In the spirit of respect, reciprocity and truth, we acknowledge that there have been Indigenous economies and Indigenous economic development in the Treaty 7 region since time immemorial.
We acknowledge that we gather in the traditional territories of the Blackfoot Confederacy (Siksika, Kainai and Piikani Nations), the Tsuut'ina, the Îyârhe Nakoda (Bearspaw, Chiniki and Goodstoney Nations) and the Otipemisiwak Métis Government (Districts 5 and 6).
We commit to supporting actions and strategies that remove systemic barriers to opportunity and create tangible benefits for Indigenous Peoples toward economic prosperity.
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Great storytelling starts with an understanding of — and respect for — the places and people being represented. As Calgary’s reputation for film and television grows and attracts productions from Hollywood and beyond, a new resource has been developed to help filmmakers work with Indigenous communities across Treaty 7.
Respect on Set: A Treaty 7 Film Production Guide for Indigenous Engagement outlines best practices for productions to undertake respectful, ethical and culturally safe engagement with Indigenous communities and Treaty 7 land.
The document was authored by Two Canoes Media and commissioned by Calgary Economic Development as an initiative within the city’s creative economy strategy.
“Reconciliation and inclusion are critical to the future of Alberta’s screen industries,” says Brad Parry, President and CEO, Calgary Economic Development. “Respect on Set is an important step on the path toward reconciliation, and an essential resource for any production taking place on Treaty 7 territory.”
Through tools, stories and best practices, the comprehensive guide supports filmmakers in establishing trust, consent and cultural safety through each stage of production.
Respect on Set shaped through community engagement
To inform the guide’s content, Two Canoes Media conducted community engagement with an advisory group. Founder Holly Fortier and Film Partner Geordie Day spoke with Elders, knowledge keepers, filmmakers and community members from the Treaty 7 Nations, as well as the territory’s urban Métis and Inuit communities.
Fortier says that a recurring theme emerged from the many conversations with advisors.
“The biggest takeaway was for productions to build a respectful, meaningful relationship with Indigenous peoples on the territories that they're filming.”
Day adds that not building relationships with Indigenous peoples is a common mistake.
“Productions don't know how to appropriately engage community; they don't know about protocol, they're not really sure where to start and they don't want to offend people,” explains Day. “What ends up happening is many people avoid making that connection or building those relationships because they’re scared."
Guide includes recommended mindsets, intentions and actions
To help filmmakers initiate, build and maintain relationships with Treaty 7’s Indigenous communities, Respect on Set includes practical, ready-to-use tools.
There are checklists for every role within a production, from Director to Catering Lead, and Locations Manager to Hair Department Head. Depending on the role, to-do lists might include actions like hiring a cultural advisor, acquiring permissions to film sacred sites, making space for prayers and smudges or organizing a community screening post-production.
Fortier encourages production teams to treat the guide not simply as a checklist to tick off, but a mindset to carry throughout the project.
“We hope the productions that come here get a sense of how beautiful it is to work in Treaty 7,” says Fortier. “It's an essential document because we want Treaty 7 territory to continue thriving in the film and television industry.”
Best practices informed by extensive industry expertise
Fortier was uniquely qualified to lead the guide’s development as a Cree/Dene educator and filmmaker. With vast experience in film — including major Hollywood productions like The Assassination of Jesse James and The Revenant — Fortier’s lens on the industry is deeply insightful.
“For a long time, they talked about us but they didn't talk with us,” says Fortier, reflecting on a history of inaccurate representation and negative stereotyping in film.
However, she notes there has been a shift over the years.
“I’ve seen a change on big Hollywood productions, where they want to do it right,” Fortier remarks.
“It's so honouring of our people and our culture to now have that voice and that say.”
Production protocols in-step with creative economy strategy and industry demand
Respect on Set is one of five programs borne from a $3 million investment in Calgary’s creative and digital industries. The programs were developed in accordance with the Creative Economy Strategy, which identified opportunities to foster equity, diversity, inclusion and accessibility (EDIA) across Calgary’s core creative industries.
Calgary’s commitment to enhancing inclusion also aligns with the film and television industry’s criteria for location selection.
“Productions around the world are placing greater value on telling their stories in regions that prioritize respect, sustainability and equity, which is in-step with our vision for Calgary’s creative economy,” remarks Parry.
“This guide will help incoming productions work with a deeper understanding of our communities. Strengthening these relationships will open up limitless opportunities — paving the way for vibrant stories, authentic partnerships and shared prosperity in our screen industries for generations to come.”
Apart from Respect on Set, two additional EDIA-building programs were generated from the $3 million creative economy investment, including an Indigenous in-community training program and EDIA training modules.
The full Respect on Set document will be shared with productions, guilds, unions and other screen-based industry partners.
Respect on Set (full guide) Respect on Set: At a Glance (topsheet)
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