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The National Screen Institute – Canada (NSI) and CBC have confirmed a two-year partnership renewal in support of the CBC New Indigenous Voices training program, a 14-week training course that introduces young Indigenous storytellers to a variety of creative and challenging employment opportunities in film, television and digital media. The partnership extension will increase career development opportunities for Indigenous content creators across Canada. CBC has been the title, presenting and tuition sponsor of CBC New Indigenous Voices since 2017, and the latest edition of the program is currently accepting applications, with a deadline of March 20.

“CBC’s generous investment allows the National Screen Institute to continue offering students world-class training as they start their careers in the Canadian film, television and digital media industries,” said Joy Loewen, NSI CEO. “Their commitment to these storytellers is second to none – the CBC team wants NSI students to succeed as evidenced by their participation as trainers and mentors, attendance at ceremonies, graduations and other showcases. CBC also provides internship placements, access to resources, exposure on CBC Gem and, the ultimate goal, employment.”

During the first three years of the partnership, 48% of participants were women and 85% of graduates are working in the arts sector or pursuing related education. Students have interned at CBC Radio and on the CBC original series Burden of Truth, and graduates have secured employment with the broadcaster. Additionally, recent short films developed through the program are streaming on CBC Gem, including Dead Bolt (Jon Berg); Forgotten (Jesse Spence); Nappy Hair & Eagle Feather (Adeline Bird); and Star Line (Nikita Day).

“Our ongoing partnership with the National Screen Institute illustrates CBC’s commitment to sharing the stories of Indigenous creators with all Canadians,” said Sally Catto, General Manager of Entertainment, Factual & Sports, CBC. “By supporting young Indigenous filmmakers and providing them with an inclusive training environment, we are working to ensure that the creative industry’s next generation better reflects the full diversity of Canada, and are primed to succeed on a national and international level.”

About CBC New Indigenous Voices

Based in Winnipeg, CBC New Indigenous Voices is a full-time, 14-week culturally sensitive training course that introduces Indigenous storytellers (aged 18-35) to a variety of creative and challenging employment opportunities in film, television and digital media.

The program combines six weeks of classroom training, two weeks of short film production and a six-week industry internship. Students are paid minimum wage throughout. The program provides a well-rounded understanding of industry job requirements. All training is delivered by senior industry experts.

Lisa Meeches is the NSI Indigenous training programs advisor. Colin Mousseau is NSI’s elder. The program is run by Kaya Wheeler and Sarah Simpson-Yellowquill.

Now in its 16th year, CBC New Indigenous Voices celebrates 136 alumni, including Indigenous Film Summit founders Roger Boyer, Charlene Moore and Justina Neepin; award-winning filmmaker Erica Daniels; award-winning musician Leonard Sumner; Directors Guild of Canada member Michael Black; and CBC production executive for scripted drama, Melanie Nepinak Hadley.

About National Screen Institute – Canada (NSI)

The National Screen Institute – Canada (NSI) is a charitable, not-for-profit organization. Renowned for having given many content creators their first breaks, NSI provides customized training, mentorship and production support through courses like NSI Totally Television, CBC New Indigenous Voices presented by NSI, NSI Features First, NSI IndigiDocs, NSI New Northern Voices and TELUS STORYHIVE.

About CBC/Radio-Canada

CBC/Radio-Canada is Canada’s national public broadcaster. Through our mandate to inform, enlighten and entertain, we play a central role in strengthening Canadian culture. As Canada’s trusted news source, we offer a uniquely Canadian perspective on news, current affairs and world affairs. Our distinctively homegrown entertainment programming draws audiences from across the country. Deeply rooted in communities, CBC/Radio-Canada offers diverse content in English, French and eight Indigenous languages. We also deliver content in Spanish, Arabic and Chinese, as well as both official languages, through Radio Canada International (RCI). We are leading the transformation to meet the needs of Canadians in a digital world.

All media enquiries

Chris Vajcner, Director, Partner Support, NSI
Tel: 204.957.2998 or email: chris.vajcner@nsi-canada.ca

Tanya Koivusalo, Publicist, CBC
Tel: 416.205.8638 or email: tanya.koivusalo@cbc.ca

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