In partnership with the Indigenous Screen Office. Claudia Skunk and Neegan Siou� Trudel selected to take part in new mentorship program for interactive/immersive producers at the NFB.
Montreal – WEBWIRE – Friday, May 5, 2023
The National Film Board of Canada and the Indigenous Screen Office (ISO) are pleased to announce the winners of the inaugural Immersive/Interactive Producer Fellowship at the NFB. They are Claudia Skunk, wholl be working in English at the Animation & Interactive Studio in Vancouver, and Neegan Siou Trudel, wholl be working in French at the Interactive Studio in Montreal.
The six-month program aims to develop expertise in the fields of VR, XR, AI and games, and to tap into the exciting job opportunities available in this growing area of production.
Quotes
As an emerging Indigenous producer, I was thrilled to learn I was selected to be part of the NFB immersive and interactive fellowship. Im excited to learn and deepen my skills from the many talented NFB producers and creatives, and I plan to reciprocate new ideas and meaningful collaboration. Claudia Skunk
Im very happy to be able to collaborate with and learn from NFB producers. This is a great opportunity to broaden my professional network and become more involved with the interactive media ecosystem. Im looking forward to sharing my knowledge with future collaborators. Neegan Siou Trudel
About Claudia Skunk and Neegan Siou Trudel
Claudia Skunk is an Anishinaabekwe from Mishkeegogamang First Nation. She has spent several years with the imagineNATIVE Film + Media Arts Festival and is now furthering her passion for working with organizations and people who uplift Indigenous voices on documentary series like Amplify and Treaty Road.
Neegan Siou Trudel is a Wendat emerging producer whos worked on a number of documentary projects. In 2022, he completed the EAVE On Demand Access Program, an international co-production program. He started his own production company in January 2023, after working as a 2D and 3D director and animator for companies including the renowned Moment Factory.
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About the NFB
The NFB is Canadas public producer and distributor of award-winning documentaries, auteur animation, interactive stories, and participatory experiences. Since 1968, the NFB has produced over 300 works by First Nations, Mtis and Inuit filmmakersan unparalleled collection that pushes past dominant narratives and provides Indigenous perspectives to Canadian and global audiences. The NFB is implementing anaction planwith commitments that include devoting a minimum of 15 percent of overall production spending to Indigenous-led productions and making these works more accessible viaIndigenous Cinema, a destination onNFB.ca.
About the Indigenous Screen Office
The Indigenous Screen Office (ISO) is an independent national advocacy and funding organization serving First Nations, Inuit and Mtis creators of screen content in Canada. The ISOs mandate is to foster and support narrative sovereignty and cultural revitalization by increasing Indigenous storytelling on screens and promoting Indigenous values and participation across the sector.
French version here | Version franaise ici.
Indigenous nurses are the bridge between traditional healing and Western medicine, establishing and applying a holistic approach to their healthcare delivery. Ottawa, Ontario (May 9, 2022) – The Minister of Indigenous Services, Patty Hajdu; the Minister of Crown–Indigenous Relations, Marc Miller; and the Minister of Northern Affairs, Daniel Vandal, issued the following statement today: “Indigenous nurses are the bridge between traditional healing and Western medicine, establishing and applying a holistic approach to their healthcare delivery. Today, at the start of National Nursing Week, we celebrate Indigenous Nurses Day by recognizing the irreplaceable role of First Nations, Inuit and Métis nurses, who provide culturally inclusive healthcare in their communities and across the country. Indigenous nurses have also continuously demonstrated their phenomenal commitment and exceptional efforts to maintaining the health and well-being of all Canadians, in both urban and remote areas. The theme for National Nursing Week is once again #WeAnswertheCall, which provides yet another opportunity to showcase the ways in which nurses respond to sometimes dire and drastic situations with both professionalism and compassion. And for many Indigenous nurses, answering the call reaches far beyond health service delivery: they are advocating for Indigenous voices to be heard and considered in the healthcare system. We especially want to highlight their exceptional work over the past two years. Nurses have played a pivotal role in Canada’s COVID-19 response, and we thank them for their ongoing service to communities. The Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada’s Calls to Action state the need for “an increase in the number of Aboriginal professionals working in the healthcare field.” Although efforts have been made to assure a higher presence of Indigenous healthcare professionals, greater progress toward improved representation is key in the years ahead. To achieve better health outcomes, self-determination and freedom of choice in Indigenous health journeys are vital. First Nations, Inuit and Métis nurses are often uniquely positioned to both understand and campaign for community-led, culturally appropriate healthcare services and delivery while incorporating traditional practices. We recognize and support Indigenous nurses’ tireless work to provide accessible, culturally relevant healthcare. With many Indigenous nurses having distinct connections to their community’s Elders and healers, their nursing practices pass on the blend of traditional knowledge and medical expertise to the next generation. Their roots in communities and culture are invaluable as we work to build stronger, healthier relationships between Indigenous Peoples and the healthcare systems. For your exceptional skills, your longstanding dedication, and your unwavering ability to care for each and every one of us, we thank you. We are grateful, we are appreciative for all that Indigenous nurses have accomplished throughout Canada.” Alison Murphy You can subscribe to receive our news releases and speeches via RSS feeds. For more information or to subscribe, visit www.isc.gc.ca/RSS. Today, the Honourable Marc Miller, Minister of Crown–Indigenous Relations, announced funding for 18 Indigenous organizations (including 15 Indigenous women’s and three 2SLGBTQQIA+ organizations) through multi-year agreements that amplify their voices and perspectives in the development of policies, programs and legislation. Crown−Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada (CIRNAC) is coordinating the distribution of $36.3 million over five years beginning in 2021−22 to 2025−26, and $8.6 million ongoing for this program to allow stable and longer-term project funding for these organizations. May 6, 2022 — Ottawa, Ontario, Traditional Unceded Algonquin Territory — Crown−Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada Today, the Honourable Marc Miller, Minister of Crown–Indigenous Relations, announced funding for 18 Indigenous organizations (including 15 Indigenous women’s and three 2SLGBTQQIA+ organizations) through multi-year agreements that amplify their voices and perspectives in the development of policies, programs and legislation. Crown−Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada (CIRNAC) is coordinating the distribution of $36.3 million over five years beginning in 2021−22 to 2025−26, and $8.6 million ongoing for this program to allow stable and longer-term project funding for these organizations. The newly funded organizations and programs span 11 provinces and territories and include the Ontario Native Women’s Association’s Reconciliation and their “Indigenous Women – Improving Indigenous Women’s Safety” program, Two-Spirited People of Manitoba with their “2S Medicine Owl” initiative, and Les Femmes Michif Otipemisiwak / Women of the Métis Nation and their “Awii – The Person You’re Supposed to Be: Connecting Métis 2SLGBTQQIA+ Across the Motherland” program. The Supporting Indigenous Women’s and 2SLGBTQQIA+ Organizations Program provides longer-term, sustainable funding to Indigenous women’s and 2SLGBTQQIA+ organizations to enable them to support engagement at the grassroots level and support advocacy on behalf of their members while also supporting the co-development of policy, programs and legislation at all levels of government. Through the Federal Pathway, the government’s contribution to the National Action Plan, funding under this program helps respond to Call for Justice 1.8 from the Final Report of the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls, which calls upon the government’s support of national, regional and community-level Indigenous women’s and 2SLGBTQQIA+ organizations. The Federal Pathway outlines the Government of Canada’s work with partners to advance solutions that will support families and Survivors and address the root causes of violence. The Federal Pathway is part of the broader 2021 Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls and 2SLGBTQQIA+ People National Action Plan (National Action Plan). The National Action Plan was created from the Final Report of the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls. The Government of Canada is working with partners to end violence against Indigenous women, girls and 2SLGBTQQIA+ people in Canada through solutions that will protect vulnerable people and address the root-causes of this violence. The ability of Indigenous women and 2SLGBTQQIA+ peoples in Canada to shape these solutions—in areas such as data and research, diversity and inclusion, leadership development, and equality and safety—is key to this effort. “It is critical that the voices of Indigenous women and 2SLGTBQQIA+ organizations are heard and brought forward in the decision-making processes that impact their communities. These 18 organizations are well-positioned to empower and engage Indigenous women and 2SLGBTQQIA+ peoples to support real and meaningful systemic change in Canada. Together we will continue to work in partnership to implement the National Action Plan and the Government of Canada’s Federal Pathway to address this national crisis.” The Honourable Marc Miller “We welcome the commitment from the federal government to prioritize the engagement of Indigenous women’s and 2SLGBTQQIA+ organizations. The MMIWG National Inquiry centred on the needs of the grassroots; this funding further ensures that Indigenous women’s and 2SLGBTQQIA+ voices are centred in the decisions that impact us so we can restore balance to our families and communities.” Nona Matthews Justine Leblanc You can subscribe to receive our news releases and speeches via RSS feeds. For more information or to subscribe, visit www.cirnac.gc.ca/RSS. COVID-19 continues to impact communities across the country, and Indigenous Services Canada remains available to assist in prevention and response efforts. May 5, 2022 — Ottawa, Ontario, Traditional unceded Algonquin Territory — Indigenous Services Canada COVID-19 continues to impact communities across the country, and Indigenous Services Canada remains available to assist in prevention and response efforts. Monthly review – April 2022 2,441 average daily reported active COVID-19 cases A 9.6% decrease from March 2022 176 newly reported hospitalizations A 45.5% increase from March 2022 22 newly reported deaths An 18.5% decrease from March 2022 The following webpages and resources are updated regularly with COVID-19 information on: Confirmed cases of COVID-19 – updated regularly Requests for Federal Assistance (RFA) for COVID response – Recent conclusions Deer Lake First Nation’s (Ontario) RFA was approved on March 18, 2022, for CAF support, and subsequently extended by two weeks. CAF support concluded earlier than expected on April 8, 2022, due to a significant drop in active cases. Alison Murphy You can subscribe to receive our news releases and speeches via RSS feeds. For more information or to subscribe, visit www.isc.gc.ca/RSS. This week in her first visit to British Columbia as Minister of Indigenous Services, the Honourable Patty Hajdu was able to meet with a number of First Nations leaders and communities impacted by the events of 2021 to discuss shared priorities, challenges faced by recent events and emergencies, and the ongoing supports required in the months ahead. February 25, 2022 — British Columbia — Indigenous Services Canada This week in her first visit to British Columbia as Minister of Indigenous Services, the Honourable Patty Hajdu was able to meet with a number of First Nations leaders and communities impacted by the events of 2021 to discuss shared priorities, challenges faced by recent events and emergencies, and the ongoing supports required in the months ahead. Minister Hajdu and Indigenous Services Canada (ISC) would like to recognize the resilience and strength of First Nations leadership and emergency services teams in the region for their work over the past months. She also offered her ongoing support for communities and survivors of residential schools as the identifying of unmarked graves furthers the intergenerational trauma of these institutions. On February 23, Minister Hajdu travelled to Kamloops and met with Chief Willie Sellars of Williams Lake First Nation and conveyed the Government of Canada’s condolences on the identification of potential burial sites at the former St. Joseph’s Mission Residential School. Minister Hajdu delivered a virtual address to Chiefs attending the Union of BC Indian Chiefs’ Meeting. In her remarks, she recognized the ongoing impacts of the pandemic, climate change and the opioid crisis on First Nations and confirmed Canada’s commitment to continue to work with them in addressing these emergencies. She met with the First Nations Emergency Services Society (FNESS) and First Nations Leadership Council to discussed shared concerns and priorities, and confirmed an additional $5.7 million in supports from ISC’s Emergency Management Assistance Program for the 2022–23 fiscal year. This funding is in addition to the $6.2 million provided to the Society since last summer to help support First Nations in their response and recovery efforts. Minister Hajdu was also welcomed by Kúkpi7 Roseanne Casimir and the council of Tk’emlúps te Secwépemc to their community. They discussed a number of priorities, including housing, economic development, mental health supports, food sovereignty and the importance of protecting the sacred sites of unmarked graves of children who never returned home. On February 24, Minister Hajdu met with Chief Marcel Shackelly of the Nooaitch Indian Band to discuss the impact of flooding on his community, as well as recovery and rebuilding efforts. Later that day, she met with Chief Christine Minnabarriet of Cook’s Ferry Indian Band, Chief Arnold Lampreau of Shackan Indian Band and Chief Lee Spahan of Coldwater Indian Band. She was given an aerial tour of their communities, which were significantly impacted by the devastating floods last November. She was able to see first hand the widespread damage done to infrastructure and the environment. First Nations in British Columbia have endured unprecedented compounding emergencies in the past year: flooding and forest fires, the opioid crisis, and the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Additionally, communities continue to endure the traumatic effects of residential schools as they identify the location of unmarked graves. ISC and the Government of Canada will continue to work in partnership with First Nations leadership and emergency services as they support their communities and residents through these challenging events, and in their priorities for the months ahead. “Thank you to First Nations in British Columbia for the warm welcome and reception in your territories. I lift up my hands to the Chiefs, Councils and First Nations emergency services teams for their extraordinary efforts throughout the past year dealing with unprecedented and compounding emergencies. I was very moved by the conversations with Survivors and community leaders about the recent discoveries at the former St. Joseph’s Mission Residential School and Kamloops Residential School and recognize the grief, trauma and pain those discoveries have caused. Our government remains committed to our partnership to support you and your communities through these challenging times.” The Honourable Patty Hajdu In December 2021, the Government of Canada committed $5 billion to support British Columbia in its recovery from natural disasters. In British Columbia, ISC has a service agreement with Emergency Management British Columbia to provide emergency management services on reserves that are comparable to those available to other BC communities. The department reimburses First Nations, as well as provinces, territories and authorized third-party emergency service providers, 100% of eligible response and recovery costs, including evacuation costs. A Tripartite Memorandum of Understanding on emergency management services with the First Nations Leadership Council, the Province of British Columbia and ISC also sets the stage for a trilateral approach. These agreements underpin ongoing discussions among partners on how to better support First Nations during emergencies and include FNESS in emergency response platforms. To date, CIRNAC’s Residential Schools Missing Children – Community Support Funding has approved sixty-five applications related to research, knowledge gathering, commemoration, memorialization and field work investigation of residential schools, totalling just over $73.8 million. Of these approved funding applications, 14 are community-based initiatives in British Columbia. Alison Murphy You can subscribe to receive our news releases and speeches via RSS feeds. For more information or to subscribe, visit www.isc.gc.ca/RSS.Canada – Indigenous Nurses Day celebrated during National Nursing Week
Press Secretary
Office of the Honourable Patty Hajdu
Minister of Indigenous Services
Alison.Murphy@sac-isc.gc.caCanada – Indigenous women’s and 2SLGBTQQIA+ organizations are supported to end violence against vulnerable people
Minister of Crown–Indigenous Relations
Executive Director of Newfoundland Aboriginal Women’s Network (NAWN)
Press Secretary
Office of the Honourable Marc Miller
Minister of Crown–Indigenous Relations
justine.leblanc@rcaanc-cirnac.gc.caCanada – Indigenous Services Canada COVID-19 monthly update – May 2022
In April 2022, the following data was reported from First Nations communities:
Vaccines administered – updated weekly
PPE shipments to communities – updated biweekly
Epidemiological summary of COVID-19 cases in First Nations communities – updated weekly
As of May 5, 2022:
Kashechewan First Nation’s (Ontario) RFA was approved on February 1, 2022, and subsequently extended by two weeks. CAF support concluded on March 30, 2022.
Attawapiskat First Nation’s (Ontario) RFA was approved on February 16, 2022. A new RFA was approved on March 16, 2022, and an extension for continued CAF support was approved on March 30, 2022. CAF support concluded on April 13, 2022.
Press Secretary
Office of the Honourable Patty Hajdu
Minister of Indigenous Services
Alison.Murphy@sac-isc.gc.caCanada – Minister of Indigenous Services completes inaugural visit to First Nations communities in British Columbia
Minister of Indigenous Services
Press Secretary
Office of the Honourable Patty Hajdu
Minister of Indigenous Services
Alison.Murphy@sac-isc.gc.ca
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