TRC4Reelz

. Congratulations on winning Best Supporting Actor @nathanielarcand . ... #ilovenathanielarcand #inspiration #aiff2020

I just walked away from a 1.6 million dollar film that I was recently brought on to be a Producer [this film would have been my first opportunity to transition ...into the feature film world]... Prepare for a novel but I just want to share this experience because I feel its important to voice my concern as an Indigenous storyteller. I'm sure this experience is one that other IBPOC (Indigenous, Black and People of Colour) can relate to... This particular production has been in development for almost 10 years, an Indigenous story that has been led by non-Indigenous writers, producer, and director since the beginning. First off, there has always been an underrepresentation of IBPOC in the film and television industry but right now there is a movement for transformational change that is being led by a diverse group of movers and shakers who are advocating for more inclusion within the industry. It's really great to see, but understand, its exhausting. Going back to my story, from my understanding, for any content creator who wants to tell an Indigenous story, the production must be 51% owned by an Indigenous production company, the two lead creatives (Producer, Director or Writer) MUST be Indigenous. So I was brought on to this particular film which was already green lit and about to receive money from multiple Indigenous funding streams - of course needing the 51% and two lead creatives to be Indigenous - the film was gearing up to be shot in fall/winter. I came on very late in the process because another VERY respected Indigenous Producer walked off, so I didn't realize what I was jumping into. From the beginning it was very difficult for me to gain any sort of connection to the story because I could tell it was NOT written by Indigenous writers. It was a very heavy story that I feared might open wounds within our community but I also felt it was an opportunity to start an important conversation.. so myself and the two other amazing Indigenous creators that were on the project had a plan to Indigenize the story and make sure it came from OUR perspective and that it would be told truthfully and respectfully. Because in the end, we as Indigenous storytellers have a responsibly to our community when it comes to telling our stories and we damn well take that shit to heart. So as I said, I did not feel a connection to the story, but I also did not feel any connection or relationship to the non-Indigenous creators that had brought me on, they never took the time to get to know me as a person and never really felt welcome, I did not feel they were willing to support me through this new experience, again, this was my first time ever working on a feature film, so you'd think, as established non-Indigenous creators, who are trying to tell our stories, would be all for assisting "emerging" Indigenous talent succeed. There was no investment in my training, so I felt little investment into this project. But what I was hoping for was once we Indigenized the story, that I would feel more of a connection to the project, making me feel more comfortable in sharing my thoughts and ideas. But, from the beginning I felt very little inclusion, I was just sort of "there" and honestly, I KNEW that I was just brought on to be used as their 51% so they could tell this story and receive Indigenous funding... I have alway been someone who follows my intuition, and from the beginning I didn't feel right about the project but I sort of turned a blind eye (no pun intended) because I thought this would be a good learning experience and chance to get my foot in the door. Long story short, I ended up being treated with disrespect which was really unfortunate but it completely gave me the validation that this was not a project I wanted to be apart of. Although, this was a good learning experience, it was a reminder of what I stand for, that we as Indigenous storytellers MUST tell our OWN stories from our OWN perspectives, straight from the beginning. I really hope this becomes a requirement in the industry, no one should EVER get away with using Indigenous people to fulfill their 51% so they can tell our stories and use our funding. If you want to tell Indigenous stories, then LET US tell our stories, step aside and guide us in a good and respectful way. Show that you actually are willing to invest in emerging Indigenous talent!!! I didn't want to include any names but let me just say the Indigenous folks who were attached to this project you are AMAZING and I love you all! I seriously can't wait to see all the amazing changes that you are and will make within the industry! To ALL IBPOC trailblazers YOU ARE INSPIRING! RESPECT. #NOTYOUR51PERCENT!

Had the pleasure to work on this project! Super proud of you Cody!!

Stacy Da Silva's son!