b'TEACHING GUIDETHE NEW INDSPIRE AWARDS By Brandon MeawasigeA year-long opportunity for learning, dialogue and inspirationF or over three decades,non-Indigenous audiences a deeperengagement, especially among the Indspire Awards haveunderstanding of the accomplish- younger audiences who are celebrated the outstandingments and resilience of Indigenousincreasingly consuming content achievements of First Nations, Inuitpeoples in Canada. on these platforms. In fact, these and Mtis individuals, honouringsocial media videos were collec-more than 400 Indigenous peopleSince being forced into a format- tively viewed over 500,000 times in who have made extraordinaryting change by the pandemic,the months leading up to and since contributions across Turtle Islandwhat was earlier solely held asthe June broadcast. and beyond. As the highestan annual broadcast is now avail-honour the Indigenous communityable across multiple platforms,By leveraging social media, the bestows upon its own people, theincluding YouTube, CBC Gem, APTNIndspire Awards have created Awards have become a beaconlumi, and direct-to-classroomnew opportunities for Indigenous of inspiration, showcasing thestreaming through a partnershipyouth to interact with the content, diversity, talent and perseverancewith McIntyre Media, offeringshare their thoughts, and celebrate of Indigenous people. In 2024, theviewers flexibility and convenience.the winners. Whether through Indspire Awards embraced a newThis broader accessibility is partInstagram reels or TikTok videos, format, signalling a shift towardsof Indspires focus on making theIndigenous excellence is being greater accessibility, learning andstories of Indigenous achievementamplified, reaching new audiences engagement, while continuing toa resource for both educators andand engaging younger generations elevate Indigenous excellence. families. With the new format,in meaningful ways.the Awards are more than just a With the 2024 edition, entitledmoment of recognitionthey areBLENDING ANIMATION & Spirit Journeys, we returned tonow a year-long opportunity forLIVE ACTIONour roots. The Indspire Awardslearning, dialogue and inspirationA standout feature of the new were born out of an initiative thatat home and in classrooms. format is the integration of positioned role models in front ofanimation, live-action sequences, Indigenous youth; thats why it wasAMPLIFYING INDIGENOUSand a focus on intergenerational important for our latest edition toVOICES storytelling between Elders and not just serve as a celebration, butIn addition to expanded streamingyouth. The use of animation allows also as an educational tool.options, the 2024 Awards havethe Awards to explore Indigenous also tapped into social media tostories in a creative and accessible By featuring 12 Indigenousbroaden their impact. Exclusivemanner, bringing narratives to life Laureates from various back- behind-the-scenes content andin a visually captivating way. grounds and professions, Spiritreels featuring the 2024 Laureates Journeys provides educators withare available on Indspires socialThrough animated sequences, real-world examples of successmedia channels. This year alsoviewers are asked to embark on a that can be integrated intomarked our organizations debutjourney around Canada, to learn lessons. These stories can inspireon TikTok, offering bite-sized,about the 12 Laureates and their Indigenous students, showing themshareable content from this yearscommunities. This approach serves what is possible when they pursueproduction. This social medianot only to entertain but also their dreams. They also offerpresence allows for broaderto educate, making it easier for 42indspiration2024'