The Pacific Screenwriting Program (PSP) has selected six participants for its inaugural Indigenous Screenwriters Lab (ISL).

The three-phase lab supports the development of original TV pilots, written with a focus on futurism and science-fiction, as well as networking opportunities. The program was launched in January and is supported by Paramount+ in Canada, the Indigenous Screen Office (ISO), and the School of Creative Writing at the University of British Columbia.

The participants this year are A.W. Hopkins (N’Quatqua First Nation), Shaelyn Johnston (Ojibwe – Saugeen First Nation), Sarah Kelley (Algonquins of Pikwakanagan), Skye R. Regan (Ojibwe First Nation), Trevor Solway (Siksika Nation), and Jordan Waunch (Métis, MNBC Region #2).

Phase one of the program, which runs from Aug. 12 to 29, is an in-person story room to be held at the UBC in Vancouver, under the mentorship of screenwriter and story editor Jordan Wheeler (George Gordon First Nation). Wheeler also participated in the selection process along with the ISO and other Indigenous industry professionals.

The second phase of the lab will see each participant paired with a genre-specific writing mentor as they write and revise their pilot scripts.

“I think Indigenous writers are well positioned to venture into science fiction and futurism. To paraphrase Jesse Wente, we’re already living in a dystopian future because our world was already destroyed,” said Wheeler in a statement.

The program ends with the participants attending an industry event, which will be announced later.

Photos courtesy of Pacific Screenwriting Program; pictured (L-R) A.W. Hopkins, Shaelyn Johnston, Sarah Kelley (top); Skye R. Regan, Trevor Solway, Jordan Waunch (bottom)