September 30th marks the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, a day dedicated to honouring the children who never returned home, the Survivors of residential schools, and their families and communities. It is a day to reflect on all the harm that has, and continues, to be felt as a result.
Building Bridges to Indigenous and Underrepresented Communities
Our commitment to reconciliation includes a range of initiatives aimed at fostering connections with Indigenous and underrepresented communities across Canada. Through our outreach, internship and mentorship programs, workshops, and continuous networking support, we strive to make a positive impact.
This year, we launched our first workshop, IndigiLens, aimed at Indigenous cinematographers in Winnipeg in partnership with Film Training Manitoba. Additionally, we will be establishing a lending bank of lighting and camera gear available for gratis loans to Indigenous cinematographers and Manitoba-based CSC members.
Territorial Acknowledgment
Our diversity committee has prepared the following territorial acknowledgment to be read at the start of all meetings:
“The CSC respects and affirms the inherent Treaty Rights of all Indigenous Peoples across this land and honours the commitments to self-determination and sovereignty made to Indigenous Nations and Peoples. We believe, as artists, we can contribute to the healing and decolonizing journey we all share and encourage members to learn about and regularly acknowledge the historic and current relationship that exists on the unceded land upon which they live and work. We also encourage members to consider how they can personally contribute to Canada’s reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples.”
Cultural Awareness & Competency
Jennifer Podemski, the acclaimed creator and showrunner for the series Little Bird, has developed an excellent online cultural awareness and competency certificate course (P.A.C.T.) designed for non-Indigenous industry colleagues and stakeholders working in the Canadian screen sector. The course is free, available in both French and English, and can be taken at any time. Please click here: learnatshine.ca.
Together, we can pave the path towards understanding, reconciliation, and unity.