Posted on Wednesday, April 30, 2008.

News release: August 23, 2007

A group of 12 young adults from Winnipeg, Dawson City and Siksika Nation in Alberta will graduate from the NSI New Voices program on Tuesday August 28, after having completed 14 weeks of intensive film and TV training and internship.

The full-time program run by the National Screen Institute - Canada connects young Canadian Aboriginal adults with industry professionals through skills development training and an eight week paid work placement.

Attending the graduation ceremonies in Winnipeg and addressing the graduates will be the award-winning Canadian Aboriginal actress Tantoo Cardinal. Ms. Cardinal has appeared in numerous plays, television programs and films including the American movies Legends of the Fall and Dances with Wolves, Canadian movies Black Robe and Loyalties, as well as the Canadian television series North of 60. According to Ms. Cardinal, "With acting I have found a way to do my own part to tell my peoples' story. The passions of my heart are moved by my 'Indian' experience."  

Acclaimed for both her acting achievements as well as her extensive activity within the Aboriginal community, Ms. Cardinal will be speaking to the NSI New Voices graduates about her experiences as an Aboriginal woman in the film and television arts.

NSI New Voices is funded in part by the Centre for Aboriginal Human Resource Development (CAHRD), NBC Universal, The Winnipeg Foundation, CTV, RBC Financial Group, the Aboriginal Media Educational Fund, MANITOBA FILM & SOUND, Manitoba Aboriginal and Northern Affairs and Manitoba Culture, Heritage and Tourism.

Media enquiries:

Glynis Corkal, Marketing and Communications Manager
Tel: 204-957-2995 | Email: glynis.corkal@nsi-canada.ca