(IMAGE: Chanie Wenjack, whose story inspired the creation of the Gord Downie & Chanie Wenjack Fund)
A new project led by Indigenous students in Sisler High School’s CREATE program will use animation and virtual reality to tackle themes of reconciliation, empowerment and resilience.
The CREATE program, generously supported by the Winnipeg School Division and Manitoba Education, offers high school and post-high courses in the creative industries, with a focus on post-secondary and industry pathways.
CREATE is partnering with the Gord Downie & Chanie Wenjack Fund, Flipside XR and Eagle Vision Inc. on this groundbreaking project, which will kick off Sept. 2021. As part of this initiative, a group of CREATE students will receive mentorship from these three organizations on story creation, virtual reality components, marketing and distribution. Students will meet with mentors monthly to receive project feedback and assistance.
The Gord Downie & Chanie Wenjack Fund – an organization that aims to build cultural understanding and create a path toward reconciliation between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples – will lead the students through crafting a story themed around reconciliation and resilience.
Flipside XR – a Winnipeg studio specializing in virtual reality – will mentor the students on creating VR components to go with the short animated film they create.
The students will then receive script writing and project marketing & distribution assistance from Eagle Vision Inc. – a Winnipeg-based, Indigenous-owned film and television production company.
“We are incredibly fortunate that these leading companies and organizations are volunteering their time to mentor the next generation of creators,” said Jamie Leduc, CREATE Department Head. “In the CREATE program, our focus is on giving the students hands-on, industry experience that prepares them for the workforce or post-secondary opportunities. High-level partnerships like this allow us to give them that professional edge and set them up for success.”
“We are honoured to be collaborating with the CREATE program on this exciting project,” said Sarah Midanik, President & CEO, the Gord Downie & Chanie Wenjack Fund. “Indigenous youth are tomorrow’s leaders and we look forward to nurturing their strengths, offering guidance, and engaging in reciprocal learning.”
“We give creators the freedom to express themselves in new and innovative ways using virtual reality. There is nothing more rewarding than seeing artists tell their own stories using the tools we’ve built.” said Lesley Klassen, Co-founder and CEO of Flipside XR. “We’re excited to be a part of this project because it will be a mutual learning experience for everyone involved and we are honoured to be part of it.”
“Any time we get the opportunity to work with Sisler High School’s CREATE program we jump at the chance,” said Rebecca Gibson, Partner & Head of Development at Eagle Vision, who will be joined by Dinae Robinson in this project. “Some of our most valued collaborators and employees have emerged from this program, and the themes of this project are deeply important to all of us at Eagle Vision.”
The project will be premiered at CREATE’s year end-of-year showcase.
Sisler High School’s CREATE program provides students with industry and post-secondary pathways to creative industries and hands-on experience in media production. CREATE offers both high-school and post-high instruction in animation, game design, film, motion graphics and other digital media.
Inspired by Chanie’s story and Gord’s call to build a better Canada, the Gord Downie & Chanie Wenjack Fund aims to build cultural understanding and create a path toward reconciliation between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples. Our goal is to improve the lives of Indigenous people by building awareness, education, and connections between all peoples in Canada.
Eagle Vision recently celebrated two decades since its founding by Lisa Meeches, Anishinaabe from Long Plain First Nation, Sandy Bay First Nation, and Ebb and Flow First Nation. With award-winning, internationally acclaimed work in film, television and digital, Eagle Vision creates content that creates change.
Flipside XR is a real-time animation company that empowers creators and streamers to make virtual reality shows and experiences for their fans and audiences through Flipside Studio. Simulating a television studio in virtual reality, creators embody animated characters to tell stories, play games, and connect with fans.
