REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS

Indigenous Screen Futures Strategist

Saskatchewan Indigenous Screen Futures Initiative

Issued by: ScreenSask
Contract Value: Up to $38,000 CAD + expenses
Location: Saskatchewan / Hybrid
Proposal Deadline: November 20, 2026
Anticipated Selection: Early December 2026
Project Commencement: January 2027
Anticipated Completion: By October 31, 2027

1. About the Initiative

ScreenSask invites proposals from qualified Indigenous consultants, consulting teams and Indigenous-led organizations to lead the Saskatchewan Indigenous Screen Futures Initiative.

Funded by the Canada Media Fund (CMF) and ScreenSask with support from Creative Saskatchewan, the initiative will develop an Indigenous-led strategy to support the long-term growth of Saskatchewan’s Indigenous film and television sector.

The project directly advances ScreenSask’s 2025–2028 Strategic Plan, which identifies increasing the number of Indigenous-owned production companies and service providers, as well as Indigenous producers, creators and crew, as key priorities.

Our objective is to bring together Saskatchewan’s Indigenous screen community to identify its needs, opportunities and priorities, and develop a practical strategy for strengthening Indigenous leadership, businesses, workforce development and industry participation.

The process must be Indigenous-led. ScreenSask will provide administrative and organizational support without leading the process or predetermining the strategy’s recommendations.

2. Scope of Work

The successful consultant will lead the initiative in collaboration with ScreenSask and an Indigenous Leadership Circle established to guide the project.

Responsibilities will include:

• Community and Stakeholder Engagement: Identify and engage Indigenous producers, service providers, creators, crew members, businesses, educators and organizations throughout Saskatchewan, as well as Saskatchewan-connected Indigenous professionals working elsewhere in Canada. Consult with key government, funding and industry stakeholders, including but not limited to Creative Saskatchewan, Saskatchewan’s Ministry of Parks, Culture and Sport, Canada Media Fund, Telefilm Canada, Indigenous Screen Office (ISO), APTN, imagineNATIVE and other relevant provincial and national organizations.
• Research and Assessment: Conduct an environmental scan and assess existing industry resources, opportunities, challenges and gaps.
• Strategic Planning: Facilitate discussions and workshops to identify shared priorities, opportunities for collaboration and potential organizational development approaches.
• Strategy Development: Prepare an Indigenous Screen Sector Strategic Action Plan reflecting priorities identified through engagement.
• Implementation Planning: Develop a practical roadmap identifying recommended actions, responsibilities, timelines, budgets, partnerships and potential funding sources.
• Community Validation: Present draft findings and recommendations for review before finalizing the strategy.

Engagement will involve a combination of virtual and in-person activities, with travel throughout Saskatchewan as required.

3. Expected Deliverables

The consultant will be responsible for delivering:

1. Community engagement plan and stakeholder identification.
2. Environmental scan and needs assessment.
3. Summary of community engagement findings.
4. Indigenous Screen Sector Strategic Action Plan.
5. Governance and organizational development recommendations.
6. Three-year implementation roadmap, including priorities, timelines, budgets and potential funding sources.
7. Presentation of final recommendations to the Indigenous Leadership Circle and ScreenSask Board of Directors.

ScreenSask will provide project administration, financial management, communications and logistical support.

4. Qualifications

We welcome proposals from Indigenous individuals, teams or organizations with demonstrated experience in:

• Indigenous community engagement and relationship-building.
• Strategic planning and organizational development.
• Facilitating consultations, workshops and collaborative planning processes.
• Research, analysis and preparation of actionable strategic plans.
• Working respectfully with First Nations, Métis and Inuit communities and organizations.
• Managing projects and delivering work within agreed budgets and timelines.

Knowledge of Saskatchewan’s Indigenous communities and experience within the film, television, digital media or broader creative industries will be considered significant assets.

Applicants do not need to be based in Saskatchewan but must demonstrate the ability to engage meaningfully with its Indigenous screen community.

5. Budget and Timeline

The consulting contract has a maximum value of $38,000 CAD, inclusive of professional fees and applicable taxes.

Separate project funding is available for approved community engagement activities, participant honoraria, travel and accommodation, research support and other eligible project expenses.

The successful applicant will be selected by early December 2026, allowing time for contracting and preliminary planning before implementation begins in January 2027.

The initiative is scheduled for completion by October 31, 2027, although proposals demonstrating an achievable shorter timeline are welcome.

Applicants should propose a realistic work plan and schedule based on their recommended approach.

6. How to Apply

We want to keep the application process simple.

Interested applicants are asked to submit:

1. A brief proposal (maximum three pages) outlining:

• Your understanding of the project and proposed approach.
• Relevant experience and qualifications.
• How you would engage Saskatchewan’s Indigenous screen community and key industry stakeholders.
• Your proposed work plan and availability.
• Your proposed professional fee, within the available contract budget.

2. A résumé, organizational profile or brief description of your team.
3. Examples of relevant previous work or references, where available.

Applicants are welcome to provide links to previous projects rather than preparing extensive supporting documentation. Additional information may be requested.

7. Selection Process

Proposals will be reviewed by a selection committee led by Indigenous representatives, with participation from ScreenSask.

Selection will consider relevant experience, understanding of Indigenous engagement, proposed methodology, demonstrated capacity, knowledge of Saskatchewan and the screen sector, and overall value.

Shortlisted applicants may be invited to participate in a brief virtual interview.

ScreenSask anticipates selecting the successful applicant by early December 2026.

8. Submission

Deadline: November 20, 2026

Please submit your proposal by email to:

Robert Hardy
Executive Director, ScreenSask
robert.hardy@screensask.com

Subject: Indigenous Screen Futures Strategist – RFP

Questions about the project or application process are welcome. Interested parties are welcome to contact ScreenSask to review the project overview before submitting your proposal.

Applicants are encouraged to review ScreenSask’s 2025–2028 Strategic Plan for additional background. It is available here: https://screensask.com/2025-2026-screensask-annual-report/. 

ScreenSask is committed to supporting Indigenous leadership in Saskatchewan’s screen industry and welcomes proposals from qualified First Nations, Métis and Inuit consultants and organizations.

ScreenSask acknowledges that our work takes place across lands covered by Treaties 2, 4, 5, 6, 8 and 10, the traditional territories of the Cree, Dakota, Dene, Lakota, Nakota and Saulteaux peoples, and the homeland of the Métis Nation. We recognize the enduring contributions of Indigenous peoples to Saskatchewan’s cultural and creative communities and are committed to advancing reconciliation through meaningful partnerships, Indigenous leadership and the sharing of stories.