[embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BE4iAu8XiMo&feature=youtu.be[/embed]

Screen opens to an aspiring filmmaker sitting at a kitchen table with a smart phone in front of them. The filmmaker is you. You look down at your phone as a video of your favourite film plays and the viewer hears your thoughts: “I wish I could make a film like this about people in my town.” A notification pops up from Instagram of a new post from TELUS STORYHIVE. You read the post and jump up with excitement. “STORYHIVE has just announced their newest program - the STORYHIVE Scripted Edition. This is your chance!”

You read on.  “Calling all budding filmmakers in B.C. and Alberta! TELUS STORYHIVE is thrilled to embark on a cinematic journey with the new STORYHIVE Scripted Edition, tailored exclusively for locally reflective scripted genres. Most importantly, the script needs to take place within the community in which you are applying from.  So, if your script is about a family of vampires struggling to make it to the modern world… sounds great!  But remember that the family of vampires needs to live in your community of Lloydminster. 

Have an idea for a 20-45 minute film project?  STORYHIVE wants to give you $20,000 in production funding, training, professional mentorship (in partnership  with the National Screen Institute) and distribution on TELUS Optik TV, Stream+ and STORYHIVE's YouTube channel to bring your vision to life. No experience is required.

Over the past decade, TELUS STORYHIVE has distributed more than $59 million in production funding, supported over 1,200 screen-based projects, with over 148,000 hours of robust training and one-on-one mentorship. STORYHIVE has also supported content creators in more than 270 communities across B.C. and Alberta. Through innovative programs they provide production funding, training, mentorship and distribution on TELUS Optik TV and online platforms. STORYHIVE remains committed to supporting and empowering the next generation of Canadian content creators and storytellers.”

Screen pans back to a close-up of the filmmaker’s face; your face, of course.  You wonder if you can actually do this?  You’ve dreamed of it.  You’ve worked hard for it.  But could you actually… Wait, what’s this?  Another notification opens on your phone.  This one from an actual STORYHIVE Alumni, Kynan Ono, sharing what he learned from his experience with the program.

“My first film, ‘He Shall Pay’, was my first real dip into filmmaking,” says Ono.  “Having a larger crew, and really pushing the bounds of the comfort zone made that film a true learning experience.  ‘The Nikkei Way’, was the accumulation of experience and confidence that was gained from ‘He Shall Pay’.”

“STORYHIVE is an absolute pleasure and privilege to work with.  The amount of expertise and guidance made available does truly help the aspiring filmmaker.  The information sessions and the on-call support throughout the project, along with the clear outlines of submission dates and protocols make STORYHIVE a great experience.”

“In order to help spark the fires to forge creative writers, directors and producers, you need a thing like STORYHIVE.  I believe STORYHIVE inspires true opportunity.”

You keep scrolling.  The excitement building as you continue reading the article.  This time, a little bit from Kent Donguines, STORYHIVE Northern Alberta Territory Manager.

“The launch of the new STORYHIVE Scripted Edition is an exciting opportunity for new and emerging filmmakers in B.C. and Alberta to engage in a dedicated program designed to support fully scripted, locally-reflective content. We are thrilled to present this opportunity to our communities and eagerly anticipate the creative ideas and narrative that will be brought to life through this program. Whether it's a gripping drama, a laugh-out-loud comedy or any genre in between, we're seeking new and emerging filmmakers to reflect the rich diversity of Northern Alberta.”

Screen pans back to you looking out the window.  Your imagination is running wild. 

“Lights, Camera, Action!  STORYHIVE Scripted Edition!

Eligible formats include scripted stand-alone shorts and TV pilots in the drama, comedy or other scripted genres.    

In your application, you will need to submit a draft script.  Your script can be a rough draft, as you will have time to further develop and refine it with your mentor.  An important note to keep in mind is that the script needs to take place within the community in which you are applying from.” 

Screen pans back one last time to show you putting down your phone and firing up your laptop to STORYHIVE apply to start your application, with a grin on your face and a sparkle in your eye.   

SUBMIT YOUR APPLICATION TODAY

It’s Your Story, Your Narrative.  No experience required.  To get started on your cinematic journey with the new STORYHIVE Scripted Edition, apply at STORYHIVE by May 21, 2024.

For more information and to keep updated on STORYHIVE, check out the links below:

• Facebook page URL: https://www.facebook.com/storyhive 
• Instagram handle: https://www.instagram.com/storyhive/
• X handle: https://twitter.com/STORYHIVE
• TikTok handle: https://www.tiktok.com/@storyhive
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/storyhive

 
https://www.storyhive.com/

The post TELUS STORYHIVE CALLS FOR EMERGING FILMMAKERS IN LLOYDMINSTER! appeared first on My Lloydminster Now.

TD Bank Group (TD) launches the TD Scholarship for Indigenous Peoples, a new scholarship program tailored specifically for students from the Indigenous community, managed by AFOA Canada. TD understands the unique challenges and systemic barriers we face as Indigenous Peoples. Which is why we have worked closely with TD to customize a scholarship program focused on the needs of students from the Indigenous community. 

"It's important that students from Indigenous communities have equitable access to education. The TD Scholarship for Indigenous Peoples aims to help provide students from Indigenous communities with the financial freedom and stability to explore the benefit of a post-secondary education and work education. I am thrilled to see this program launch and look forward to continuing our relationship with AFOA Canada." – Doris Bear, Vice President, Indigenous Banking, TD Bank Group 

The scholarship program will provide 25 successful applicants with $15k annually (with a maximum of $60k across 4 years) to be put towards tuition costs and living expenses for the duration of their studies. Additionally, recipients will be offered an internship opportunity with TD to gain valuable work experience aligned to their career aspirations. Internship opportunities will be available for students throughout their time as a recipient. 

“The new TD Scholarship program will be transformational in the lives of the Indigenous students” says Terry Goodtrack, President and CEO, AFOA Canada. “It will set them up for success in achieving their academic goals and chosen career path” 

Scholarships are available for First Nations, Métis and Inuit who are members / citizens of a First Nation, Métis or Inuit community. You must be a permanent resident of Canada and have applied for or are currently enrolled in a full-time, minimum 2-year program with an approved post-secondary institution in Canada. 

Applications will open Friday, November 18, 2022, at 4:30pm ET, and must be submitted by no later than January 16, 2023, at 5:00pm ET. For complete information about the program, please visit: www.afoa.ca/td. 

Background: 

AFOA Canada 

AFOA Canada, founded in 1999, strives towards their mandate to help Indigenous Peoples better manage and govern their communities and organizations through a focus on enhancing management, finance and 

governance practices and skills. It is the only organization in Canada that focuses on the capacity development and day-to-day needs of those Indigenous professionals who are working in all areas of management, finance, band administration, leadership, and program management—We are Building a Community of Professionals. 

TD Bank Group 

At TD, we recognize there is more work to be done on our collective journey towards Truth and Reconciliation. Supporting community initiatives that promote a connection to the land, enhance financial education, and foster a sense of belonging is important. We believe society is stronger when we work together and that we can help be a catalyst for dialogue to bring people, communities, and cultures together. 

The post TD Scholarship for Indigenous Peoples appeared first on My Lloydminster Now.

Jet setting on Athabasca River

Jeremy Derksen
TakeItToTheLake for My Lloydminster

Like a river monster bubbling up from the deeps, the rumble of the jetboat motor revving to life triggers the body’s flight response. The need for speed is instinct. Soon, the town of Athabasca is left in our wake.

Sheena Garton’s flight response nearly caused her to miss out on this morning of joyriding the Athabasca River. But in the end, she mustered the courage. “I’m so happy I got on that boat!” She tells me. “I’ve never seen this part of Athabasca. It’s beautiful.”

Learn more about Athabasca via this ZenSeekers #TakeItToTheLake story

A pod of pelicans takes flight from the banks nearby, deer watch us from the bushes. We pull into a small tributary to fish, casting lazy lines into the water, joking when Glenda Gray snags some reeds.

Darcy Zelman, who owns and operates Grand Rapids Wilderness Adventures (www.athabasca-river.com) with his wife Shirley, cuts the line for Gray. His steady hand on the wheel is well earned. His parents moved here when he was two - over 50 years ago now - and set up their outfitting business.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WvwV45Qaesw

Twenty years ago, Darcy and Shirley took over. Jetboating tours are just the gateway to their main operation, the wilderness lodge they run seasonally from May to October, some 250 kilometres down the Athabasca River from town.

In a town made famous for its river rats years ago, back in the fur trade era, the Zelmans are bringing new life to old traditions while keeping the natural and human history of the region alive with the growl of the motor and a little unbridled speed.

Know and Go:
Did you know the Athabasca is full of awesome opportunities for boating? Find out more about the Athabasca region.

Learn more about Athabasca via this ZenSeekers #TakeItToTheLake story.

For more on how to #TakeItToTheLake this summer, either search the tag on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram or read more.

The post Jet setting on Athabasca River appeared first on My Lloydminster Now.

Vermilion by the Water

By Jim Barr, for #TakeItToTheLake

Ok so you’re probably thinking, “what do you mean, Vermilion by the water?”

It’s one of the biggest questions the 22-year running Lakeland Rowing Club gets asked every time they show up at a regatta: “where is there water to row on in Vermilion?”

Many don’t know this, but a good-sized lake was purposely put in back in the early 1950s just so that the region could have a great place to go play. For those of us in Lloydminster, that’s 45 minutes away and a getaway all of its own.

Learn more on just how Vermilion goes by the water via this ZenSeekers #TakeItToTheLake story.

Packing For Your Adventure

Lloyd-based Prairie Sisters Productions embarked on a Vermilion adventure to help you know what to pack.

“We’d come just to go trail run in the hills, through this park,” explains Kyra Stefanuk of Prairie Sisters Productions. The Stefanuk Sisters paddled, swam and fished across Vermilion to bring you this video and a list of a few things to pack for your next #ExploreVermilion adventure.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qwpz5RrLZHA

For your next quick trek west to Vermilion be sure to pack:

• A fishing rod. As the 7^th of 74 provincial parks, this lake is also a fully stocked Trout Pond.
• A non-motorized watercraft. The lake has a dock that you can use to put in your kayak, canoe or stand-up paddle board. Paddle around with pelicans, check out the dam, or steer six kilometres in the opposite direction, away from town and into some awesome of its own with marshes and mega wildlife.
• Casual wear for a trek into downtown. Ditch the car and head for a stroll down 50^th Lunch at the Red Brick, make a stop in at Elevation and soon coming you’ll be able to wet your whistle at the Copper Creek Distillery.
• Your trunks and swimsuits. Get in on a rope swing, a swim or some hot tub time at the Vermilion Aquatic Centre.

Know and Go

The town of Vermilion has a guide that makes planning a weekend a snap. To get started head to their website. Or follow this link to discover what’s waiting at Vermilion Provincial Park. To pick up a new sport, consider joining the Lakeland Rowing Club. And to uncover the full story on what makes Vermilion by the water so special, read it on ZenSeekers.

When you go, let us know what you find by including the hashtag #TakeItToTheLake and you could be featured on the social media channels of The Goat FM, ZenSeekers or other #TakeItToTheLake partners.

#TakeItToTheLake is a partnership between Travel Alberta, The Town of Vermilion, MD of Bonnyville and the counties of Lac La Biche and Athabasca, celebrating Alberta’s Lakelands.  Uncover more on ZenSeekers’ #TakeItToTheLake expedition home page.

The post Vermilion by the Water appeared first on My Lloydminster Now.

How to Make History in the Biche

By Doc Pow for #TakeItToTheLake

Did you know that being in Lloydminster puts you only three hours away from one of Canada’s most unique outdoor experiences?

Sir Winston Churchill Provincial Park is Alberta’s only Provincial Park that is housed on an island.  An island that has not seen a fire in over 350 years.  This means a few things. You can check out this ZenSeekers story to learn more and plan to:

• Hike “Old Growth Alley” – a six-kilometer walking adventure around the entire island where you will encounter trees that are over 150 years old.
• Paddle around the island via a stand-up paddle board or kayak and experience one of the country’s most unique parks.
• Become educated on indigenous cultures via an overnight stay in a deluxe Tipi and a visit to the Lac La Biche Canadian Native Friendship Centre.

Learn more about the Lac La Biche experience and how to make your history by having a read to this #TakeItToTheLake story via our friends @ZenSeekers

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J1H3StILrLA

The Hike

Uncover what you need to know by visiting the Alberta Parks website showcasing everything walking on Alberta’s only island based Provincial Park - Sir Winston Churchill Provincial Park.

You might want to time it to catch one of their “Music in the Forest” concert series events. You will find those details by clicking here.

The Paddle

No gear?  No stress! Give Norm and his team a call at Off Road Rentals. They offer everything from ATV to stand up paddle board rentals and all things in between. Check out their Facebook page for more details. The entire paddling adventure will take you about 3-4 hours so be mindful of what the wind is doing so you don’t get stuck.  Be ready to be wowed as you get up close and personal with one of Canada’s most concentrated collections of pelicans.

The Culture

Book a stay in a Tipi via Alberta Parks’ camping options.  Live in history for the weekend or the time you have.  Perhaps plan your visit to coincide with the Lack La Biche Pow Wow which happens each July. Be sure to check in with the team at the Lac La Biche Canadian Native Friendship Centre – they offer language and other indigenous cultural programming.

Make Your Plans

Whichever way you choose to experience “The Biche” – friends within the Lac La Biche County have made making plans easy, just hop on their site to get organized.

The options in this part of the world are endless. You’re in the heart of lake country with dozens of lakes, islands and backcountry adventures to be had.  Join our friends @ZenSeekers for their #TakeItToTheLake expedition and uncover more about this very unique part of the world.

Whatever you find when you go, include the hashtag #TakeItToTheLake in your social media posts so we can help share your discoveries with the rest of Lloydminster and beyond.  By including the hashtag, you could be featured on MyLloydminsterNow.com and The Goat FM and ZenSeekers social media channels. Let us know what you find and enjoy the adventures when you #TakeItToTheLake.

The post How to Make History in the Biche appeared first on My Lloydminster Now.

Everyone’s A Winner When You Give Back To The Community

Giving back to your community does so much to help those in need and contribute to the common good.

The Saskatchewan Indian Gaming Authority (SIGA) is a non-profit organization that returns all profit to Saskatchewan communities.  Through the operation of seven First Nation gaming entertainment destinations, SIGA is strengthening the lives of First Nation people through employment, economic growth, and positive community relations.

The History

On June 10, 1995, the “FSIN First Nation Gaming Act” became a reality and a management body was created.

The Saskatchewan Indian Gaming Authority is 100% First Nation-owned and-operated. Since 1996, SIGA has been incorporated under the Non-Profit Corporation Act of Saskatchewan, designated as a charitable corporation with 100% of profits being returned to their beneficiaries.

In the early 90s, the 74 First Nations in Saskatchewan established SIGA as a means to create opportunity. From their very humble beginnings to a multi-million dollar business employing over 1,900 people, SIGA is a success story that demonstrates the results of a shared vision of past Elders and leaders to develop a means of long-term sustainable economic development opportunities for First Nation people.

Their mandate is to:

1. Create First Nation employment and focus on employee development;
2. Spur First Nation economic development through the development of the gaming industry;
3. Maximize earnings to First Nation people.

One Of A Kind

SIGA is the only First Nation-owned and-operated gaming business that is also a non-profit company, distributing all profits back to the communities where they live and work.

They help to build stronger, more vibrant communities through profit-sharing and community investment.

100% of profits are returned to Saskatchewan communities with 50% to the First Nations Trust, 25% to Community Development Corporations, and 25% to the province’s General Revenue Fund.

On top of this, SIGA invests $1.3 million annually through their community investment program to fund hundreds of charitable events and initiatives each year.

SIGA volunteers support many of these events, giving their time and passion to the causes that SIGA supports.

Last year alone, 29% of SIGA employees (about 1,900) volunteered with the company. 

Siga Shares Its Success With The Community In 3 Ways

Sponsorship Program

SIGA’s sponsorship program provides a $1.25 million annual investment into charitable and non-profit organizations based in Saskatchewan, with a focus on youth, Elders, and those who are socially, physically and economically disadvantaged.

Scholarship Program

SIGA encourages education and continued learning through their First Nation Scholarship Awards Program.  Visit www.sigascholarships.cato learn more.

Volunteer Program

SIGA is committed to supporting community initiatives through their employee-supported volunteer program.  Each year, SIGA employees from all seven casinos and SIGA’s central offices invest thousands of volunteer hours to make local communities stronger, more vibrant places to live.  

Vision

SIGA will deliver sustainable net income and employment opportunities to support First Nation development in Saskatchewan.

Mission

SIGA will strengthen the lives of First Nation people through employment, economic growth, positive community relations and achieving financial self-reliance. This will be done through the operation of distinctive First Nation gaming destination resorts that reflect the traditional aspects of their First Nation culture and hospitality.

Find Out More

For more on what makes SIGA so unique to the community, visit their website at www.siga.ca

Saskatchewan Indian Gaming Authority
250-103C Packham Avenue
Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada S7N 4K4
Phone: 306-477-7777
Fax: 306-477-7582

Website: www.siga.ca
Email: siga@siga.sk.ca

The post Everyone’s A Winner When You Give Back To The Community appeared first on My Lloydminster Now.

7 Reasons Why Local Connections Is A Great Way To Reach Your Business Goals

Every business operates with the same basic principles. While you might differentiate in product or strategy, all businesses need to be constantly evolving, adapting, and growing to meet your customers’ needs. In everything you do, you want your business to reach your audience, to expand your clientele, and to grow your customer base. Sponsoring a Local Connections article on this website can help you do just that and here’s why:

1. Provides An In-depth Educational Opportunity

Your message can include many more details in comparison to a banner ad or a radio spot. Each of these options provides significant benefit to your advertising strategy, and Local Connections is a great complement to them. The article is where you can expand on the message of your ads, broaden your scope and dive into the details while creating a new link to your community. Without time or space constraints, this is your opportunity to fully educate your audience.

2. Establishes Trust With Your Audience

This format isn’t an overt advertisement. Instead it encourages a connection with your audience. While your business will be featured prominently, the content is not directly about you. Instead, it’s all about your audience. As such, the content is very benefits-rich. By focussing on the benefit to the reader and helping solve a problem they have, it builds trust between your business and the reader. In this way, when they’re in need of the type of service your business provides, they’ll be coming to you because trust is a powerful influencer. It’s also an indirect, subtle selling point that you can’t just advertise. Trust is something you have to create.

3. Enhances Digital Brand Awareness

Local Connections provides a platform for your business to showcase itself online. In an increasingly digital world it’s important to have a digital presence. From social media to websites to sponsored content, it keeps a business’ brand current and relevant. Your content on Local Connections will live online permanently under your brand. This is an opportunity that is different from all other forms of marketing. Because the cost of a digital article is one of the few options not based on duration, the value of your Local Connections article will continue to build over time as it is a permanent part of our website.

4. Supported With Radio Spots

Not only do you get a permanent branded article on our website, but you’ll also receive on-air spots to drive traffic to it. The radio spots keep your company’s brand fresh and top of mind while also getting listeners to go online to the article where they are again interacting with your brand. Best of all, you get to decide how much frequency you want for your radio spots, based on your budget.

5. Supported With Social Media Posts

In addition to the aforementioned Radio Spots, you will also get supplemental social media engagement from our stations so your brand will reach our entire online community as well. Each week for four weeks, you’ll receive one social media post driving traffic to your article. Taken collectively, the Local Connections article, radio spots, and social posts provide a comprehensive marketing package that reaches different audiences in different ways while consistently putting your brand in front of listeners and viewers.

6. Allows For A Visual Showcase

While radio is known as the “theatre of the mind,” physically putting your brand in front of our listeners’ eyes provides an entirely new and different opportunity to connect with them. A digital article can contain images, logos, videos, and more – all optional media assets that you can share. A balance of text and visuals allows your brand to not just tell its story, but to show it in a simple, concise, and attractive way that is engaging to your audience.

7. Provides Measurable Results

Using analytic tools, we’re able to see and track digital traffic. We can monitor how many visitors come to our site and how much time they spend on it, all of which translates into value for you. The time that is spent on our site proves that our audience is taking the time to read your article which means they are learning about you and your brand on Local Connections.

Local Connections is exactly that: your connection to your local community. If you’re ready to accomplish your business goals contact us today to get started on your Local Connections article. We’re excited to help you reach your audience and grow your clientele in a new and innovative way.

Start Your Local Connections, Contact Us Today »

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