Call for applications: TikTok Accelerator for Indigenous Creators 2024

Black TikTok logo surrounded by white, orange, red and blue circle. Underneath text, 'TikTok Accelerated for Indigenous Creators". Smaller font below Presented by the National Screen Institute
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Communications

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Applications are now open for the TikTok Accelerator for Indigenous Creators, presented by the National Screen Institute. Back for its fourth year, the program is expanding to create room for up to 300 qualified participants, a significant increase from previous cohorts of 40.

The program offers free, online, part-time sessions over six weeks. The curriculum has been developed with traditional and spiritual elements, aiming to empower Indigenous creators to grow their TikTok presence and learn the essential skills for a thriving digital career. Participants have access to learning from industry professionals, TikTok team members and TikTok creators.


 

Learn more and apply by October 18 at 11:59 p.m. CT

 


Returning as program advisor is Sherry Mckay (@sherry.mckay), an Ojibway Anishinaabe creator from Treaty 1 Territory, as well as program managers Sarah Simpson-Yellowquill, a filmmaker from Treaty 1 Territory, of Long Plain First Nation and, new this year, Danielle Audette, a Red River Métis-Francophone production manager with over 25 years of experience in production management across the entertainment industry in Canada.

“As the TikTok Accelerator for Indigenous Creators enters its fourth year, we’re proud to continue our partnership with TikTok to expand the program and reach even more creators across the country,” said Christine Kleckner, executive director at the National Screen Institute. “This initiative has proven to be a powerful platform for amplifying Indigenous voices. By increasing program capacity, we’re able to support hundreds of creators on their digital journeys.

With Sherry returning as program advisor, and Sarah’s continued leadership alongside Danielle as co-manager, the program is in great hands and will continue to empower and amplify Indigenous stories for years to come.”

“We share a common goal with the National Screen Institute – we both aim to empower Indigenous creators and amplify their voices,” notes Alexandra Givan, Global DEI Creator Programs Lead. “At TikTok, we see the power of first-person storytelling and we’re excited to support Indigenous creators by providing tools and insights to inspire authentic creation on our platform.

With this shared goal in mind, we’re pleased to continue our partnership with NSI and evolve the TikTok Accelerator for Indigenous Creators, presented by the National Screen Institute, extending the capacity of the program to support up to 300 eligible creators in 2024.”

To be eligible, applicants must reside in Canada; be 18 years or older; be an Indigenous creator (First Nation, Inuit or Métis); have a public and personal TikTok account; have a TikTok account in good standing with the TikTok Community Guidelines; have posted on TikTok at least once within thirty (30) days before their program eligibility is reviewed.

The selection committee is comprised of screen-industry professionals, TikTok staff and Indigenous TikTok creators. The selected participants will be announced this fall.

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

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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.

About National Screen Institute

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 and television, students and alumni find their voice and place on the global stage, inspiring us to shape a better world.

The National Screen Institute is 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.

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About the National Screen Institute – Canada (NSI)

We partner 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 – we help build a more sustainable industry and a workforce ready to meet evolving market demands.

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

Media enquiries

abiola.agbayewa@nsi-canada.ca


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.