February 2023

When I started, I felt so intimidated to even try TikTok as I didn’t understand it when compared to Facebook or Instagram. This program helped me to start feeling safe to try things out, even if it doesn’t get many views. I learned that it can be trial and error at the beginning, and it’s okay and safe to try.

About Asha 

Asha (she/her) is an Anishinaabekwe from Chippewas of Nawash First Nation. She has been practicing as an Indigenous Healer, homeopath and guide for the last two decades and is the best-selling author of You are the Medicine, published by Hay House.

As part of the Crane Clan, Asha believes in leading from vision and heart, and loves offering mentorship and guidance for those rising into their gifts. 

Diagnosed with lupus at 17, Asha has dedicated much of her life to her healing journey. As a mama of two boys, she is inspired to walk in a good way guided by the teachings of her ancestors.

@ashafrost

February 2023

The TikTok Accelerator for Indigenous Creators taught me how to pursue my content creation in a more confident and intentional way. Hearing from experienced creators, along with National Screen Institute and TikTok Canada, gave me a wealth of knowledge and tools to carry forward in my own content creation journey.

About Ashley 

Ashley Lamothe is a proud AnishnaabeKwe / Métis, two-spirit mother of two residing in Nogojiwanong (Peterborough) Ontario on the traditional territories of the Michi Saagiig. As the CEO and founder of Creative Kwe, Ashley is passionate about amplifying and inspiring confidence through creativity.

When she’s not working, you can find her playing in the dirt with her two tiny humans or in her studio surrounded by glitter.

@creativekwe

February 2023

My favorite thing was learning about analytics and how to read and better understand them. This is something I didn’t entirely understand, but now I know how to work with them. I also enjoyed learning about media kits and how to begin working with brands, especially as someone who is just beginning content creation.

About Aurora

I’m a 22 year-old Anishinaabekwe from Wiikwemkoong Unceded Territory.

I always enjoyed playing video games, but it wasn’t until the pandemic that I started playing more consistently and discovered Twitch. I found myself enjoying streaming, and began posting clips I enjoyed on TikTok.

I am currently pursuing my post-secondary education, and I often struggle with time management between academics and gaming / streaming. However, as I am nearing the end of my undergraduate degree, I am looking towards starting my stream back up and working on organization and discipline.

As a 22 year-old, the world seems scary but also exciting with so many different paths to try. I can’t tell you where I’m going yet but I can tell you where I’ve been – but that’s a much longer story. 

Gaming has turned into more than just a hobby for me. It’s allowed me to make connections I never thought I’d make – meeting new people and travelling are just a few highlights so far. I’m really excited to take on a new journey and see what else is out there.

@fosterrora

February 2023

I was taught how to conduct myself in a more professional manner online. As well, to be more confident in my creative abilities.

About Braden

My name is Braden Kadlun Johnston and I’m a 23 year-old recovered addict.

My home community is Kugluktuk, Nunavut but I grew up in Yellowknife, Northwest Territories. 

TikTok has become a creative outlet for me to express my journey through addiction and mental illness. It’s also been the mediator in my reconnection process with Inuit culture with my mother, Hovak.

I currently reside in Calgary where I attend Mount Royal University. One day, I hope to be a professor.

@kadlun

February 2023

Getting to talk to other creators was the best thing about the TikTok Accelerator for Indigenous Creators. Getting to hear their experiences and how they navigate the platform was really helpful.

About Brianne

I am Mohawk from Six Nations of the Grand River in Ontario, Wolf Clan. I grew up in Brantford, Ontario.

I am the owner and creator of Cavan’s Creations, which is where I sell my beadwork. Growing up, I was always doing crafts, making string or beaded bracelets, cross-stitching and molding clay. In my teens, I got into woodworking and graduated with honours in cabinetmaking from Georgian College in Barrie, Ontario.

After graduation I started an apprenticeship in cabinetmaking, but then the recession hit and I was laid off. Over the years, I went back to college for carpentry and plumbing. I started an apprenticeship in plumbing in the union, but there was not enough work for me to get in my hours.

In 2019, my third daughter was stillborn and trying to work while grieving became impossible. In 2020, I welcomed my son during the start of the global pandemic. Being in lockdown is when my husband showed me TikTok.

TikTok became my creative outlet. I started to create makeup and try-on videos, then moved to beading tutorials and duetting Indigenous artists. I even beaded fried bologna and bacon. For me, beading is medicine and I want to share that with the world.

@briski89xo

February 2023

The TikTok Accelerator for Indigenous Creators reassured me that being my authentic self is key to content creation, particularly on TikTok. This helped my confidence a lot in regards to imposter syndrome. Also, mental well-being is crucial for longevity on the journey of content creation.

About Cedar

čiiʔiłumqa ʔukwaqiłs. waayaaʔtx̣ ʔi x̣ š ʕaax̣uusaʔt x̣ x̣ ʔi x̣ š nin’yalk̓inuxw ʔiyax̣taq x̣ šiƛs.

My name is Cedar (they/them), I come from the Ditidaht, Ahousaht and Dzawada̱ʼenux̱w Nations.

I’m a storyteller, steward and language learner based within my nuučaan̓uł roots. 

My background is in photography, brand strategy, marketing and programming. However, I’m really passionate about language revitalization and bring forward this technology background to support this important work for communities.

@cedartaatawasi

February 2023

I have a better understanding of how my analytics should be used to optimize growth and community connections for a more personalized experience for everyone following me.

About Christopher

Christopher Britt is an Indigenous chef and founder of wiisinidaa, a catering company with a focus on healthy eating based on what tribes of Ontario would have eaten precontact.

@ndn_chef416

February 2023

TikTok Accelerator for Indigenous Creators was nice and inspiring, I wish it was longer.

About Denita

Denita Gladeau is a First Nation artist from Ministikwan Cree Nation / Flying Dust First Nation, Treaty 6 Saskatchewan.

Since graduating from Vancouver Film School in 2016, Denita has worked with multimedia brands as a UI / UX designer, while building her clientele in photography in her free time. After her introduction to social media management through a fashion brand, Denita started exploring work in content creation for social media agencies, creating custom content strategies for her clients.

However, seeing the lack of Indigenous brands at the time, she took digital marketing to challenge the market with her best friend, Shayla Stonechild, creating Indigenous-led content for many brand socials such as Sephora, Lululemon, John Frieda, Joe Fresh, Indigo, RW&CO, UNIQLO and more.

Denita is also the founder of Sohka Beauty, an Indigenous luxe beauty brand that sells products for modern women in mind. Sohka Beauty was proudly featured on CityLine by Jillian Harris for Indigenous Peoples Day 2021.

Denita’s goal is to create social media content around her line of work from editorials, before and after and entrepreneurial skills as a brand digital creative.

@lushtre

February 2023

I loved coming together and listening to our guest speakers encourage each of us to find our own niche and just give’r.

About Inuk

My traditional name, Inuk, means singular person. I am Inuvialuk, born and raised, and I continue to live in the Northwest Territories.

My art career spans 32 years and counting. I literally built my art career one glorious stitch at a time, and became a Master Caribou Hair Tufter by the time I was 25. I was born to tuft and have taught it to thousands of people around the world.

I also graduated from a two-year fashion apparel diploma program at Olds College in Alberta in 2008. With encouragement from classmates, they helped me start my first social media page and I haven’t looked back since.

I am the creator behind the social media brand Inuk360. Not only do I showcase, promote and sell my art on my social media platforms, but also my mom and second oldest brother IngNing’s wearable art as well. I’m so honored to do collaborations with both of them, giving my followers a nano glimpse of my life.

I also use my platform(s), to bring awareness to issues that are close to me, such as mental health, suicide prevention, breaking the silence on domestic violence, MMIWG – and as a Indian Residential School Survivor, working hard to have quality of work over quantity and learning how to not only survive but to thrive.

@inuk360

February 2023

I learned that there is a market for content creation and becoming an influencer. I didn’t know there was so much opportunity for creators on TikTok and I look forward to working with brand deals in the future. I feel confident in my abilities and will continue to pursue more presence on the app.

About Jennifer

My name is Jennifer Calliou. I’m an Indigenous woman from Treaty 8 Territory in northern Alberta, Canada.

I am inspired to accomplish all of my goals because I was once a “shy rez girl” who didn’t believe I could conquer my dreams. I was raised in a humble, single-parent household with a mother who did the best she could with what little she had. I experienced tough scenarios that could’ve broken me, and still face my own battles to date, but I continue waking each day with gratitude and an attitude that I can do anything I set my mind to.

I am a mother of three, an accomplished and ever growing artist and a social worker within the field of child and family services. Through my content you will find humour with the hope to create laughter on your worst days, and relatable content with the hope to inspire a fire within whoever is viewing my videos.

@jennicali

February 2023

I learnt that no matter where I am on my journey as a content creator, #IndigenousTikTok is a supportive, uplifting and inspiring community that I feel very lucky to be a part of. I feel ready to keep posting content that makes me proud!

About Julia

Julia Ulayok Davis is an Inuk singer, actress and composer, currently residing in Winnipeg, Manitoba on Treaty 1 Territory.

She began her journey on TikTok in 2020, posting singing videos as well as videos about her Inuit culture. In 2021, she began posting original songs from her new musical in the works, Aqqaq. Since then, Julia and her work on Aqqaq have been featured on several CTV morning segments as well as radio shows and podcasts based in Winnipeg.

She hopes to create an “Inuit Musical” inspired by her own experiences with her culture, as well as inspiration from traditional Inuit legends and her family. 

She is absolutely honoured and thrilled to be participating in the TikTok Accelerator for Indigenous Creators! 

Recent acting credits and upcoming projects include Nikwatin Siypiy / Frozen River (MTYP), The Wizard of Oz (Rainbow Stage), SkyMed (Paramount+) and Burden of Truth (Eagle Vision).

@juliaulayok

February 2023

TikTok Accelerator for Indigenous Creators was amazing, I really enjoyed connecting with other Indigenous creators.

About Keyhew

Keyhew Gopher-Preston (ᑭᐦᐃᐤ) is a proud Nehiyaw Cree from Saulteaux First Nation.

Keyhew was born and raised in the traditional territory of Treaty Six, Saskatchewan – the homeland of the Cree, Dene, Dakota, Nakoda, Blackfoot, Ojibway, Saulteaux and the Métis. He was raised with his traditional values and taught to be proud of who he is as a First Nation person of Canada. 

Keyhew is a life and wellness coach, entrepreneur, motivational speaker, youth advocate, mental health advocate, National Ambassador of Hope for We Matter and youth representative for Saulteaux First Nation, Treaty Six Territory! 

A big part of Keyhew’s focus is pushing forth a positive message of hope and guidance for the youth and two-spirit brothers and sisters across Turtle Island. He also believes in being a strong voice and advocate for mental health awareness and speaking up about the impact and struggle of intergenerational trauma.

As a motivational speaker, Keyhew has the opportunity to visit many nations across Canada to speak on mental health, youth life promotion, self-care and coping mechanisms.

As a life and wellness coach, Keyhew’s focus is guiding clients on their lifetime journey to living a healthy lifestyle while focusing on Indigenous ways of knowing, doing and being.

@keyhew_preston

February 2023

I learned how to narrow down on my niche. I feel confident that my niche is my own and I can accept that reality. I’m an Indigenous intergenerational residential school thriver who loves Indigenous kids in schools because love is needed in this part of our world. I strive to teach my students how to heal trauma so they can be free to live their best lives.

About Lillian

I’m inspired by Indigenous children because of how precious they are.

My life experiences have been enmeshed with trauma, trauma processing, healing and learning. As a child, I didn’t understand what was happening around me; I was 19 when I learned about residential schools.

My four grandparents, both parents and step dad attended different schools. It was and continues to be hard to see the impact of residential schools on my primary care providers, myself, my children and granddaughter. My grandparents believed in cultural ways of healing. I know a little and am praying to learn more. I value the teachings of my ancestors and do my best to practice those values.

@n8ive_teacher

February 2023

I feel more knowledgeable after learning from peers who have found this path in their digital careers.

About Lisa

Tansi, my name is Lisa Muswagon, Nakoda Cree member of the Pimicikamak Cree Nation.

I joined TikTok when we were going through one of our greatest challenges, our kidney journey. My husband was diagnosed with chronic kidney disease and is a dialysis patient. He is also hip-hop legend Hellnback. We joined the app to help keep us going though with humour and laughter, especially during the pandemic.

I’m a recent graduate with a degree in business and a second degree in communications, which I completed over the past six years. 

I am a mother of five and also an Indigenous contemporary artist who recently took up hip-hop emceeing. I am the other half of the hip-hop group The Resilience.

I’m a beader, sewer and a person who learned through trials and tribulations to live your best life.

@lisamuswagon

February 2023

The TikTok Accelerator for Indigenous Creators was a joy to be a part of. The program was a wonderful opportunity to meet many other talented Indigenous artists and learn some great tips. It’s amazing to see Indigenous people thriving and being positive role models by utilizing the space we each hold in the digital world.

About Meagan

I’m Meagan Angus from Thunderchild First Nations in Treaty 6. I attended the First Nations University of Canada for my bachelor of education, specializing in Indigenous elementary education.

I want to be a positive role model for our youth; to show them it’s okay to be themselves. I’m an actress, model, hobby baker, fuelled by caffeine and laughter.

@maedonuts

February 2023

I learned so much about branding, media kits, lighting, data and more. I am more confident online, in my podcast and, of course, TikTok because of this program.

About Michelle

Michelle Robinson is Sahtu Dene. She has a weekly podcast in its fifth year called Native Calgarian. Her public Indigenous book club is over six years old. She is a mother, public speaker and advocate for Indigenous Peoples and for truth and reconciliation, working with all levels of government and community groups.

Michelle is a facilitator for Mending Broken Hearts: Healing Unresolved Grief through the White Bison at the Wellbriety Training Institute, a volunteer on the Calgary Police Service Indigenous Justice Circle, co-chair of the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls & Two-Spirit Calgary committee and co-founder of VOICES, a group advocating for the two-spirit and queer People of Colour in Calgary. She is also the Calgary chair for the Indigenous Peoples’ Commission in Alberta.

Michelle was the first First Nation to run for city council of Calgary and ran as the candidate for the Alberta Liberal Party for Calgary East in 2019. She also co-founded the Sovereign Spirits, an Indigenous non-profit for two-spirit, Indigiqueer and LGBTQ2IA+.

@native_calgarian

February 2023

It was a great program that taught me how to understand the intention of TikTok. Many people learn differently, but it was great to talk through how the platform works and how to utilize it.

About Orene

My name is Orene (DJ O Show), my ancestral name is Tumaliya which is my great-great grandfather’s name that I received earlier this year.

I am Afro-Indigenous from the Squamish Nation in Vancouver, British Columbia. I have been a DJ for 10 years and I am a motivational speaker for young folks across North America. I am also an activist, community organizer and mentor in my community.

I love motivating people to follow their heart’s passion and try to turn it into a livelihood, just like I have been fortunate to do.

@djoshow143

February 2023

I feel empowered. Prior to being chosen for this program, I did not believe in myself. I did not want to work hard, and seeing my efforts meant very little. It actually hurts, and it is hard to not take it personally when your friends view your content and don’t like it – these are friends who would encourage me to post more.

The fact that I was chosen meant someone could see potential in me. I absolutely learned a lot and will continue. My post went viral, and it would not have happened had I not been asked to go out of my comfort zone and try something new. Because of that video, I want to make more content like it and love that it was meaningful and not a shallow makeup tutorial.

About Rachel

I made a large career move after being a security guard and went back to school to pursue my dream of becoming a makeup artist.

I went to school to take medical esthetics to better improve myself and to truly help everyone feel beautiful without the use of makeup.

@raychjacobs

February 2023

My overall experience was amazing, learning how to use TikTok properly has helped my content grow. Understanding my niche and growing with it has helped me a lot as a content creator.

About Renee

My name is Renee Alook. I’m First Nations from the Bigstone Cree. I am 27 years old and married to my wonderful husband Brandon.

I’m currently working towards my journeyman ticket in plumbing with only one year to go. I’ve also been a community service disability worker for six years.

My biggest inspirations in life are my family and friends. My dad has been sober for over 15 years and is currently an elder in our community. He has so much knowledge and wisdom that I hope to gain someday so I can teach his traditions and carry on his knowledge.

My values in life are to stay true to yourself, to show strength, love and respect. In my life, I’ve experienced so much trauma but it’s also shaped the person I am. I hope I can talk about these stories and guide people in the right direction as a young person because I didn’t have that.

@haazeparadise

February 2023

There wasn’t much consideration for our lives or obligations outside of the program. Being diagnosed with ADHD, the homework seemed fleeting and I didn’t fully understand what was expected nor was I given feedback on anything I did in the program, so I’m still feeling lost in the creation of TikToks.

About Rosie

My name is Rosie. I’m the daughter of Skidegate Eagle Victoria Mills and Xinipsen Cowichan Delmar Johnnie.

I grew up on Vancouver Island and I’m grateful for the Squamish, Musqueam and Tslei-wau-tuth Nations and the safe Indigenous space they have created for Indigenous diaspora like myself.

@rosejohnniemills

February 2023

I found the teachings so useful and applied them immediately. Learning about how to find representation and how to use my analytics was helpful.

About Skylene

Tansi everyone, Nipiy Iskwew here!

I’m a proud Cree / Beaver Iskwew from the Beaver First Nation Tribe in northern Alberta. I am an actress, currently touring with Bear Grease, an all-Indigenous musical twist on the movie Grease.

You can also find me on APTN’s Merchants of the Wild. I also own Nipiy Iskwew Designs, an Indigenized streetwear brand.

@nipiyiskwew

February 2023

I feel so much more confident in expressing myself on TikTok. This program set me on the right direction and guided me into creating new forms of content that I would have been afraid to try otherwise.

About Victoria

Victoria is a 22 year-old Métis artist, singer, poet and actress. With a background in musical theatre, Victoria was introduced to the world of performing and creating at a young age.

Victoria often finds herself writing as a way to express the wide array of emotions that come along with the experiences of being alive. Victoria’s main form of writing is with her songs, she has been releasing music on streaming platforms and has had her last two releases on the Indigenous Music Countdown Top 40.

Victoria recently completed filming of her first leading role in action comedy, Vandits, alongside co-stars Jann Arden and Trailer Park Boys‘ Robb Wells. Victoria has been actively pursuing a career in film, taking part in television shows like Burden of Truth and CTV Comedy’s new show Acting Good.

@victoriaturko