The Société de développement des entreprises culturelles (SODEC) and the Indigenous Screen Office (ISO) have signed a three-year memorandum of understanding aimed at expanding their business relationship.

Discussions were initiated by Jean-François O’Bomsawin, the ISO’s director of communications and francophone initiatives, and SODEC CEO and president Louise Lantagne last fall, O’Bomsawin told Playback Daily.

The organizations’ goals with the agreement are to increase support, professionalization and dissemination of audiovisual production companies owned by First Nations and Inuit people in Quebec. SODEC and ISO will also work to encourage the participation of First Nations and Inuit members in SODEC’s decision-making, including in its selection committees.

The agreement will also work to encourage First Nations and Inuit producers to apply to SODEC programs.

An annual action plan will be drawn up, and a working group with representatives from both organizations will be created. The aim is to finalize the action plan for year one by the end of April, according to O’Bomsawin.

Other administrative goals include increasing awareness among SODEC leaders and employees of the issues specific to First Nations and Inuit and advising SODEC in the recruitment and retention of First Nations and Inuit staff.

The agreement was signed March 17 by ISO CEO Kerry Swanson (pictured right) and SODEC president and CEO Louise Lantagne (pictured left) with Ka’nahsohon Kevin Deer, an Elder from Kahnawake, and filmmaker Alanis Obomsawin present.

“This agreement marks a meaningful step forward in ensuring Indigenous creators and production companies in Quebec have greater access to resources that reflect their needs and aspirations,” said Swanson in a statement. “By working closely with SODEC, we are building pathways for Indigenous-led storytelling on screen to thrive, strengthening our industry with diverse voices and perspectives.”

Photo by Maryse Boyce