Indigenous sovereignty should be top of mind as the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) creates a modernized regulatory framework for the broadcast system, said the Indigenous Screen Office (ISO) in its testimony to the Commission.

ISO CEO Kerry Swanson (pictured) and Jean-François O’Bomsawin, director of marketing and communications, appeared at the three-week Path Forward hearings on Wednesday (Nov. 22).

Among the ISO’s proposals for the regulatory framework is for it to receive mandatory direct funding through the initial base contributions.

“We’re in a position of precarity constantly, and it shouldn’t be this way,” said Swanson, who later noted that the ISO’s funding from the federal government expires in March 2024 and has yet to be renewed.

“If you look at the ISO through the lens of English, French and Indigenous as the three pillars of our system in Canada, as they should have been designed from the very beginning, then we shouldn’t constantly be in this precarity, proving why we should receive this funding and making the case for our existence,” she continued. “We’re saying that funding to the ISO should be mandatory right off the top, it should be the first allocation that you make.”

In terms of how the initial base contribution should be divided, Swanson said the ISO is in support of the Canada Media Fund’s (CMF) proposal of the 80/20% split, noting that the CMF is also supporting their proposal for direct funding. Swanson said the ISO is also proposing additional funding for Indigenous broadcaster APTN.

Swanson also discussed the importance of a distinct definition of Indigenous content, which ensures Indigenous-led ownership, calling for “Indigenous self-determination” to be “top of the agenda.”

“Adopting that definition across the board so we’re all talking about the same thing, and that Indigenous ownership and control is at the centre of that, is one important step in the right direction,” she said. “That means companies or broadcasters won’t be able to say that they’re supporting Indigenous content without supporting Indigenous sovereignty.”

Swanson emphasized the importance of keeping an Indigenous strategy distinct from other equity and inclusivity initiatives. She said a way to adopt an equitable approach is to ensure equity and inclusion is a “foundational component” in all funding organizations, with set metrics and targets to keep them accountable.

When asked how the ISO will make use of the funds, Swanson pointed to the work the organization has already been able to do in terms of providing production and development funding, along with sector development support.

A notable example is how the ISO committed $1 million toward the creation of a studio in Iqaluit, to ensure the Nunavut-set comedy greenlit by CBC, APTN and Netflix earlier this year could be filmed in the community. Swanson said there have been a number of requests to support the creation of more studios in First Nations communities since.

“The ISO model will be able to do more of what we’ve already been doing with larger grants supporting more communities across the country,” she said, adding that there are “no shortage of big ideas and big dreams for where the sector wants to go.”

The Path Forward hearings are scheduled to continue until Dec. 8.