Call for applications: CBC New Indigenous Voices 2025

CBC renews support of the program for two years

Applications are now being accepted for the 2025 edition of CBC New Indigenous Voices, presented by the National Screen Institute.

Now in its 21st year, the program has been a cornerstone of the National Screen Institute’s training initiatives for over two decades.

CBC New Indigenous Voices offers 14-weeks of full-time, immersive training for Indigenous creators aged 18 and over to learn from industry experts and gain hands-on experience in the essential elements of film and television.

The National Screen Institute is seeking 10 emerging Indigenous creators from across Canada to participate. Applications close on March 27, 2025 at 12 p.m. CT.

Participants living more than 30 kilometres from Winnipeg are eligible for travel and accommodation support. All participants receive Manitoba’s minimum wage for the program’s duration.

Training begins in May 2025 with two weeks of online sessions followed by six weeks of in-person workshops and short film production on Treaty 1 Territory in Winnipeg, Manitoba. This multi-phase format offers comprehensive skills development, short film production experience and an internship placement.

All in-person workshops and group activities are taught by industry professionals. Workshop topics include story development, directing, producing, lighting, sound and editing.

Applicants should be aware that this program requires a significant time commitment to complete homework assignments. A key component of the experience is the creation of a short film, which participants develop and produce together, providing a tangible outcome for their work.

Learn more and apply by Thursday, March 27, 2025 at 12 p.m. CT.

Register now for our Q+A webinar on March 18, 12 p.m. CT., where alumni and faculty will answer questions and share application tips.

CBC continues as the title, presenting and tuition sponsor, reaffirming its commitment to supporting Indigenous creators. Now in its ninth year, CBC has also pledged to maintain its sponsorship for a 10th year, aligning with the program’s mission to prioritize and champion the voices of Indigenous storytellers.

“Over the past two decades, including eight in collaboration with CBC, the program has helped to usher in a new generation of Indigenous creators to this country’s screen industry, supporting a much-needed range of voices and perspectives behind the camera,” said Sally Catto, General Manager, Entertainment, Factual and Sports, CBC. “We’re proud to continue our collaboration with the National Screen Institute for an additional two years, providing new participants with the opportunity to grow and thrive as they expand their artistic skill sets and build rewarding careers.”

Following the completion of their short film, participants will be celebrated at a graduation ceremony before beginning their internship placements. Previous internships have been hosted by prominent companies such as Walt Disney Studios, Universal Studios, CBC Manitoba, APTN and Eagle Vision.

“We’re excited to receive this year’s applications and look forward to collaborating with the participants,” says manager of programs and development Sarah Simpson-Yellowquill. “One of my favourite things about this program is helping emerging Indigenous filmmakers further nurture storytelling talents and explore their career potential. It’s been wonderful to see hundreds of Indigenous creators launch their careers through this program, and we can’t wait to support and elevate many more.”

Program alumni include Sonya Ballantyne (Nosisim), Ryan Cooper (Aberdeen), Paul Rabliauskas (Acting Good), Darcy Waite and Cynthia Murdock (Zombies Don’t Eat Stupid People).

In addition to program manager Sarah Simpson-Yellowquill, the faculty now includes National Screen Institute alum Vanessa Loewen (NSI Global Marketing) serving as an advisor for the first time. Vanessa was a founding member of CBC New Indigenous Voices in the early 2000s.

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CBC New Indigenous Voices 2025 is funded by Title, Presenting and Tuition Sponsor CBC; Program Partners Manitoba Sport, Culture, Heritage and Tourism, Neeginan Education, Training and Employment Services, Inc. (NETES), Telefilm Canada; Provincial Sponsor Manitoba Film & Music; National Screen Institute Core Funders are Manitoba Sport, Culture, Heritage and Tourism and the City of Winnipeg through the Winnipeg Arts Council. More sponsors will be added as confirmed.

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About CBC/Radio-Canada
CBC/Radio-Canada is Canada’s national public broadcaster. Through our mandate to inform, enlighten and entertain, we play a central role in strengthening Canadian culture. As Canada’s trusted news source, we offer a uniquely Canadian perspective on news, current affairs and world affairs. Our distinctively homegrown entertainment programming draws audiences from across the country. Deeply rooted in communities, CBC/Radio-Canada offers diverse content in English, French and eight Indigenous languages. We also deliver content in Spanish, Arabic, Chinese, Punjabi and Tagalog, as well as both official languages, through Radio Canada International (RCI). We are leading the transformation to meet the needs of Canadians in a digital world.

About the National Screen Institute
The National Screen Institute partners with a visionary network of donors, businesses, and private and public organizations to provide industry-informed training in screen-based media, equipping creators across Canada with the skills to tell unforgettable stories.

By prioritizing storytellers from equity-deserving communities – including Black, Indigenous, People of Colour (BIPOC), women, LGBTQ2S+, people with disabilities, and those in regional and remote areas – the institute helps build a more sustainable industry and a workforce ready to meet evolving market demands.

Students and alumni find their voices and places on the global stage, strengthening the creative economy and shaping a better world.

Further enquiries: 

Application enquiries:

Sarah Simpson-Yellowquill –sarahs.yellowquill@nsi-canada.ca / 204-956-7800 EXT 107

Media enquiries:

Abiola Agbayewa –abiola.agbayewa@nsi-canada.ca  / 204-956-7800 EXT 113

Tanya Koivusalo, CBC PR- tanya.koivusalo@cbc.ca