Montreal, March 20, 2025 — The Société de développement des entreprises culturelles (SODEC) and the Indigenous Screen Office (ISO) met last Monday, March 17, 2025, to sign a memorandum of understanding aimed at expanding their business relationship. At the heart of the agreement is the identification of partnership and collaboration opportunities to give First Nations and Inuit audiovisual cultural enterprises in Quebec greater access to SODEC programs. The three-year agreement includes a commitment by SODEC and the BEA to jointly draw up an annual action plan.
“The signing of this agreement is a reflection of the friendship and respect that has developed over the years. The work of the Indigenous Screen Office and Kerry Swanson to increase the participation of Indigenous peoples in the audiovisual industry is essential on the path to a more representative industry. I would like to highlight the excellent work of Jean-François D. O’Bomsawin and Isabelle Ruiz of the ISO in developing this agreement. With this agreement, SODEC is taking another step forward in its concrete commitment to taking key actions in cooperation with the community, values that are already rooted in equity, diversity and inclusion of First Nations and Inuit people.” said Louise Lantagne,President and CEO of SODEC
“This agreement marks a meaningful step forward in ensuring Indigenous creators and production companies in Quebec have greater access to resources that reflect their needs and aspirations. By working closely with SODEC, we are building pathways for Indigenous-led storytelling on screen to thrive, strengthening our industry with diverse voices and perspectives. We sincerely thank Louise Lantagne and the SODEC executive team for their commitment and collaboration in making this partnership a reality.” said Kerry Swanson, CEO, ISO
A shared mission
SODEC and ISO share a common mission: the development and growth of the audiovisual sector. Under this protocol, the two organizations will undertake and implement actions to meet the following objectives:
- Increase support for audiovisual production companies owned by First Nations and Inuit people in Quebec;
- Support the professionalization of First Nations and Inuit entrepreneurs active in audiovisual production in Quebec;
- Stimulate and support the dissemination of First Nations and Inuit audiovisual productions to audiences;
- Encourage the participation of First Nations and Inuit members in SODEC’s funding decision-making process, particularly through its selection committees;
- Encourage First Nations and Inuit producers to apply for SODEC programs.
To this end, an annual action plan will be drawn up by mutual agreement between the organizations. A working group will be set up, involving representatives from each of the organizations, to discuss the issues and realities of First Nations and Inuit producers in Quebec, as well as the monitoring and evaluation of the protocol and annual action plans.
Other administrative objectives are also part of the agreement, such as raising awareness among SODEC leaders and employees of the issues specific to First Nations and Inuit in order to better understand them and better meet their needs, and advising SODEC in the recruitment and retention of First Nations and Inuit staff.
A celebration guided by the values of openness, respect and collaboration
The event was held at SODEC’s Pied-du-Courant offices in Montreal, in the presence of Ka’nahsohon Kevin Deer, an Elder from Kahnawake, and filmmaker Alanis Obomsawin. The contribution of Indigenous Peoples to the culture of this society was acknowledged and honored.
After signing the agreement, the leaders were invited to taste maple taffy on the snow in the presence of a dozen Indigenous filmmakers, Indigenous producers and SODEC employees.
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About the Indigenous Screen Office
The Indigenous Screen Office is an independent national advocacy and funding organization serving First Nations, Inuit and Métis creators of screen content in Canada. The ISO’s mandate is to foster and support narrative sovereignty and cultural revitalization by increasing Indigenous storytelling on screens and promoting Indigenous values and participation across the sector
About SODEC
SODEC’s mandate is to promote and support the development of cultural enterprises in Quebec and abroad in the audiovisual, book, publishing, fine crafts, art market, music, entertainment and digital sectors. SODEC also has a mandate to preserve and showcase 32 heritage buildings that reflect Quebec’s identity.
Source and information
SODEC
Johanne Morissette
Director of Communications
514 841-2314
johanne.morissette@sodec.gouv.qc.ca
Indigenous Screen Office
Jean-François D. O’Bomsawin
Director of Communications and Francophone Initiatives
jfobomsawin@iso-bea.ca