Applications are open for CBC New Indigenous Voices 2026

Press Release

February 25, 2026

Applications are now open for the 2026 edition of CBC New Indigenous Voices, presented by the National Screen Institute. This full-time, 14-week training program supports the next generation of Indigenous storytellers working in film, television and digital media.

Now entering its 22nd year, this program for Indigenous creators aged 18 and over includes hands-on, immersive training led by industry professionals, grounded in community, cultural knowledge and practical production experience. The 2026 edition also marks CBC’s 10th year as title, presenting and tuition sponsor.

Up to 10 Indigenous creators from across Canada will be selected for the 2026 cohort, with six spots designated for creators living in Manitoba.

• Learn more and apply by Thursday, March 26, 2026 at 12 p.m. CT.
• Register now for our Q+A webinar on March 12 at 12 p.m. CT, where faculty and alumni will answer questions and share application tips.

Delivered through online and in-person sessions, CBC New Indigenous Voices combines classroom training, collaborative short film production and a full-time internship placement with a broadcaster or independent production company. Past internship hosts include CBC, Eagle Vision, APTN, Wookey Films, Walt Disney Studios and Universal Studios. Participants receive Manitoba’s minimum wage for the duration of the program, with travel and accommodation support available for those living more than 30 kilometres from Winnipeg.

During the in-person phase, participants work together to produce a short film, gaining experience across key creative and technical roles while learning to collaborate in a professional production environment.

Workshop topics include story development, directing, producing, camera, lighting, sound, editing and digital media. The curriculum integrates traditional and spiritual elements, guided by Indigenous knowledge holders and supported by an experienced Indigenous-led faculty.

“We are thrilled to mark 10 years of partnering on this transformative program with the National Screen Institute,” said Sally Catto, General Manager, Entertainment, Factual and Sports, CBC. “CBC New Indigenous Voices continues to provide career-building opportunities for emerging Indigenous talent across the country and helps to amplify and strengthen Indigenous storytelling in Canada’s screen industry.”

Since becoming title, presenting and tuition sponsor in 2017, CBC has supported 80+ graduates through the program. Alumni from this period have gone on to premiere work at major festivals, build careers in broadcast and take on leadership roles across the industry. Recent graduates include Zoe Krzuk (2025) who was part of the broadcast team covering curling at the Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026 and Matthew Shoup (2024), inaugural recipient of the Joy Loewen Storytellers Award.

“CBC New Indigenous Voices is about creating space for Indigenous storytellers to build confidence, community and career momentum,” said Sarah Simpson-Yellowquill, manager of programs and development at the National Screen Institute. “We’re excited to welcome a new cohort and continue supporting Indigenous creators as they take the next steps in their careers.”

The 2026 edition will be led by program manager Sarah Simpson-Yellowquill.

• • •

CBC New Indigenous Voices 2026 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; Strategic Sponsors BC Film Foundation, The Winnipeg Foundation; Provincial Sponsor Manitoba Film & Music; Industry Supporters IATSE 856, On Screen Manitoba; Service Sponsor Line 21 Media Services. National Screen Institute Core Funders are Manitoba Sport, Culture, Heritage and Tourism, the City of Winnipeg through the Winnipeg Arts Council, Rogers. More sponsors will be added as confirmed.

• • •

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: Dëne Sųłıné, Dene Kǝdǝ́, Dene Zhatıé, Eastern Cree, Dinjii Zhuʼ Ginjik, Inuktitut, Inuvialuktun and Tłı̨chǫ. 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, 2SLGBTQ+, 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: Liz Hover – liz.hover@nsi-canada.ca

ILR5