CBC New Indigenous Voices

Title, Presenting and Tuition Sponsor:

Build your career and learn the essential elements of working in film, TV and digital media.

Program status:

Applications are closed

About

CBC New Indigenous Voices, presented by the National Screen Institute, is a full-time, 14-week training program for up to 10 Indigenous creators aged 18+ to learn the essential elements of working in the film, TV and digital media industries.

The curriculum is designed with traditional and spiritual elements. Participants are paid Manitoba’s minimum wage for the duration of the program.

The program provides a fully immersive experience: industry leaders train students in all aspects of creative media arts through workshops, practical experience, pitching, production and internships. The National Screen Institute is committed to providing a safe space to share stories, learn, grow and make mistakes.

The 2026 edition will be delivered in person, in Winnipeg. In addition to classroom training sessions, students will work together to produce a short film project, learning about the many crew positions required to bring an idea from script to screen.

Six spots are reserved for Manitoba residents, one spot is reserved for a British Columbia resident and up to three spots are available for others living outside Manitoba. Participants outside Manitoba or more than 30 kilometres from Winnipeg are eligible for travel and accommodation support.

At a glance

  • Applications close: Thursday, March 26 at 12 p.m., Central Time
  • Q+A webinar: Thursday, March 12 at 12 p.m. CT. Register here.
  • Selected participants notified: on or around April 13
  • Phase 1 (training sessions): May 11 to June 19
    • May 11 to 22 (online)
    • May 25 to June 19 (in person)
  • Phase 2 (production): June 22 to July 3 (in-person)
  • Graduation: TBC
  • Phase 3 (internship): July 6 – August 14

Key information

Program dates
May to August 2026
Location
Full-time in-person (Winnipeg, Manitoba) plus two weeks of online training
Cost
Tuition and application fees are generously covered by CBC

This training is for you if:

  • You’re an emerging Indigenous content creator interested in a career in film, television and digital media
  • You already have some experience
  • You want to explore career opportunities within the creative industries
  • You want to gain practical, hands-on experience in the workplace and in production
  • You can commit to this full-time program. You must attend all classes and invest significant time in homework assignments

To be eligible, you must:

  • Be First Nations, Inuit or Métis aged 18+
  • Be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident living in Canada
  • Have some industry experience or related work experience such as:
    • Working for a school or college newspaper or radio station
    • Acting in a school, college or community theatre production
    • Creating a short film or other audio-visual project at school, college or in your own time
    • Completing post-secondary education in a related field
  • Be available to fully participate in the program and not have other commitments that would prevent full engagement

In this program, you will:

  • Hear from national industry experts and professional organizations about career opportunities
  • Learn about funding and development for creative projects
  • Learn the essential elements of filmmaking
  • Produce a creative project in the form of a short film
  • Gain hands-on industry experience through a full-time internship
  • Complete two assignments for the National Screen Institute website
  • Receive minimum wage (Manitoba rate) throughout the 14-week program

Program phases

Phase 1: May 11 to June 19

Skills development training

You will attend up to 10 sessions from Monday to Friday. You will be involved in interactive group discussions, presentations and workshops.

The curriculum covers skills development and industry introduction including topics such as story development, directing, producing, digital media, pitching, documentary filmmaking, audio storytelling, production design, set orientation, casting, camera, lighting, sound, editing and Indigenous history.

You will also spend significant time completing homework assignments.

Phase 2: June 22 to July 3

Production

You will work with your fellow participants and mentors to produce and edit a short film.

Phase 3: July 6 to August 14

Internship work placement

After completing phases 1 and 2, you will move on to the internship phase. Where possible, you will be matched with an internship placement in an industry setting that meets your career interests. Potential internship placements include broadcasters and independent production companies.

The program culminates with a graduation ceremony.

Program phases

Our commitment to underrepresented voices

At the National Screen Institute, we serve and help develop the gifts of Indigenous creators.

We are committed to training participants from a diverse community of voices including Black, Indigenous, People of Colour, women, two-spirit, lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer or questioning (2SLGBTQ+), people with disabilities, those outside large urban centres, those from regional and remote areas, and various religious groups.

Questions

Please review the FAQ below.

If you need help, email program manager Sarah at sarahs.yellowquill@nsi-canada.ca or call her at 204-956-7800 ext. 107. Disability accommodation is available upon request.


Frequently asked questions


Meet the faculty

Sarah-Simpson-Yellowquill

Sarah Simpson-Yellowquill

Manager of Programs & Development


Alumni


Program Partners

cbc Manitoba Sport, Culture, Heritage and Tourism logo. Manitoba is spelled out in green text on the left and a black bison graphic is shown on the right. Telefilm Canada logo. Telefilm Canada is spelled out in black and all uppercase on the left. A tagline line spelled out in red uppercase to the right says partner of choice. winnipeg-foundation MFM IATSE-856 On Screen Manitoba logo and description line21 Winnipeg Arts Council logo. Winnipeg Arts Council is spelled out in black uppercase to the right. A green circle is shown on the left with a graphic letter W inside.
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