‘Indigenous people always have a story to tell’

West Broadway

West Kildonan–North End

Osborne

Fort Richmond

East Kildonan

For Indigenous artists and multimedia creators in Winnipeg, breaking into the industry can feel like a long road — but a 14-week CBC program is trying to shorten it.

The CBC New Indigenous Voices program, presented by the National Screen Institute, is a full-time, 14-week training program for 10 Indigenous creators designed to teach the essentials of filmmaking.

Cyrus Maytwayashing, 18, is one of five Winnipeg-based participants in this year’s cohort. An Anishinaabe filmmaker and writer, he has been writing stories since his early teens and picked up filmmaking about three years ago.

“Indigenous people always have a story to tell,” said Maytwayashing, who currently calls Fort Richmond home.

For him, storytelling is a way to challenge stereotypes, encourage healing and share Indigenous perspectives. He hopes the path will help spread awareness on contemporary issues like racism, abuse and environmental problems.

The program, he said, helped him further shape his creativity and passion for storytelling, and offered a safe space for everyone to share their feelings and ideas.

After graduating, Maytwayashing will complete an internship at APTN then finish his post-secondary studies. He believes there should be more programs like this.

Lindsay Jade, an Ojibwe and Cree filmmaker, remembers growing up watching films with her family in the living room. As a creative, she said she loves working with her hands — crafting, painting, journaling and filmmaking.

“I love storytelling and making people laugh and feel good,” said Jade, a West Kildonan resident.

Her favourite part of the program was a talk from previous graduates, which she said gave her reassurance about life after graduation.

Also in the cohort is East Kildonan’s Lisa Rueckert — known by her spirit name Loving White Turtle Woman — an Anishinaabe artist from Winnipeg and member of Waywayseecappo First Nation. The 42-year-old makeup artist has been involved in more than 91 productions since 2014.

The other two Winnipeg participants are filmmaker Canaan Kejick and Métis, Two-Spirit storyteller Chey Wright.

Through the program, the participants had the opportunity to produce a short film and gain hands-on industry experience through a full-time internship. Graduation was June 30.