The Creative School partners with Bell Media on Indigenous storytelling workshops

Saagajiwe, The Creative School’s hub for engagement, action, and research in Indigenous creative practice, has partnered with Bell Media to present a new workshop series titled Indigenous Storying. The program supports aspiring Indigenous creators through workshops that provide insights into the media landscape, highlighting how Indigenous stories can shine on Canadian platforms while equipping creators with the knowledge and connections necessary to thrive in the industry. 

“Saagajiwe and Bell Media embrace the frontier of the Indigenous renaissance that values Indigenous storytelling,” says Saagajiwe’s head Michael Doxtater, also a professor in The Creative School. “The revitalization of Indigenous culture begins with telling our stories in our own way.” 

The workshop series kicked off in September with “Conversations with a Broadcaster,” featuring Bell Media executives Alison Korogyi and Adam Feigen, who offered insights into the current media landscape and its future direction. The workshop series will continue to run during the fall and winter semesters, catering to undergraduate and graduate students interested in media, film, or writing. The series offers participants the chance to engage in meaningful conversations with leading industry professionals and network with key players from Bell Media and beyond.

“At Bell Media, we believe in the power of diverse voices and stories,” said Justin Stockman, VP, Content Development & Programming for Bell Media. “We are proud to partner with Saagajiwe to provide Indigenous creators with the highest level of training and mentorship, furthering Bell Media’s commitment to amplify voices and access for Indigenous creators, and promote the development of authentic perspectives.” 

Gaining insights from industry professionals 

The next workshop, "Conversations with a Showrunner," will take place on October 23, featuring Producer/Showrunner Wendell Collier, who will share his experiences in management and creative direction. 

Kicking off the new year in January, the series will wrap up with a workshop titled "Lights, Camera, Action!" featuring conversations with actors from Bell Media shows, including Robb Wells, Brandon Oakes, and Jennifer Spence, as well as directors like Eva Thomas and Jennifer Podemski.

Indigenous Storying is a unique opportunity for Indigenous students to gain knowledge and experience directly from media industry leaders. The workshop series also marks the beginning of a long-term partnership between Saagajiwe and Bell Media, with future programming initiatives to be announced at a later date. 

Named after the Anishinaabe word for the emerging light of dawn, Saagajiwe was founded in 2017 with the mission of facilitating Indigenous creativity, thought and culture. The centre supports Indigenous creative expression, curriculum development and the creation of safe spaces on campus.

The Creative School at Toronto Metropolitan University

The Creative School is a dynamic faculty that is making a difference in new, unexplored ways. Made up of Canada’s top professional schools and transdisciplinary hubs in media, communication, design and cultural industries, The Creative School offers students an unparalleled global experience in the heart of downtown Toronto.