CBC/Radio-Canada has announced plans for a series of engagement sessions with Indigenous communities, building on a commitment the pubcaster made two years ago to begin work on an internal Indigenous strategy.

From April 26 to Sept. 27, CBC/Radio-Canada plans to hold the sessions on a total of 20 days in various cities across the country to hear from First Nations, Inuit and Métis Peoples about what they want from the pubcaster.

Fourteen of the sessions will be English-language and organized by the Indigenous Leadership Development Institute, in partnership with CBC. Another eight sessions will be held in French, organized by Acosys Consulting Services, in partnership with Radio-Canada. One of those eight will be a virtual session for Indigenous media.

The goal is to create “meaningful dialogue” and better represent and reflect Indigenous needs, interests and cultures, CBC/Radio-Canada said in a news release.

The consultations are part of a national Indigenous strategy CBC/Radio-Canada is developing surrounding content, culture, workforce and community to better serve Indigenous Peoples and promote Indigenous-led content to Canadians. The pubcaster has said it wants to determine what roles it can play in hiring and training Indigenous staff, serving Indigenous communities, and ensuring Canadians become more aware of Indigenous life in Canada.

During last year’s Banff World Media Festival, the pubcaster stated that all new original scripted and unscripted series commissioned from independent producers will require at least 30% of all key creative roles to be held by those who self-identify as Indigenous, Black and/or people of colour or persons with disabilities.

This past March, CBC/Radio-Canada also signed an agreement with APTN to create more Indigenous content and collaborate more closely on its creation.

Image courtesy of CBC