WINNIPEG – The National Film Board of Canada (NFB) and APTN have signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to work together to strengthen relations with Indigenous Peoples and creators in the Canadian audiovisual industry.
The two organizations said Thursday that agreement will allow them to pool their respective efforts and expertise to implement various protocols, programs, training and other initiatives, such as promoting and utilizing archival materials in the NFB’s Indigenous collection; jointly developing best practices around hiring, training and retaining Indigenous employees; and sharing audience-data analysis and research.
“The NFB and APTN have a long history of working together. This MOU reflects our shared desire to build on what has already been achieved, and ensures that the voices of Indigenous Peoples and creators can be heard in communities across the country”, said Government Film Commissioner and NFB chair Claude Joli-Coeur, in the announcement. “In doing so, we hope to help build a lasting legacy to hand down to current and future generations.”
“APTN is proud to partner with the NFB by being part of a series of initiatives aimed at increasing the contribution and recognition of Indigenous Peoples and cultures to the Canadian film and television industry, in alignment with Truth and Reconciliation Commission recommendations”, added APTN CEO Jean La Rose. “As the world’s first national Indigenous broadcaster promoting Indigenous talent for almost two decades, we look forward to sharing our journeys, our cultures and our stories with one of the key players in the Canadian media-production landscape.”
Heritage Minister Mélanie Joly praised the partnership, calling it “essential to reconciliation”.
In photo, pictured left to right: APTN’s Jean La Rose and NFB’s Claude Joli-Coeur
