What is Spirit of the Story?

Spirit of the Story is a 12 month digital multimedia program for Indigenous youth who want to learn about video production, photography, editing, graphic design, or any creative way they want to share their story. Using state of the art equipment with instruction from local industry leaders, youth develop their videography, photography, and storytelling skills while working towards a final showcase event hosted at the end of the year. Participants could have the opportunity for paid work on other external projects.

Who can join?

This program is open to all youth between the ages of 16-21 as long as they are from the eight Southeast communities.

Berens River
Black River
Bloodvein
Brokenhead
Hollow Water
Little Grand Rapids
Pauingassi
Poplar River


When does the program happen?

We meet every Monday and Friday evening. Program begins shortly after school and runs between the hours of 5:00 to 8:00pm.

I might need help getting to program.

That's completely fine! If transportation is a barrier, we will do whatever we can to help you out. Fanny, our wonderful support staff, can pick you up and drop you off right from your front door. If that doesn't work out then we can provide bus tickets or arrange a taxi. If you live outside of Winnipeg we can try our best to arrange something for you - just ask!

Will there be food?

Yes!! Each evening, a tasty home-cooked meal is made on-site by Dmitri; an Indigenous youth from Bloodvein First Nation that graduated from Red River Polytech's Culinary Arts program. Dmitri arrives a couple of hours prior to the start of every program to make sure everyone has a wonderful meal to enjoy.

 

I have a few more questions.

The best way to get in touch with us is by email. Shoot us an email at prevention.referrals@secfs.ca and someone will get back to you as soon as possible. Alternatively if you have a worker, get in touch with them and they can get you in touch with the right person.

 

I'm convinced -- I want to apply!

That's great news! If you have a worker please let them know you want to apply. We can arrange everything else on our end. Simple! If you don't have a worker, or you don't know who they are, send us an email at prevention.referrals@secfs.ca and let us know you want to apply. We will help you through the process.

Once your application is received you will be contacted by someone from Southeast and we will arrange for an interview. It sounds scary but we promise it's not. We just want to know who you are, what your interests are, if you already have experience in this field, and if you are able to commit to this 12 month program.

Meet our Facilitators!

Our facilitators were hand-picked because of their outstanding reputation in the local Indigenous film industry. Each of them is talented in their own way and are dedicated to the development and support of Indigenous youth. Together they make up our dream-team that make this program possible!

Erica Daniels

Erica is Cree/Ojibway from Peguis First Nation. She is a proud mother, a multi-award winning documentary filmmaker and entrepreneur. Erica established her media company, Kejic Productions, in 2017 and became a full time entrepreneur fulfilling her passion to share the stories of her community. She started her journey through a program called Just TV, a multimedia program for at-risk youth in the inner city of Winnipeg. Through this program, Erica was able to better her life and gain extensive skills in the media industry.

Along with her passion for storytelling, is her passion to work with Indigenous youth in her community by reconnecting them to their culture and identity. Erica currently runs a cultural program at the Broadway Neighbourhood Centre and mentors youth in video production. The beauty of her culture continuously inspires her work and motivation of sharing the knowledge of her elders for future generations.

Paul James

Paul James is an award winning Director of Photography and Producer based in Winnipeg, Manitoba. For the last 20 years Paul has worked in the world of Film, Video and Music production. As a freelance technician, he has worked in all facets of production and post production for film television and music. Clients and Broadcasters include Sean Garity "Inertia" Frantic Films, APTN, YaYo Productions, CBC, APTN and Kejic Productions. Paul has been recognized for his work on films Mikinakay: The Trail of the Turtle for MTS; Run As One - The Journey of the Front Runners for CBC (2018 Winner of the History & Biography and Founder Golden Sheaf Awards and Canadian Screen Award Nominee) and short film Gift to Give in 2021. Paul has also produced many music videos for Artists ranging from the New Meanies to The Crash test Dummies. In addition, Paul has been a technical constructor for the Broadway Neighbourhood Centre's Just TV Program for over 15 years where he has mentored and trained youth in all areas of multimedia.

Addison Sandy

Addison has worn many hats in his career. He has worked as a Director, Director of Photography, lighting tech, audio tech and camera operator. In post-production, he has worked as lead editor, audio designer, and an online editor. Addison is the owner of Sandstorm Productions and is a key member of the Kejic Production team. Over the years he has worked on over 100 short dramas, documentaries, music videos, promotional videos, training videos, TV broadcast material and more. Along with operating his own production company, Addison has worked as a senior technical instructor for the past 13 years at the Broadway Neighbourhood Centre's Just TV program where he teaches youth how to produce their own films and music using industry standard equipment and software. Addison has been recognized as the Co-Producer and Editor on the film Run As One - The Journey of the Front Runners; a Canadian Screen Award nominee, Banff World Media Festival nominee and winner of two Golden Sheaf Awards. Recently, Addison has helped develop and joined the Spirit of The Story digital music program as a Technical Instructor for South East Child and Family Services. Addison is passionate in helping youth learn new skills and developing lasting relationships in hope to positively impact their lives in any way he can.

Kevin Settee

Kevin Settee is a 31 year old Anishinaabe and Cree father from Winnipeg, Manitoba. Kevin has 5 years of media experience through the University of Winnipeg Prairie Climate Centre, and the National Film Board of Canada. He released the Lake Winnipeg Project, a 4-part documentary series on the life and culture of Indigenous people around Lake Winnipeg. Kevin is currently a helper and instructor with the Spirit of the Story media program and loves working with young people in the city, and on the land.

Erica's past project:

Paul's past project:

Addison's past project:

Kevin's past project:

Check out our logo!

Our logo was designed by Toby Bruyere, a participant from Black River First Nation, in our very first offering of Spirit of the Story. They came to this program with graphic design experience and created our logo during program.

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