BURNABY, the unceded territory of the Tsleil-Waututh (səl̓ilw̓ ətaʔɬ), Kwikwetlem (kwikwəƛ̓ əm), Squamish (Sḵwx̱ wú7mesh Úxwumixw) and Musqueam (xwməθkwəy̓ əm) Nations – Knowledge Network and the First Peoples’ Cultural Council are collaborating on a new documentary initiative about First Nations cultural revitalization in British Columbia. Knowledge Network will commission two half-hour compilations, each comprised of 10 short documentaries that showcase efforts to revitalize First Nations languages, arts, cultures and heritage and its positive impact on communities. The stories will inspire and celebrate British Columbia’s First Peoples and demonstrate what makes cultures so vibrant, resilient and hopeful for the future.

“We’re delighted to partner once again with the First Peoples’ Cultural Council in supporting B.C. Indigenous filmmakers,” said Sarah MacDonald, interim President, British Columbia’s Knowledge Network. “We look forward to expanding our relationship with Indigenous producers and sharing their stories with audiences across British Columbia.”

With a deep knowledge and understanding of First Nations cultural revitalization in B.C. and through its strong relationships with Elders, community leaders, Knowledge Keepers and artists throughout the province, the First Peoples’ Cultural Council is able to support Indigenous filmmakers to tell compelling stories about Indigenous peoples in B.C.

“We are pleased to collaborate with Knowledge Network on films, which recognize B.C. First Nations cultural revitalization practices and showcase Indigenous knowledge and ways of being as unique and diverse as we are,” said Tracey Herbert, CEO of the First Peoples’ Cultural Council. “Sharing our stories through these short films celebrates and highlights Indigenous leadership and innovation.”

The Call for Proposals from B.C. Indigenous producers is now open with more information available at www.knowledge.ca/indigenousproducers. The deadline for proposal submissions is March 17, 2023 at 5pm. The films will premiere on Knowledge Network’s television and streaming platforms in 2024.
 

About Knowledge Network

British Columbia’s Knowledge Network is a viewer-supported public broadcaster exploring the world through its commercial-free television and streaming services. Knowledge Network works in partnership with independent producers in British Columbia and Canada to develop, commission or prelicense children’s and documentary programs that educate, inform and inspire. For more information, visit www.knowledge.ca.
 

About the First Peoples’ Cultural Council

FPCC is a First Nations-led provincial Crown corporation with a mandate to support the revitalization of First Nations languages, arts, cultures and heritage in B.C. The organization provides funding, resources and skills development to First Nations, monitors the status of First Nations languages, develops policy recommendations for First Nations leadership and government, and collaborates with organizations to raise the profile of First Nations arts, languages and heritage in B.C., Canada and internationally. Visit: fpcc.ca.