National Day for Truth and Reconciliation takes place at the end of September and this year, Film Training Manitoba (FTM) participated in an important event hosted by Vincent Design on September 28th, 2023.
Vincent Design is a Métis owned Winnipeg-based creative marketing company focusing in: Web Design, Graphic Design, Marketing, SEO, Logo Design, App Development, and Branding. They work with communities, organizations, and businesses of all sizes to build connections and make ideas happen. They have been FTM’s design partner for years and their organization has supported and sponsored training activities at FTM.
The evening consisted of an introductory conversation along with profound storytelling and a sharing circle from residential school survivor, warrior, and Elder, “Gramma” Geraldine Shingoose. FTM has connected with Elder Shingoose in the past as she was the Elder and speaker for FTM’s Supporting Women in Film Trades (SWIFT) Conference in 2022.
Vincent Design created an open atmosphere to honour and to respect the survivors of residential schools. It was an incredible opportunity for FTM’s staff to learn so we can continue to grow as an organization and work toward reconciliation.
Throughout the evening, Elder Shingoose recounted her experiences at Muscowequan residential school. Elder Shingoose has the strength, courage, and wisdom to educate those around her and encourage Canadians to continue to seek and listen to the truth.
Our team at FTM believes it is important to recognize the impacts of residential schools across Canada and for all Canadians to continue to learn, acknowledge, and share about the history of the residential school system. FTM wishes to thank Vincent Design for this educational, supportive, and open experience.
FTM wishes to acknowledge our commitment to ensuring that First Nations Indigenous, Métis and Inuit knowledge, cultures and traditions are embraced and reflected in the pursuit of its mission. An acknowledgement of these lands that we are on today, and a commitment to Indigenous peoples and communities, now form part of the foundational statements that define FTM. FTM is located on the lands of Anishinaabe, Anishininew, Ininiwak, Dakota, and Dené, and the National Homeland of the Red River Métis.
We recognize and honour Treaty 3 Territory Shoal Lake 40 First Nation, the source of Winnipeg’s clean drinking water. In addition, we acknowledge Treaty Territories which provide us with access to electricity we use in both our personal and professional lives. We respect the Treaties that were made on these territories, and we dedicate ourselves to move forward in partnership with Indigenous communities in a spirit of reconciliation and collaboration.
FTM is a non-for-profit charity and member of the Province of Manitoba’s sector council program (through the Department of Economic Development and Jobs). FTM conducts workforce development and training to build a highly skilled and adaptable film industry to support the activities of Manitoba production companies. FTM collaborates with members of the film and television industry to identify the training needs within the community.