The National Screen Institute (NSI) has unveiled the 10 participants for this year’s edition of CBC New Indigenous Voices, a full-time, 14-week training program for emerging Indigenous creators.

The program, which runs until August, supports creators’ career development through hands-on-learning, mentorship, and industry networking opportunities led by professionals and aims to give the cohort deeper insight into the film and television industry. All participants receive Manitoba minimum wage throughout the duration.

Six of the 2025 participants are from Winnipeg, including Mya Coutu, Garret Gunning, Zoe Krzuk, John Seymour, Junior Whitefish and Megan Wood.

The remaining four participants are Kerri-Ann Bear from Edmonton, Alta., Jeromy Desjarlais from Lestock, Sask., Julianna Peter Paul from Red Bank, N.B. and Joseph Smith from Tagish, Y.T.

As part of the program, the cohort will produce, write and direct a short film, written and directed by one of them. Post-program graduation, the participants receive an internship placement offering them an entry point into the industry. Previous internships have included placements at APTN, Eagle Vision, Universal Studios, Walt Disney Studios and Wookey Films.

The 2025 edition is led by Elder Louis McKay; program co-creator, advisor and NSI alum Vanessa Loewen; program manager Sarah Simpson-Yellowquill; and program coordinator and alum Dion Telesky.

CBC has already pledged to sponsor next year’s edition as well, marking 10 years as the program’s title, presenting and tuition sponsor.

Image courtesy of NSI; pictured (L-R): Top row – Kerri-Ann Bear, Mya Coutu, Jeromy Desjarlais, Garret Gunning and Zoe Krzuk; Bottom row – Julianna Peter Paul, John Seymour, Joseph Smith, Junior Whitefish and Megan Wood