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The National Screen Institute – Canada (NSI) has launched an exciting new pilot training program for residents of northern Manitoba aged 18+.

NSI New Northern Voices, in association with University College of the Northern (UCN), is a full-time, four-week pilot program located in The Pas, Manitoba introducing students to media-based storytelling. Students will have the opportunity to create a short film based on stories developed in the course. Associate faculty delivering the course include Jordan Wheeler, Shane Belcourt, Erica Daniels, Kim Wheeler and Charlene Moore.

“The National Screen Institute is excited to partner with University College of the North to empower the region’s storytellers to share their stories,” said Joy Loewen, NSI acting executive director. “Based on valuable community and feasibility research we’ve conducted in northern Manitoba, the National Screen Institute is proud to extend our market-relevant training to The Pas and surrounding underserved communities.”

“University College of the North is devoted to community and northern development. We are pleased to work with the National Screen Institute to develop creative skills in our region,” said Doug Lauvstad, president and vice chancellor of UCN. “There is a strong commitment from both organizations to grow the screen industry in northern Manitoba both economically and creatively.”

NSI New Northern Voices will deliver a well-rounded understanding of storytelling and media production skills, create an environment for long-term growth and build capacity for the screen industry in the region. The program aims to develop content creators to write, direct and produce stories from a northern Manitoba perspective.

Find out more and apply by 5 p.m. Central Time, September 5, 2019. 

Up to 10 students will be selected by program faculty and stakeholders. Selections will be based on each candidate’s suitability and commitment to fully participate in the course. The program is scheduled to run from September 23 to October 18, 2019.

NSI New Northern Voices is led by program manager Ursula Lawson, associate program manager Kaya Wheeler and Indigenous programs and administrative assistant Sarah Simpson-Yellowquill.

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NSI New Northern Voices is funded by Presenting Sponsor University College of the North (UCN); Strategic Sponsor Telefilm Canada; Supporting Sponsors Stantec, Corus Entertainment, Super Channel, CBC Gem; Provincial Sponsor Manitoba Film & Music; Industry Partner Directors Guild of Canada (DGC); Industry Supporter Native Communications Inc. NSI Core Funders are Manitoba Sport, Culture & Heritage and the City of Winnipeg through the Winnipeg Arts Council. Additional partners to be confirmed.

NSI New Northern Voices, in association with University College of the North, is the direct result of the NSI feasibility study and framework for northern training, supported by Manitoba Sport, Culture and Heritage, The Winnipeg Foundation and Manitoba Film & Music.

About University College of the North (UCN)

University College of the North serves Northern communities and people with education, training, teaching, learning and research, while being inclusive and respectful of diverse Indigenous and Northern values. University College of the North is an institution devoted to community and northern development and reflects the Aboriginal reality and cultural diversity of northern Manitoba.