Wapikoni Mobile

Background

Founded in 2004 by cinematographer Manon Barbeau, the Atikamekw Nation Council, and the First Nations Youth Council of Quebec and Labrador, Wapikoni Mobile is a travelling studio that offers audiovisual and music training workshops to Indigenous youth living in remote Quebec communities. This unique program enables Indigenous youth to learn artistic and life skills, to expand their horizons beyond their usual surroundings, and to shine in their own communities. As such, it is a social intervention benefitting entire communities as well as a tool for personal healing and development.

Since its launch, Wapikoni Mobile has engaged more than 2,000 youth from seven First Nations and Cree communities, in 19 locations in Quebec. From the mobile studio, 350 musical pieces and 470 short films have been produced, garnering 50 awards from national and international film festivals. Manon Barbeau was named an Ashoka fellow in 2009 and has received numerous other honours, including the Reconnaissance UQAM award in 2010.

Full Description

In response to demand for its program from Indigenous communities across Canada, Wapikoni Mobile will scale up its community programming while strengthening its core operations. The Foundation’s grant includes a contribution to community programming, and support from the Foundation’s Social Innovation Fund to support Wapikoni’s growth phase with a revised business model.

Visit www.wapikoni.tv for more information