Southern Albertans Chosen for Nationwide Indigenous TikTok Program – Lethbridge | The Canadian News

Two Blackfoot women from southern Alberta stand among 30 Canadian creators on the online platform TikTok to be selected for the first TikTok Accelerator for Indigenous Creators.

Celeste Day Rider said she was surprised to learn that she was selected for the show.

“There is no way they chose me, they must have had thousands and thousands of applicants,” he joked.

“Honestly, it’s a great opportunity for me.”

The six-week course is a partnership between TikTok, a fast-growing online content platform, and the National Screen Institute (NSI), and is organized by a variety of advisors.

“Each of them will be able to participate in (a series) of workshops with other indigenous TikTok content creators to learn the ins and outs of social media presence, how to create their content, and how to use all the tools found in the app. TikTok. ”Explained NSI Program Director Sarah Simpson-Yellowquill.

“Many of them (already have) an idea of ​​where they want to go or how they want to use their voice, and we are joking to give them more access and get them to meet people who can help them further in their career.”

Simpson-Yellowquill said there are participants from almost every province and territory, all with different types of content.

“I do a variety of videos, but I would say that most of the videos that I make and the ones that get the most attention are the most serious ones, the ones that have to do with the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls movement, residential schools,” she said. Day Rider.

“My ultimate goal is to use all the tools that I have learned and improve my TikTok and I hope that, you know, I continue to like it and you will follow me.”

Billi-J Heavy Shields uses her TikTok as a healing tool after losing her brother Lane Tailfeathers. He also likes to add some humor, personality, and education.

“I’m still learning my culture,” he admitted.

“I lost a lot because my parents were survivors of residential school, so I lost my language. I didn’t learn it when I was a kid, so now I’m teaching it to myself and I’m showing TikTok what I’m learning. “

Heavy Shields said that one of his favorite parts so far has been meeting the other creators.

“I really like (having the connection),” he said. “It’s a good feeling. I feel safe there. I feel safe to talk about what we need to talk about.

“I’m excited to see where this is going, and I just want to tell everyone: stay tuned.”

The program is scheduled to conclude on December 17. While there are no plans yet to launch a second TikTok Accelerator series for indigenous creators, Simpson-Yellowquill said the huge amount of interest is a good sign.