TikTok Canada acknowledges and celebrates Indigenous Peoples' traditional and contemporary roots to their lands, and we are grateful to share this space. We thank Indigenous creators, artists and small business owners for being a part of the TikTok community, and for trusting our platform as a space to share your stories, your knowledge, your culture and your joy.

We are committed to amplifying and empowering the stories of Indigenous communities. Earlier this year, we celebrated the 2024 #IndigenousTikTok Visionary Voices, recognizing nine Indigenous creators, business owners and industry disruptors who are breaking down barriers, sharing their creativity and voices with a global community and having a positive impact on and off TikTok. We're proud that among these Visionaries were several alumni of the TikTok Accelerator for Indigenous Creators, presented by the National Screen Institute, including Braden Kadlun (@kadlun), Vanessa Brousseau (@resilientinuk), Xavier Watso (@watso_), Lakeeysha Marie (@lakeeyshamarie), Bernice Kootoo Clarke (@bernicekootooclarke) and Taalrumiq (Christina King, @taalrumiq).

With this in mind, we're excited to announce the return of the TikTok Accelerator for Indigenous Creators, presented by the National Screen Institute. This year, we're furthering our support by expanding Accelerator capacity, creating room for up to 300 qualified participants, a significant increase from previous cohorts of 40. Applications are now open! 

The program returns this fall to offer free, online, part-time sessions over six weeks. The curriculum has been developed with both traditional and spiritual elements in mind, aiming to empower Indigenous creators to grow their TikTok presence and learn the essential skills for a thriving digital career. Accelerator participants have access to learning from industry professionals, TikTok team members and TikTok creators.

Returning as program advisor is Sherry Mckay (@sherry.mckay), an Ojibway Anishinabe creator from Treaty 1 Territory, as well as program managers Sarah Simpson-Yellowquill, a filmmaker from Treaty 1 Territory, of Long Plain First Nation and, new this year, Danielle Audette, a Red River Métis-Francophone production manager with over 25 years experience in production management across the entertainment industry in Canada.

“As the TikTok Accelerator for Indigenous Creators enters its fourth year, we’re proud to continue our partnership with TikTok to expand the program and reach even more creators across the country,” said Christine Kleckner, Executive Director at the National Screen Institute. “This initiative has proven to be a powerful platform for amplifying Indigenous voices. By increasing program capacity, we’re able to support hundreds of creators on their digital journeys. With Sherry returning as program advisor, and Sarah’s continued leadership alongside Danielle as co-manager, the program is in great hands and will continue to empower and amplify Indigenous stories for years to come.”

"We share a common goal with the National Screen Institute - we both aim to empower Indigenous creators and amplify their voices. At TikTok, we see the power of first-person storytelling and we're excited to support Indigenous creators by providing tools and insights to inspire authentic creation on our platform. With this shared goal in mind, we're pleased to continue our partnership with NSI and evolve the TikTok Accelerator for Indigenous Creators, presented by the National Screen Institute, extending the capacity of the program to support up to 300 eligible creators in 2024," notes Alexandra Givan, Global DEI Creator Programs Lead.

The selection committee is comprised of screen-industry professionals, TikTok staff and Indigenous TikTok creators. Creators interested in participating in the Accelerator can confirm eligibility requirements here. All eligible Indigenous TikTok creators are welcome to apply until Friday, October 18, 2024 on the National Screen Institute's website. 

Recognizing the importance of better serving creators from outside large urban centres, we are once again ensuring that creators in rural and remote areas, who are accepted to the program, are eligible to receive a stipend to help cover the cost of internet fees above and beyond average use during the course of the training program.

Creators selected to participate in the program will be announced this Fall. For full eligibility requirements, click here.