Iniskim Consulting

30/10/2021

Life Lesson: Always ask to read the fine print before saying yes

When you respond to an email agreeing to assist with a promotional video (think review and provide feedback on a script) and then find out you are supposed to be the star.

So, I watched the previous promotional videos of an Assistant Deputy Minister and another federal public servant / Indigenous colleague. Each had recorded over videoconferencing technology and only had to memorize their script.

I was encouraged to record the video myself.

On my own device.

I have a Canon DSLR, Sennheiser mic’s and a degree in communications with a focus on documentary production.

I spent the whole morning (don’t tell my boss) setting up my set, framing my shots, setting up lighting, checking audio and recording about 150 takes. I even brushed my hair and put on clothes that don’t qualify as gym gear.

Since the script was about two-pages, I decided to incorporate a cutaway (forgive me if this isn’t the correct term - I can’t remember the last time I produced and edited video) and included some transitions.

Let me just say - what started as abject terror (I am far more comfortable working behind the scenes) became a fun project.

The question I keep asking myself is…what about a blooper roll?

I will forever have more compassion for those I interview on camera. I will also ask the scope of the project before saying yes. Lesson learned.

28/10/2021

“I lose motivation all the time. The work that I do is emotionally exhausting. Just like you. Anyone who is in the realm of Indigenous content creation, or storytelling, is managing their own trauma. Everyday.” ~ Jennifer Podemski ~

I resonate with this. I create content from an Indigenous lens with the intent to directly change the narrative in government and in community. I have seen my content be heavily edited to remove specific language about the truth of government accountability and responsibility for colonial injustices that continue to be perpetuated in its structures and policies. But that doesn’t stop me from writing the truth again in the next document, statement or report.

And more recently, I have seen my work come back with approval and very few edits - and the potentially inflammatory truth (depending on perspective) not removed. This may seem like a small change and in the grand scheme of things, my work may not have resounding impacts at the highest levels, but I am having an impact here and now in this space that I exist in.

As I continue to challenge the narrative I do become exhausted. At first I thought it was my old procrastination sneaking up (think last minute all-nighters to write complete research papers due the next morning - absolute insanity), but it isn’t.

I am managing my trauma in every piece that I write. I am triggered over and over again as I write about reconciliation, what was stolen from my people, my family, my son. I am triggered as I write about MMIWG as both a survivor and the daughter whose mother was murdered before I really got to know her.

I am sometimes holding back tears as I write the words I would want the government or my client to say to Niitsitapiiks. In doing so, I am putting my authentic self forward and honouring my ancestors who were resilient enough to ensure I exist. So yes, I lose motivation from time to time. But I am learning to give myself grace.

“I lose motivation all the time. The work that I do is emotionally exhausting. Just like you. Anyone who is in the realm of Indigenous content creation...

30/09/2021

Sneak peek 👀 another little project wrapping up. This has been heart work. I’ve been blessed with ongoing support from friends and relatives to do the best work I can.

30/09/2021

Oki Matapiiks | People,

I am thankful to have been invited to support the City of Lethbridge in the development of this resource.

"Ohkanaomowoo | Gathering Together" identifies initial steps towards relationship-building based on respect for all residents, visitors and Indigenous peoples living in Sikoohkotok | City of Lethbridge.

The content in the Reconciliation Ally Toolkit was generated through focus group sessions with RLAC members, and dialogue with my own relatives and connections within Siksikaitsitapi Kitao’ahsinnooni | Blackfoot Territory.

As a graphic artist, Rudy Black Plume ensured that niitsitapii iconography was reflected throughout the design.

This resource is intended to be evergreen which means that it can and should be updated with new information. I encourage Niitsitapii to provide feedback on the content and language.

My hope is that this resource is accessed as a starting point in breaking down barriers between neighbours and inspiring settler-citizens to join the social justice movement.

You can download a PDF copy of the Reconciliation Ally Toolkit on the City of Lethbridge"s website:https://www.lethbridge.ca/City-Government/strategic-initiatives/Documents/ReconciliationAllyToolkit.pdf

06/08/2021

As I was researching on Youtube, a student documentary that I created 12 years ago came up on the list of videos up next. I haven't watched this in a long time. I see all of my mistakes and where I could have improved, but I also have a memory recorded that captures a moment in time with my son and my grandpa Tom Crane Bear. I am so thankful for my professor, Bill Kunz, as he encouraged and supported me to complete this project and allowed me to take UofW camera equipment across the border for this student project.

Final Project for Documentary Production 2010 University of Washington - TacomaProfessor Bill Kunz

18/12/2020

Here’s one of the first video projects I completed over 10 years ago. Check it out:

Final Project for Documentary Production 2010 University of Washington - TacomaProfessor Bill Kunz

30/09/2020

Today is - members joined in remembering the impacts that residential school has had on our families and communities by wearing our Orange Shirts during our virtual meeting today.

28/01/2020

Nomination Submitted!

The Vernon Chamber of Commerce is accepting nominations for the Top 20 Over 40 until February 14, 2020.

Nominate a leader in our community!

28/01/2020

Connected with these great communications colleagues at

27/01/2020

Oki | Way’ So happy to see my relative Chief Harvey McLeod last week (my Grampa Tom Cranebear adopted him).

27/01/2020

Oki | Way’

Iniskim Consulting is an Indigenous-owned company providing communications and community engagement services.

The ability to include cultural perspective throughout projects will complement the needs of Indigenous communities, organizations and those seeking to reach specific Indigenous audiences.

I invite you to support Indigenous-owned businesses by sharing my page and my contact information among your network.

Thank you to my friends and family who recently accepted the invite to like my business page.

Thank you for joining me as I take another step in launching Iniskim Consulting.

Here’s the link to my page >>>> http://ow.ly/Q5Ry30qcJwz

Design, Create, Communicate.

Capacity Development and Communications initiatives from an Indigenous

27/01/2020

Listening to Tewanee Joseph speak on First Nations Communications - Best Practices reaffirmed the knowledge I’ve gathered throughout my career as an Indigenous communications professional.