October 9, 2026, through Paramount.
What is Jessica Matten’s Instagram handle?
Her Instagram handle is @jessicamatten, where she shares advocacy content, Dark Winds updates, and wellness posts with around 77,000 followers.