Celebrating Indigenous Storytellers

The Canon Canada Indigenous Storytellers Award was established in 2022 at Capilano University. The financial award supports Indigenous students enrolled in the Indigenous Digital Filmmaking program at the North Vancouver–based university. The fund is distributed based on financial need and academic excellence.

This past academic year, three high-achieving students earned the award: Blair Doucette, Fisher Horn and Olivia Cox.

“After doing an eight-month-long radio/television program at the Western Academy of Broadcasting last year, I fell in love with sound engineering,” says Doucette. “It has been great for my career in film already; apparently, there aren’t nearly enough Indigenous sound mixers. My Métis Nation doesn’t provide funding for diploma programs, so this bursary will really help with my student loans situation next year.”

“As I continue into my second year of studies, this scholarship not only helps me continue my education into the future but gives me the confidence to chase my dreams and enter the professional film world as an Indigenous person,” says Horn. “Your contribution means so much to me!”

The Indigenous Digital Filmmaking program provides Indigenous students with the creative and technical training they’ll need to pursue careers in film and TV production. Students are trained in camera operation, lighting and sound, screenwriting, documentary filmmaking, production and post-production.

Canon Canada congratulates Blair, Fisher and Olivia on their achievements and wishes them continued success in their professional careers.