The National Film Board of Canada has hired former imagineNATIVE artistic director Niki Little as a producer at its North West Studio in Winnipeg.

Little (pictured) joins veteran filmmaker Alanis Obamsawin, Coty Savard and the recently hired Chehala Leonard as part of the NFB’s roster of Indigenous producers.

“Niki’s strong background and experience will be a great addition to the NFB and to our institutional commitment to advance authentic Indigenous voices and perspectives, and uphold important stories to be told,” said Julie Roy, director general, creation and innovation, in a statement.

It was announced earlier this week that Little stepped down as artistic director of the imagineNATIVE Film + Media Arts Festival, a position she held for three years.

Before imagineNATIVE, Little, who is of Anishininew and British descent from Kistiganwacheeng (Garden Hill First Nation, MB), served as director of the National Indigenous Media Arts Coalition and also worked as an independent curator.

“Our Winnipeg office has a long and storied track record and deep roots in the community—Niki brings an impressive background as a creator and producer and I know she’ll be a great addition to our team there,” said executive producer David Christensen. “Her skills, vision, work ethic and spirit of collaboration are going to benefit directors, co-producers and partners in Manitoba, the Prairies and across the North.”