Thirty (30) Indigenous content creators have been selected for the first TikTok Accelerator for Indigenous Creators – a new online training program designed to empower storytellers to grow their TikTok presence and learn the necessary skills for on-platform success and beyond.

Applications were received from 12 provinces and territories. The selected participants were chosen by an independent jury comprised of screen industry professionals and Indigenous TikTok creators with input from TikTok Canada.

The TikTok Accelerator for Indigenous Creators, presented by the National Screen Institute, is an online program providing customized, skills-based education sessions, hands-on exercises and connections with professional industry experts and peers. The curriculum is designed with traditional elements.

“We have so many untold stories that are waiting to be shared,” said program advisor Sherry Mckay. “Because there are teachings in each story, my hopes are that these creators will gain the technical skills and knowledge to not only tell their stories but inspire others to do so as well.”

The selected participants are:

• Star Anderson – Winnipeg, MB (TikTok handle: staranderson1)
• Lynn-Marie Angus – Vancouver, BC (sisters_sage)
• Thea Arthurson – Oliver, BC (cree..thea)
• Eagle Blackbird – Wallaceburg, ON (itzeaglee)
• Erin Brillon – Courtenay, BC (totemdesign)
• Vanessa Brousseau – Welland, ON (resilientInuk)
• Daniel Cutknife – Wetaskiwin, AB (zombieeagle7)
• Celeste Day Rider – Lethbridge, AB (celestedayrider)
• Jenny Kay Dupuis – North York, ON (jennykaydupuis)
• Sebastian Gaskin – Winnipeg, MB (sebastiangaskin)
• Hailey Hamelin-Wilson – Edmonton, AB (haileyykat)
• Penína Sara-Lynn Harding – Prince George, BC (academic_aunty)
• Crystal Harrison Collin – Sioux Lookout, ON (crystalharrisoncollin)
• Billi-J Heavy Shields – Standoff, AB (deadlyblackfoot_ma)
• Deanne Hupfield – Toronto, ON (deannehupfield)
• Brayden lidguerre – Saskatoon, SK (braydenlidguerre)
• Jocelyn Joe-Strack – Whitehorse, YT (auntyjocey)
• Christina King – Tuktoyaktuk, NWT (taalrumiq)
• Richard Lush – Springvale, PEI (lightskinlnu)
• Brennen McGuire – Shannonville, ON (slapppps)
• Zachary Mann – Winnipeg, MB (neighbourhoodneechie)
• Shania Morin – Saskatoon, SK (wapimuskwa)
• Sean Morriseau – Thunder Bay, ON (nativepoolboy)
• Benita Prado – Vancouver, BC (pradomonroe)
• Matthew Brian Shorting – Winnipeg, MB (travelingstarman)
• Kailey Simon – Elsipogtog, NB (sleepingpolarbearart)
• Jessica Taylor – Regina, SK (jessalexamakeup)
• Kesha Tipewan – Saskatoon, SK (keshaheals)
• Lori Ann Tulugak-Kopak – Naujaat, NU (loraven16)
• Xavier Watso – Montreal, QC (watso_)

> Read more about each participant

The TikTok Accelerator for Indigenous Creators is hosted by advisor and Indigenous content creator Sherry Mckay (@sherry.mckay), advisor Justina Neepin (@justinaneepin), and program managers Sarah Simpson-Yellowquill and Cheyenne Bruneau. Under their guidance and expert knowledge from presenters such as Celina Myers (@celinaspookyboo), Brett Mooswa (@brettstoise), Jayroy Makokis (@jayroymakokis), Fawn Wood (@fawn.wood) and Duece Moto (@hoodoo_manystrikes), participants will each create a robust marketing plan and develop a series of videos to set them on the path to success.

Program sessions will include navigating TikTok, technical training, media career building and social responsibility and digital wellness. The program will begin with a sharing circle led by Elder Allen Sutherland. Online classes start on November 8.

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.

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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.

Media enquiries

TikTok Canada
Miriam Fitting, Communications Manager
mi************@ti****.com