SHIFTING
FORMS
A SYMPOSIUM OF INDIGENOUS MOVING IMAGE ART
SPONSORED BY
ABOUT SHIFTING FORMS:
Shifting Forms is a FREE three day symposium foregrounding the perspectives of Indigenous storytellers working in Animation, Interactive and Media-based art forms. Hosted by Spotted Fawn Productions and Basically Good Media Lab, the gathering will bring together an exciting lineup of digital knowledge keepers to share viewpoints via a screening of animations, panel discussions, matriarch speakers, art and VR installations, workshops, live performances and a VR Jam. Participating storytellers will share their process, successes and progression within digital platforms, identify and explore digital literacy issues, and present perspectives for our future generations of storytellers. This is an opportunity for collective learning for storytellers and knowledge holders and audience regarding accountability, rightful representation, and non-exploitation.
The symposium will be taking place at Emily Carr University of Art and Design in Vancouver the weekend of April 11-13. All events, talks, workshops are free with registration (until capacity is full). Please register for a day pass each day you hope to attend talks and panels! Workshops, Performance Events and VR activities require separate registration.
REGISTER FOR YOUR FREE DAY PASSES AND WORKSHOPS
FRIDAY
DAY PASS
The SHIFTING FORMS Friday Day Pass provides access to a variety of exciting offerings during this free, three-day gathering. With your Friday Day Pass, complimentary welcome snacks will be provided, as well as full access to the Symposium welcome, the art gallery exhibit, film screening and the Q&A to follow.
SATURDAY
DAY PASS
The SHIFTING FORMS Saturday Day Pass provides access to a variety of exciting offerings during this free, three-day gathering. With your Day Pass, complimentary breakfast and lunch will be provided each day, as well as full access to all panels, keynote speakers, and the art gallery exhibit.
SUNDAY
DAY PASS
The SHIFTING FORMS Sunday Day Pass provides access to a variety of exciting offerings during this free, three-day gathering. With your Day Pass, complimentary breakfast and lunch will be provided each day, as well as full access to all panels, keynote speakers, and the art gallery exhibit.
** A separate day pass is required for each day of attendance.
** Workshops and special events are FREE with limited spaces and require separate registration from day passes. Day passes, workshop passes and any other events are all FREE with registration until capacity is reached.
FREE REGISTRATION REQUIRED
SHIFTING FORMS WORKSHOPS
AND SPECIAL EVENTS
SATURDAY WORKSHOPS
Workshop 01: Digital Bannock: An Introduction to Model and Landscape Creation in Blender 3D
Sat April 12th 10:00AM – 12:30PM
Room C1290 Emily Carr University of Art and Design
Ready to take your creativity to the next (digital) dimension? Whether you’re brand new to 3D art or just want to vibe with some like-minded creatives, this intro Blender workshop will walk you through the wild terrain of creating your very own models and landscapes. In this hands-on session, we’ll guide you through the basics of Blender’s user interface.
You’ll learn how to:
- Navigate the 3D viewport like a pro
- Use mesh editing and sculpting tools to shape your own digital models and terrain.
- Use the Proportional Editing Tool to add smooth hills and valleys.
- Import textures and set up UVs so your land isn’t just beautiful—it’s detailed.
- Set up a moving camera to animate your scene like a cinematic legend.
- Add lighting, colour, and effects to give your world that final glow-up.
- Get a taste of post-processing to polish your finished piece.
We’ll bring the vibes, the shortcuts, and the humour, and you bring your imagination!
No experience necessary, just curiosity and a love for land, storytelling, and digital creativity.
Facilitators: Casey Koyczan, Taylor McArthur
Capacity: 20
Workshop 02: Journey of a Pixel Carver… finding a little character as Visdev Character Modeler
Sat April 12th 1:30PM – 4:00PM
Room C1290 Emily Carr University of Art and Design
Part 1: Journey of a Pixel Carver…finding a little character as Visdev Character Modeler.
We’ll learn a little about my journey as a Character Modeler working in the industry for over 20 years in Animation/ VFX/ Games. Cover broadly what modeling entails, career paths, and the differences between studio and freelance work. We’ll also explore popular software like Maya, PureRef, ZBrush and guide you to additional resources for further learning.
Part 2: Personal Projects with a Growth Mindset
In this session, we’ll focus on developing a growth mindset and enhancing your 3D modeling skills through personal projects. We’ll discuss techniques for starting and refining characters, as well as ethical and inclusive design practices that make your work stand out. To help add to your portfolio.
Facilitators: Maritza Louis (Klukʷtús skʷukʷúsnt)
Capacity: 20
Workshop 03: VR Jam Part 1: VR Modelling Workshop
Sat April 12th 1:30PM – 3:30PM
Room C1260 Emily Carr University of Art and Design
A hands-on VR workshop introducing spatial modelling and sculpting for creators new and experienced, no technical experience required. In a shared session, we’ll explore using VR for illustration, modelling, and wireframing. A fun and casual jam.
Facilitators: Edward Madojemu and Harlen Bertrand
Capacity: 16 (sign up in 1HR sessions)
SUNDAY WORKSHOPS
Workshop 04:
The Start / Wait / Stop Motion Workshop
Sun April 13th 10:00AM – 12:30PM
Room C1290 Emily Carr University of Art and Design
This stop-motion workshop will teach newcomers the tricks of the trade regarding stop-motion animation techniques. Puppets and real people will be animated for all ages to enjoy and get a hands-on experience.
Facilitators: Dennis Jackson
Capacity: 20
Workshop 05: Lights! Camera! Puppet! Hand and Rod Puppetry for the Screen
Sunday April 12th 1:30PM – 4:00PM
IMS Studio – Emily Carr University of Art and Design
Producer, director, actor or a budding puppeteer, you will want to check this out if you plan to work with hand puppets for the screen. We will go over some standard puppetry departments and their functions, how to prepare for crewing up, important things to know and most importantly get your hands in some puppets and try some of them on screen. We hope to get you some good fundamentals and incorporate a huge dose of fun.
We will be providing puppets to try (if you prefer your own bring em) and a basic script to go from and you will be paired up so bring a good friend, comedy buddy or come alone and meet a new friend. You can use the script as a basis or abandon it completely and have some time on camera. Who knows where inspiration will take you next.
Facilitators: Dusty Hagerud
Capacity: 20
Workshop 06: VR Jam Part 2: VR Modelling Workshop
Sun April 12th 1:30PM – 3:30PM
Room C1290 Emily Carr University of Art and Design
A hands-on VR workshop introducing spatial modelling and sculpting for creators new and experienced, no technical experience required. In a shared session, we’ll explore using VR for illustration, modelling, and wireframing. A fun and casual jam.
Facilitators: Edward Madojemu and Harlen Bertrand
Capacity: 16 (sign up in 1HR sessions)
SPECIAL EVENTS
Night Moves: Spoken Word, Image and Sound
Sat April 12th 7:30PM – 10:30PM
DigiBC
577 Great Northern Way, Vancouver
Join us for an evening of live poems, song, music, visual projection and performances from the talents of Chris Bose, See Monsters and Aisa Warden + More. Catered food will be provided to enjoy while mingling with friends and community. Doors Open at 7:30 PM. Performances start at 8:00PM. Registration is FREE until capacity is filled.
VR Exhibit
Sat April 12th and Sun April 13th 11:30AM – 2:30PM
Room D1390 Emily Carr University of Art and Design
Explore the VR artworks of Casey Koyczan, Raven John, Cease Wyss and Taylor McArthur
Capacity: 3 headsets (sign up for 15 min time slots)
Art Exhibit
Friday April 11th – Sun April 13th
Gallery Outfront the Aboriginal Gathering Place Emily Carr University of Art and Design
Explore an installation of artworks from Sydney Pascal, Jordan Hill and More.
SHIFTING FORMS VANCOUVER SCHEDULE
DAY 1 SCHEDULE | FRIDAY APRIL 11TH
ECUAD, 520 EAST 1ST AVE, VANCOUVER | RELIANCE THEATRE
6:00 – 6:30 DOORS OPEN CATERED LIGHT SNACKS
6:30 – 7:00 SHIFTING FORMS WELCOMING OPENING REMARKS
7:00 – 9:15 SHIFTING FRAMES SHORTS PROGRAM
DAY 1 ACTIVITIES
ECUAD, 520 EAST 1ST AVE, VANCOUVER | RELIANCE THEATRE
DOORS OPEN CATERED LIGHT SNACKS
SFP would like to express gratitude to participants, partners and audience community.
Location: Out Front of the Reliance Theatre – Emily Carr University of Art and Design
6:00 – 6:30 pm
SHIFTING FORMS WELCOMING OPENING REMARKS with Cease Wyss.
Event Hosts: Quelemia Sparrow and Kayah George
Location: Reliance Theatre – Emily Carr University of Art and Design
6:30 – 7:00 pm
SHIFTING FRAMES SHORTS PROGRAM
This collection of Indigenous-created animated works explores the spectrum of media and artistic material in film and animation, its relativity to the range of contemporary Indigenous perspectives, and visualizes the immortal practice of sharing stories, knowledge, and truths between people. The program will be followed by an audience QNA with Directors in attendance: Alanis Obomsawin, Dennis Jackson, Ritchie Hemphill, Lindsay Mcintyre, Asinnajaq, Lia Fabre Dimsdale, + More.
Location: Reliance Theatre – Emily Carr University of Art and Design
7:00 – 9:15 pm
| DURATION | FILM TITLE | DIRECTORS |
|---|---|---|
| 10 mins | 1 – Mountain of Sganna | Christopher Auchter |
| 12 mins | 2 – Molly of Denali Shorts | Amanda Strong |
| 11 mins | 3 – Chums – Goose Call | Dennis Jackson |
| 16 mins | 4 – Tiny | Ritchie Hemphill, Ryan Hache |
| 2 mins | 5 – Kablunat | Glenn Gear |
| 4 mins | 6 – One Duck Down | Lindsay McIntyre |
| 4 mins | 7 – Little Lake | Lia Fabre Dimsdale |
| 14 mins | 8 – Three Thousand | Asinnajaq |
| 18 mins | 9 – Inkwo For When The Starving Return | Amanda Strong |
| 11 mins | 10 – My Friend the Green Horse | Alanis Obomsawin |
| 20 mins | 11 – Angakuksajaujuq: The Shaman’s Apprentice | Zacharius Kunuk |
DAY 2 SCHEDULE | SATURDAY APRIL 12TH
ECUAD, 520 EAST 1ST AVE, VANCOUVER
9:30 – 10:00 BREAKFAST BANTER: CATERED LIGHT BREAKFAST, COFFEE AND TEA
10:00 -11:00 PANEL 1: PANEL 1: RECLAMATION OF SPACE: INDIGENIZING THE INDUSTRY
10:00 – 12:30 WORKSHOP 1: DIGITAL BANNOCK: AN INTRODUCTION TO MODEL AND LANDSCAPE CREATION IN BLENDER 3D
11:30 – 12:30 PANEL 2: LET’S TALK MONEY : INDIGENOUS FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES
12:30 – 1:30 MIDDAY MUNCH AND MEET: CATERED LUNCH BREAK
1:30 – 2:30 PANEL 3: INFINITE WORLD BUILDING: INDIGENOUS CREATORS IN INTERACTIVE MEDIA
1:30 – 4:00 WORKSHOP 2: JOURNEY OF A PIXEL CARVER. FINDING A LITTLE CHARACTER AS VISDEV CHARACTER MODELER
1:30 – 3:30 WORKSHOP 3: VR JAM PART 1: VR MODELLING WORKSHOP
3:00 – 4:00 PANEL 4: IM4 LAB: MATRIARCHS IN MEDIA
4:30 – 6:00 KEYNOTE 1: IN CONVERSATION WITH ALANIS OBOMSAWIN
DIGIBC 577 GREAT NORTHERN WAY, VANCOUVER
7:30 – 10:30 NIGHT MOVES: SPOKEN WORD, IMAGE AND SOUND
DAY 2 ACTIVITIES
ECUAD, 520 EAST 1ST AVE, VANCOUVER
BREAKFAST BANTER: CATERED LIGHT BREAKFAST, COFFEE AND TEA
We are happy to be able to provide our guests with complimentary breakfast offerings upon entry to the second day of Shifting Forms.
Location: Aboriginal Gathering Place – Emily Carr University of Art and Design
9:30 – 10:00 am
PANEL 1: RECLAMATION OF SPACE: INDIGENIZING THE INDUSTRY
Meet the artists and creators who are at the forefront of producing media right now. Hear how they lead in their work, resist colonial structures in their fields, and amplify Indigenous voices and indigeneity in the industry.
PANELISTS: Maritza Louis, Maya Mckibbin, Siequalynda McNeil-Bobb, Nicole Aleida
MODERATOR: Princess Daazhraii Johnson
Location: Reliance Theatre – Emily Carr University of Art and Design
10:00 – 11:00 am
WORKSHOP 1: DIGITAL BANNOCK: AN INTRODUCTION TO MODEL AND LANDSCAPE CREATION IN BLENDER 3D
FACILITATORS: Casey Koyczan, Taylor McArthur
Ready to take your creativity to the next (digital) dimension? Whether you’re brand new to 3D art or just want to vibe with some like-minded creatives, this intro Blender workshop will walk you through the wild terrain of creating your very own models and landscapes. In this hands-on session, we’ll guide you through the basics of Blender’s user interface without the boring bits.
You’ll learn how to:
- Navigate the 3D viewport like a pro
- Use mesh editing and sculpting tools to shape your own digital models and land.
- Use the Proportional Editing Tool to add smooth hills and valleys.
- Import textures and set up UV’s so your land isn’t just beautiful—it’s detailed.
- Set up a moving camera to animate your scene like a cinematic legend.
- Add lighting, colour, and effects to give your world that final glow-up.
- Get a taste of post-processing to polish your finished piece.
We’ll bring the vibes, the shortcuts, and the humour, and you bring your imagination!
No experience necessary, just curiosity and a love for land, storytelling, and digital creativity.
Location: Room C1290 Emily Carr University of Art and Design
10:00 am – 12:30 pm
PANEL 2: LET’S TALK MONEY : INDIGENOUS FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES
Have a vision or idea but have no idea how to fund it? This invaluable panel brings together the representatives of the funding bodies that have all the answers to your money questions when jumpstarting your project. Relevant for both emerging and established artists and creators in their practice.
PANELISTS: Kristy Assu (Indigenous Screen Office), Nathaniel Marchand (Canada Council for the Arts), Lou Ann Neel (Creative BC), and Arlene Deptuck (First Peoples’ Cultural Council).
MODERATORS: Leena Minifie
Location: Reliance Theatre – Emily Carr University of Art and Design
11:30 am – 12:30 pm
12:30 – 1:30 MIDDAY MUNCH AND MEET: CATERED LUNCH BREAK
We are pleased to offer our guests a light lunch upstairs outside the Aboriginal Gathering Place.
Location: Aboriginal Gathering Place – Emily Carr University of Art and Design
12:30 – 1:30 pm
PANEL 3: INFINITE WORLD BUILDING: INDIGENOUS CREATORS IN INTERACTIVE MEDIA
Be inspired by the myriad of possibilities interactive technology offers creators. Join our panel of interactive media artists and storytellers as they talk about creating immersive, ever-expanding worlds, new tools and platforms to experiment with, and their dreamed-up Indigenized futures within these emergent interactive forms.
PANELISTS: Raven John, Casey Koyczan, Taylor McArthur, and Cease Wyss.
MODERATOR: Daina Warren.
Location: Reliance Theatre – Emily Carr University of Art and Design
1:30 – 2:30 pm
WORKSHOP 2: JOURNEY OF A PIXEL CARVER… FINDING A LITTLE CHARACTER AS VISDEV CHARACTER MODELER
FACILITATOR: Maritza Louis
Part 1: Journey of a Pixel Carver…finding a little character as Visdev Character Modeler.
We’ll learn a little about my journey as a Character Modeler working in the industry for over 20 years in Animation/ VFX/ Games. Cover broadly what modeling entails, career paths, and the differences between studio and freelance work. We’ll also explore popular software like Maya, PureRef, ZBrush and guide you to additional resources for further learning.
Part 2: Personal Projects with a Growth Mindset
In this session, we’ll focus on developing a growth mindset and enhancing your 3D modeling skills through personal projects. We’ll discuss techniques for starting and refining characters, as well as ethical and inclusive design practices that make your work stand out. To help add to your portfolio.
Location: Room C1290 Emily Carr University of Art and Design
1:30 – 4:00 pm
WORKSHOP 3: VR JAM PART 1: VR MODELLING WORKSHOP
FACILITATORS: Edward Madojemu and Harlen Bertrand
A hands-on VR workshop introducing spatial modelling and sculpting for creators new and experienced, no technical experience required. In a shared session, we’ll explore using VR for illustration, modelling, and wireframing.
Location: Room C1260 Emily Carr University of Art and Design
1:30 – 3:30 pm
PANEL 4: IM4 LAB: MATRIARCHS IN MEDIA
Created by Loretta Todd and guided by the media matriarchs, the IM4 LAB invites you into their circle. Hear from these media matriarchs what inspires their work, how they bring Indigenous worldviews to immersive technology, and how the IM4 Lab has grown through collaboration.
PANELISTS: Loretta Todd, Tracey Kim Bonneau, Doreen Manuel, Cease Wyss
Location: Reliance Theatre – Emily Carr University of Art and Design
3:00 – 4:00 pm
IN CONVERSATION WITH ALANIS OBOMSAWIN
In conversation with Alanis Obomsawin, acclaimed director and filmmaker whose career spans several decades and body of work – 56 films and counting- including paramount documentaries such as Kanehsatake: 270 Years of Resistance and Incident at Restigouche, speaks with moderator Kerry Swanson about her career and what’s next for Indigenous cinema and up and coming storytellers.
MODERATOR: Kerry Swanson
Location: Reliance Theatre – Emily Carr University of Art and Design
4:30 – 6:00 pm
DIGIBC 577 GREAT NORTHERN WAY, VANCOUVER
NIGHT MOVES: SPOKEN WORD, IMAGE AND SOUND
Join us for an evening of live poems, song, music, visual projection and perfomances from the talents of, Chris Bose, See Monsters and Aisa Warden + More. Catered food will be provided to enjoy while mingling with friends and community. Doors Open at 7:30 PM. Performances start at 8:00PM. Registration is FREE until capacity is filled.
DAY 3 SCHEDULE | SUNDAY APRIL 13TH
ECUAD, 520 EAST 1ST AVE, VANCOUVER
9:30 – 10:00 BREAKFAST BANTER: CATERED LIGHT BREAKFAST, COFFEE AND TEA
10:00 11:15 PANEL 5: ARTISTS OF THE CIRCUMPOLAR NORTH: KNOWLEDGE SHARING AND CREATIVE PROCESS
10:00 12:30 WORKSHOP 4: START/WAIT/STOP MOTION
11:30 12:30 PANEL 6: TRANSFORMING TACTILITY: CONNECTING CRAFT WITH CULTURE
12:30 1:30 MIDDAY MUNCH AND MEET: CATERED LUNCH BREAK
1:30 2:30 PANEL 7: FRAME BY FRAME: NAVIGATING AUTONOMY AS INDEPENDENT STORYTELLERS
1:30 4:00 WORKSHOP 5: LIGHTS! CAMERA! PUPPET! HAND AND ROD PUPPETRY FOR THE SCREEN
1:30 3:30 WORKSHOP 6: VR JAM PART 2: VR MODELLING WORKSHOP
3:00 4:00 PANEL 8: BREAKING IN: DEMYSTIFYING CAREERS IN INDIGENOUS MEDIA
4:30 6:00 KEYNOTE 2: IN CONVERSATION WITH TANTOO CARDINAL
DAY 3 ACTIVITIES
ECUAD, 520 EAST 1ST AVE, VANCOUVER
BREAKFAST BANTER: CATERED LIGHT BREAKFAST, COFFEE AND TEA
We are happy to be able to provide our guests with complimentary breakfast offerings upon entry to the second day of Shifting Forms.
Location: Aboriginal Gathering Place – Emily Carr University of Art and Design
9:30 – 10:00 am
PANEL 5: ARTISTS OF THE CIRCUMPOLAR NORTH: KNOWLEDGE SHARING AND CREATIVE PROCESS
Learn about the diverse and vast perspectives of artists from the Circumpolar North. In this talk, these artists will share their unique artistic practices, key cultural sharings, protocols and ethics and their viewpoints on circumpolar north representation in the moving image based storytelling.
PANELISTS: Asinaajaq, Lindsay Mcintyre, Princess Daazhraii Johnson, Aisa Warden
MODERATOR: Napatsi Folger
Location: Reliance Theatre – Emily Carr University of Art and Design
10:00 – 11:15 am
WORKSHOP 4: START/WAIT/STOP MOTION
FACILITATOR: Dennis Jackson
This stop-motion workshop will teach newcomers the tricks of the trade regarding stop-motion animation techniques. Puppets and real people will be animated for all ages to enjoy and get a hands-on experience.
Location: IMS Studio – Emily Carr University of Art and Design
10:00 am – 12:30 pm
PANEL 6: TRANSFORMING TACTILITY: CONNECTING PROCESS AND CULTURE
As artists, we have always transformed materials around us to create art that intricately conveys our stories and identity. In this talk, artists from diverse practices speak on contemporary artmaking and the value of a tactile process.
PANELISTS: Jordan Hill , SJ Okemow, Sydney Pascal, Dusty Hagerud
MODERATOR: Mimi Gellman
Location: Reliance Theatre – Emily Carr University of Art and Design
11:30 am – 12:30 pm
MIDDAY MUNCH AND MEET: CATERED LUNCH BREAK
We are pleased to offer our guests a light lunch upstairs outside the Aboriginal Gathering Place.
Location: Aboriginal Gathering Place – Emily Carr University of Art and Design
12:30 – 1:30 pm
PANEL 7: FRAME BY FRAME: NAVIGATING AUTONOMY AS INDEPENDENT STORYTELLERS
Become emboldened to tell your own story through this talk featuring artists who uncompromisingly tell their truths through film, animation, and stop-motion. These storytellers will muse on their methods in materializing their stories, the ways their mediums convey their intent, and the importance of autonomy in storytelling.
PANELISTS: Dennis Jackson, Chris Auchter, Deanna Partridge David, Pamela Post
MODERATOR: Lindsay Mcintyre
Location: Reliance Theatre – Emily Carr University of Art and Design
1:30 – 2:30 pm
WORKSHOP 5: LIGHTS! CAMERA! PUPPET! HAND AND ROD PUPPETRY FOR THE SCREEN
FACILITATOR: Dusty Hagerud
Producer, director, actor or a budding puppeteer, you will want to check this out if you plan to work with hand puppets for the screen. We will go over some standard puppetry departments and their functions, how to prepare for crewing up, important things to know and most importantly get your hands in some puppets and try some them onscreen. We hope to get you some good fundamentals and incorporate a huge dose fun. We will be providing puppets to try (if you prefer your own bring em) and a basic script to go from and you will be paired up so bring a good friend, comedy buddy or come alone and meet a new friend. You can use the script as a basis or abandon it completely and have some time on camera. Who knows where inspiration will take you next.
Location: IMS Studio – Emily Carr University of Art and Design
1:30 – 4:00 pm
WORKSHOP 6: VR JAM PART 2: VR MODELLING WORKSHOP
FACILITATORS: Casey Koyczan and Harlen Bertrand
A hands-on VR workshop introducing spatial modelling and sculpting for creators new and experienced, no technical experience required. In a shared session, we’ll explore using VR for illustration, modelling, and wireframing.
Location: Room C1260 Emily Carr University of Art and Design
1:30 – 3:30 pm
PANEL 8: BREAKING IN: DEMYSTIFYING CAREERS IN INDIGENOUS MEDIA
Are you an emerging artist wanting to know how to “break in” to the media sector? Then you want to hear from these guest speakers who are where you want to be. In this more responsive talk model, panelists will share their experiences working in media and collaborate with audience members to answer their burning questions in pursuing a career in arts, media, and entertainment.
PANELISTS: Princess Daazhraii Johnson, Leena Minifie, Lou Ann Neel, Lindsay Mcintyre
MODERATOR: Quelemeia Sparrow
Location: Reliance Theatre – Emily Carr University of Art and Design
3:00 – 4:00 pm
IN CONVERSATION WITH TANTOO CARDINAL
In conversation with Tantoo Cardinal, a celebrated award-winning actress of Cree and Metis heritage who has acted in notable films, TV series, and stages, recounts her experience as an Indigenous performer and activist, and discusses the importance of Indigenous representation in media, past, present, and future.
Moderator: Renae Morriseau
Location: Reliance Theatre – Emily Carr University of Art and Design
4:30 – 6:00 pm
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