TikTokAt TikTok, we are committed to continuing to foster a diverse, inclusive and authentic community. As part of this effort, we continue working to empower and elevate Indigenous creators as they tell their stories, share their cultural heritage and launch their careers. In June, we celebrated National Indigenous History Month by spotlighting Indigenous storytellers, including three incredible graduates from the 2021 Accelerator for Indigenous Creators, @taalrumiq, @resilientinuk and @auntyjocey. As part of our continued commitment to supporting the Indigenous community, we're thrilled to announce that the TikTok Accelerator for Indigenous Creators, presented by the National Screen Institute, is returning! We're proud to see this program, which was co-developed by the National Screen Institute and TikTok Canada with both traditional and spiritual elements in mind, return as an extension of our commitment to supporting and amplifying Indigenous voices on TikTok.
Launching this fall, the free, six-week, part-time online training program will empower up to 40 Indigenous creators to grow their online presence and learn the essential skills for a thriving digital career. Students enrolled in the program will get the chance to learn from top TikTok creators, industry professionals and the TikTok team. Sherry Mckay, an Ojibway Anishinabe creator from Treaty 1 Territory, returns as program advisor, and filmmaker Sarah Simpson-Yellowquill, from Treaty 1 Territory, of Long Plain First Nation, returns as program manager for the second year, providing counsel and mentorship to the 2022 program cohort. Throughout the six weeks, students will learn TikTok best practices (building community, using analytics), career skills (content planning, working with brands, building a team) and digital well-being, including safety.
"Indigenous creators are using TikTok to share their culture, history and joy with a global audience," says Victoria DiPlacido, Creator Partnerships & Community Lead, TikTok Canada. "TikTok is committed to providing a safe, inclusive platform, where Indigenous stories can thrive. We're thrilled to continue our support of Indigenous talent and storytelling with the return of the TikTok Accelerator for Indigenous Creators, in partnership with the National Screen Institute."
“Continuing our partnership with TikTok allows us to open up the second edition of the Accelerator for Indigenous Creators to even more storytellers across Canada,” says NSI program manager Sarah Simpson-Yellowquill. “If you’re passionate about storytelling and want to join the growing community of Indigenous creators on TikTok, this program is for you.”
“I'm excited for the second edition of skill building and training for Indigenous creators and welcoming them to our TikTok community where they can successfully share their stories from their perspective,” says program advisor and TikTok creator Sherry Mckay.
A selection committee comprised of screen-industry professionals, TikTok staff and Indigenous TikTok creators will review applications. To be eligible, creators applying to the TikTok Accelerator for Indigenous Creators must currently be on TikTok using a Creator account and active on the platform (minimum of four public posts in the last 30 days). All eligible Indigenous TikTok creators are welcome to apply until Thursday, September 15, regardless of follower or view count.
Based on learnings from the 2021 Accelerator and as we continue seeking opportunities to better serve creators accepted to the program from outside large urban centres, we have made it a priority for creators in rural and remote areas to be able to apply for a stipend to help cover the cost of Internet fees above and beyond average use during the course of the training.
Creators selected to participate in the program will be announced in the fall. For full eligibility requirements, click here.
