Indigenous Screen Foundation Launches with the Mission of Building the Next Generation of Storytellers in Canada’s Screen Sector

Toronto (Tkaronto) ON ー November 2nd, 2026 —The Board of Directors and CEO of the Indigenous Screen Office (ISO) are pleased to announce the launch of a new charitable organization dedicated to training and education, with a focus on Indigenous youth.

The Indigenous Screen Foundation (ISF) launches with a five-year commitment of $11.4m from Mastercard Foundation to deliver funding and build the organization’s capacity and growth. The inaugural Youth Screen-based Training and Education Program will provide grants to charitable and non-profit organizations, and educational institutions, to deliver Indigenous-led creative, technical and professional training and education for Indigenous youth (under the age of 35) in screen-based storytelling. The program will open for applications in January 2027.

Funding for the program comes through the ISF’s partnership with the Mastercard Foundation EleV Program, which aims to transform education and employment systems in Canada in service of Indigenous youth. ISF will continue to grow the fund through new philanthropic partnerships.

“We have worked with the team at Mastercard Foundation for over three years to develop this incredible future-building partnership,” says Kerry Swanson, CEO of ISO and ISF. “We are thrilled to launch the new Foundation with a partner who is aligned in our mission to create meaningful livelihoods and creative opportunities for Indigenous youth in screen-based storytelling.”

The Indigenous Screen Office created the ISF because as Indigenous storytelling gains momentum and success, it is vital to invest in the next generation of talent. Training for Indigenous youth is not only about developing technical skills for the screen sector and providing job opportunities for youth, it is a profound commitment to cultural self-determination and economic sovereignty. For too long, the stories told about Indigenous communities have lacked their authentic voice. When we invest in Indigenous youth to tell their own stories, they don't just enrich the growing global media landscape in Canada — they claim their rightful place in shaping a shared future.

“Creative industries including film and storytelling are growth sectors of importance and interest to Indigenous youth and their communities,” says Jennifer Brennan, Senior Director, Canada Programs at the Mastercard Foundation. “Through this partnership, the Indigenous Screen Foundation will expand opportunities for Indigenous youth to directly engage and build careers in this sector.”

About the Indigenous Screen Foundation

The Indigenous Screen Foundation (ISF) is a registered charity incorporated in 2025 with a mission to build a strong Indigenous workforce in Canada’s screen sector and to foster education, healing and reconciliation through Indigenous storytelling.

ISF is a sister organization to the ISO, Canada’s leading national advocacy and funding organization fostering Indigenous narrative sovereignty for the screen sector. Although they are two separate organizations, they will share resources and collaborate, particularly in the first three years while ISF establishes its organizational capacity.

About the Mastercard Foundation

The Mastercard Foundation is a registered Canadian charity and one of the largest foundations in the world. It works with visionary organizations to advance education and financial inclusion to enable young people in Africa and Indigenous youth in Canada to access dignified and fulfilling work. Its Young Africa Works strategy aims to enable 30 million young people to access dignified and fulfilling work by 2030, while its EleV strategy will support 100,000 Indigenous youth in Canada to complete their education and transition to meaningful work aligned with their traditions, values, and aspirations. Established in 2006 through the generosity of Mastercard when it became a public company, the Foundation is an independent organization. Its policies, operations, and program decisions are determined by its Board of Directors and Leadership team. For more information on the Foundation, please visit www.mastercardfdn.org.