VANCOUVER – Rogers Group of Funds and Creative BC today announced plans for a $1 million fund to support Indigenous creators in British Columbia.
The purpose of the fund is to “help increase access and representation for Indigenous producers and Indigenous-led production companies in B.C.’s domestic motion picture industry,” a press release says.
By doing so, “it is to contribute to strong foundations that can serve to help correct the systemic and historic underrepresentation of Indigenous stories and storytellers in Canada’s screen sector.”
The fund’s first program, a collaborative partnership with the Indigenous Screen Office, opens today. It delivers “a top-up to B.C.-based recipients of their recently announced ISO Development Grant program,” the press release says.
“When more voices can be supported to contribute to Indigenous narrative sovereignty across Canada, it’s always a good thing,” said Jesse Wente, co-executive director of the Indigenous Screen Office, in the release.
“Our communities have a lot of stories to share in a way only Indigenous storytellers can. The ISO is looking forward to developing this new partnership with Creative BC and Rogers Group of Funds.”
The new fund more generally will be administered by Creative BC with support from Rogers Group of Funds. “With a priority on Indigenous sovereignty and decision-making, Creative BC will undertake a collaborative consultation process within the Indigenous community of content creators in B.C.,” the press release says.
The process will contribute to program creation for over four years.
As of today, Creative BC is looking to recruit “a knowledgeable Indigenous lead for this Fund’s programs, as well as to engage as a program analyst informing and delivering other existing and emerging Creative BC streams, partnerships, and services for Indigenous creators,” according to the press release.
The fund will apply the imagiNATIVE On-Screen Protocols & Pathways, which provide a framework to ensure a strong voice for Indigenous creators. Further details about the fund including details about the programs, eligibility criteria, deadlines and submission process will be announced next year.
“At Rogers, we are deeply committed to working in partnership with Indigenous partners and amplifying Indigenous voices so their lived experiences and perspectives are truly heard,” said Rogers Communications president and CEO Joe Natale, in the press release.
“This new fund is just one step on our company’s journey of reconciliation and deepening allyship with Indigenous communities across the country. Working collectively with B.C. communities, we are also proud to help bridge the digital divide by investing in critical connectivity, including along the Highway of Tears, to keep Indigenous communities safely connected,” he said.
“Creative BC is tremendously proud to partner again with Rogers Group of Funds and to launch the first program in collaboration with the Indigenous Screen Office,” said Prem Gill, CEO of Creative BC.
“Together we will establish new opportunities and long-term value to B.C.-based Indigenous storytellers – prioritizing cultural sovereignty, uplifting and being accountable to the work of the imagiNATIVE Protocols & Pathways, and leveraging Creative BC resources and relationships in support, such as that with the CMPA BC Producers Branch.”
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