SPI’s Review of the Arctic Indigenous Audiovisual Sector in Canada Published

Slash/Back (2022), Nyla Innuksuk

Olsberg•SPI’s (SPI) new sector study, Review of the Arctic Indigenous Audiovisual Sector in Canada has been published.

Commissioned by the Artic Indigenous Film Fund, working in partnership with Telefilm Canada, this study primarily focused on the Canadian Arctic region Nunavut, along with some analysis of Yukon and the Northwest Territories.

The study covered five key focus areas:

1. Current pattern and spread of audiovisual activity across the region

2. Existing support infrastructure for Arctic Indigenous audiovisual creators, including key gaps

3. Key limiting factors hindering Arctic Indigenous audiovisual creators from developing creatively and commercially

4. Opportunities (regional, national, and international) available to the Arctic Indigenous audiovisual sector

5. Interventions required to overcome challenges and connect the sector to current and future opportunities.

The study was conducted over five months, including an in-depth review of existing studies, one-to-one consultations, and a survey of 131 active Indigenous filmmakers. The study also provided examples of best practice from Indigenous institutes around the world.

Download the study’s Executive Summary here.

This study is the latest in a series of SPI’s sector review studies that have looked specifically at the significance of diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) in ensuring inclusive and sustainable sector development. Other recent examples include an evidence paper and growth strategy for the International Sámi Film Institute, and a sector review for the Newfoundland and Labrador province of Canada. SPI also produced six issues of Diversity Searchlight, a newsletter with exclusive interviews with thought leaders, as well as a global digest of DEI-related initiatives in the creative industries.

For more information on this study, please contact Joshua Dedman at joshua@o-spi.com.