Aboriginal Production Apprentice Program Marnie Rice, Cultural Planner, Vancouver Commemorates Canada 150+ For the Nov 22, 2017 provincial forum Voicing Contested Histories
Vancouver’s Three Host Nations Squamish Tsleil-Waututh Musqueam First Nation First Nation First Nation
Focus • Capacity building, resource needs, (and to a lesser degree) planning Main Challenges • Without roadmap for our pilot program, we under-estimated our resource needs • Required leverage of existing (and building new) relationships based on trust and respect • Program for people living with multiple and complex barriers to employment Lessons Learned • Supporting low barrier access took transparency, time and (financial and human) resources • Capacity building flowed in two directions between Indigenous and non-Indigenous participants • Non-Indigenous allies in creative industries had the means and desire— but not necessarily the relationships—to create room for Indigenous workers; those connections were made and supported by the Program Manager
Canada 150+ Signature Events https://canada150plus.ca/events/
Production Apprentice Program: Purpose • Integrate pilot employment program into Canada 150+ framework • Reduce barriers to Indigenous employment • Create pathways to careers in live event industry • Invest in future leaders • Pay 14-weeks salary above METRO Vancouver’s living wage to 8 people • Create, expand and maintain peer and industry relationships • Provide safety certificates, training, tools, transit pass • Enhance and share cultural values
Eligibility • Self-identify as First Nations, Inuit, or Métis (confirmed by ACCESS) • Reside in the Lower Mainland including traditional territories of the three Host Nations • Interested in pursuing a career in live event production
The Call • Widest reach through Indigenous social media influencers • Personal requests to share to existing networks, colleagues • Call open: 3 weeks • Reach: 3,000 shares • Applications submitted: 92 • Interviews: 23 • Hires: 8
Four Components of 14-Week Program 1. Apprentices met each other, were introduced to Advisors and Mentors, obtained OFA & WHIMIS certificates, tools, sage, and transit pass. 2. Apprentices then deployed to work placements with employer partners in their area of interest and trained with professional mentors. 3. Apprentices used their training and experience as Production Assistants on Canada 150+ signature events. 4. Apprentices met regularly, deepened connection with each other and traditional values; networked with employers and civic cultural staff.
Employer Partners • Riggit Services Inc. • Brand live • Scene Ideas • Coastal Jazz and Blues • Vancouver Folk Music Festival • Gear Force • Vancouver Int’l Children’s Festival • Great Northern Way Scene Shop
Resources: Funders and Partners
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