Instagram Supports First Nations Creators

Let’s start the year by supporting our First Nations Online Creators. It will help us open our eyes to the rich culture and talent of our community and help bring diverse voices from around the country to the forefront.

The best place to look is the 15 online creators chosen by Instagram and Screen Australia who were selected for their new First Nations Creator Program. The partnership between Screen Australia’s First Nations department and Instagram Australia, launched in May 2021, was aimed at “accelerating up-and-coming local talent and amplifying diverse voices across the social media landscape.”

The fifteen selected recipients of the inaugural First Nations Creator Program are:

• Andrea Fernandez (@prettyumvegan)
• Meleika Gesa (@endlessyarning)
• Kaycee Haydon (@officialmsauzzi)
• Alicia Johnson (@8983aj)
• Emily Johnson (@darthem123)
• Trisha Lindgren (@traelblazer)
• Nathan Lyons (@kookingwithakoori)
• Meissa Mason (@meissamason)
• Tait McGregor (@taitmcgregor)
• Naarah (@n.a.a.r.a.h)
• Nich Richie (@nichtopher)
• Merinda Slater (@journeyofawinyarr)
• Melissa Smith (@melle.ngunnawalartist)
• Kantesha Takai (@kantesha_takai)
• Sari-Ella Thaiday (@sarithaiday)

Graeme Mason, Screen Australia’s Chief Executive Officer, said: “We are constantly looking for new ways to support content creators on the platforms they are connecting with audiences on and the accessibility of social media allows us to, through this Program with Instagram Australia, nurture new voices and champion extraordinary First Nations creators.”

As part of the program, the creators each received $10,000 in production funding to create reels or IGTV videos for their Instagram accounts. They also had training sessions and workshops. These covered an array of topics including product, creativity, safety and well-being, as well as mentored guidance on digital production and social media strategy.

Creators are being connected to industry contacts including representatives from Instagram and Screen Australia, management teams, leading First Nations creatives, and other social media creators.

“It’s been thrilling to witness the creativity of the many First Nations creators who applied for this inaugural program. The fifteen recipients for this year’s program represent the diversity of emerging Indigenous creators who are using Instagram to amplify their voices and share their stories.” said Zaac d’Almeida, Strategic Partnership Manager at Instagram Australia.