Applications open: TikTok Accelerator for Indigenous Creators

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Grow your TikTok presence, hone your storytelling skills and learn the building blocks for a thriving digital career

Special note: supporting local communities

This August, as we prepared to announce the return of the TikTok Accelerator for Indigenous Creators wildfires spread across the Northwest Territories and British Columbia, forcing tens of thousands from their homes and having a devastating impact on communities throughout those regions. We paused to reflect on how we could support immediate and ongoing relief, recovery and resiliency efforts. The National Screen Institute, along with our partner TikTok Canada, is making a donation to support affected communities.

Applications are now open for a third edition of the TikTok Accelerator for Indigenous Creators – presented by the National Screen Institute. This part-time, online training program is designed for up to 40 TikTok creators in Canada and offers essential skills for a thriving digital career. New this year, the program will expand to include Indigenous-owned small businesses.

Taught by industry professionals, top TikTok creators – including program advisor Sherry Mckay (@sherry.mckay) – and members of the TikTok team, you’ll learn how to maximize TikTok to grow your community and share your unique stories in a safe and respectful online space.

The program is designed with traditional and spiritual elements and is presented through a series of 12 sessions delivered on weekdays (two 90-minute virtual sessions per week over six weeks) covering topics such as:

“Indigenous creatives deserve to elevate our social media presence and occupy our digital spaces,” said program advisor Sherry Mckay. “The TikTok Accelerator for Indigenous Creators can help amplify who we are so we can share our own stories and gifts through our own lens.”

“We’re committed to amplifying Indigenous creators by providing a safe and inclusive platform for creators to share their voice,” notes Sara Suri, Creator Education Lead, North America, TikTok. “And we are so pleased to once again be working with the National Screen Institute to bring this program to life, continuing our shared commitment to supporting diverse storytellers and their professional development.”

“The TikTok Accelerator for Indigenous Creators opens up incredible opportunities and community for Indigenous storytellers across Canada,” says program manager Sarah Simpson-Yellowquill. “If you’re passionate about storytelling and want to join the growing community of Indigenous creators on TikTok, this program is for you.”


View application details and eligibility. Apply by September 21 at 11:59 p.m., ET


There is no fee to apply or to participate in the training program. However, attendance at all 12 sessions is mandatory.

Participants will receive a production kit to assist with the creation and delivery of their TikTok content.

To be eligible, creators and small business owners applying to the program must be Canadian citizens or permanent residents living in Canada, aged 18 or over; be an Indigenous person: someone who is First Nation, Métis or Inuit; and be active on TikTok with a minimum of four public posts in the last 30 days. All eligible Indigenous TikTok creators and Indigenous-owned businesses are welcome to apply, no matter their view count or number of followers.

A selection committee comprised of screen-industry professionals, TikTok staff and Indigenous TikTok creators will review applications.

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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, lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer or questioning and two-spirit (LGBTQ2S+), people with disabilities, those outside large urban centres, those from regional and remote areas, and various religious groups.

About TikTok

TikTok is the leading destination for short-form mobile video. Our mission is to inspire creativity and bring joy. TikTok has global offices including Los Angeles, Silicon Valley, New York, London, Paris, Berlin, Dubai, Toronto, Singapore, Jakarta, Seoul, and Tokyo. tiktok.com

TikTok Accelerator for Indigenous Creators, presented by the National Screen Institute is made possible by TikTok Canada. NSI’s Core Funders are: Manitoba Sport, Culture and Heritage, the City of Winnipeg through the Winnipeg Arts Council.

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About the National Screen Institute – Canada (NSI)

Propelled by a visionary network of donors, private and public organizations, board members and staff, the National Screen Institute supports creators from across Canada to tell unforgettable stories. Through industry-informed training and mentoring in film, television and digital media, students and alumni find their voice and place on the global stage, inspiring us to shape a better world.

We are committed to training participants from a diverse community of voices including Black, Indigenous, People of Colour, women, lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer or questioning and two-spirit (LGBTQ2S+), people with disabilities, those outside large urban centres, those in regional and remote areas and various religious groups.

Media enquiries

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The National Screen Institute is supported by: Core Funders: Manitoba Sport, Culture and Heritage, the City of Winnipeg through the Winnipeg Arts Council; Benefactors: TELUS, Telefilm Canada, Canada Media Fund (CMF), Department for Women and Gender Equality (WAGE); Patrons: CBC, Paramount+, Creative Saskatchewan; Builders: APTN, TikTok Canada, Indigenous Screen Office (ISO), The Winnipeg Foundation; Strategic Sponsors: Manitoba Film & Music, Bell Media, RBC Emerging Artists, documentary Channel, CBC Gem, Centre for Aboriginal Human Resource Development (CAHRD), Alberta Film Commission, Creative BC, Manitoba Arts Council; Industry Partner: National Film Board of Canada; Friends: Ontario Creates, Société de développement des entreprises culturelles (SODEC), Bell FundWilliam F. White International, Company 3.