History of Indigenous Media & Culture Innovations

ICMI was created by Indigenous people for Indigenous people. We are an artist-run multi-arts organization founded in 2004 by Monique Manatch, Knowledge Carrier from the Algonquins of Barriere Lake. We are committed to enhancing the artistic expression of Indigenous people and building the capacity of youth, women, and 2SLGBTQIA+ artists.

Our home office is in the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation with a satellite office in Ottawa. We’ve worked in Moose Cree First Nation & Kitigan Zibi Anishinabeg. the communities from the Mushkegowuk Tribal Council, Six Nations of the Grand River, Kitigan Zibi Anishnabeg, Kitiganik Anishnabeg, Mi’kmaq communities in western Newfoundland & urban First Nations, Inuit and Métis in Ottawa.

We provide professional development opportunities, projects, productions, facilities, and equipment to Indigenous communities. The organization welcomes all levels of expertise to produce new works and arts programming through creative communication and the development of artistic talent.

Artists from all First Nation, Inuit and Métis communities regardless of skill level are welcomed. While we honour the host nation and follow Algonquin protocols, if any artist needs a connection with someone from their own community, we endeavour to ensure those resources are available.
Throughout the years, we’ve run workshops and programming in media arts, dance, music, performance, visual art, inter art, media art and have facilitated multiple land-based cultural and Algonquin language camps. Our programming embraces Indigenous ways of knowing into every step of the artistic process. Artists are guided through experiential learning in both artistic skills and cultural knowledge. We include teachings from Elders, Knowledge Keepers and Language Speakers. Whenever possible we base projects on the land.  
Throughout its history, ICMI has valued the strength within the community and continues to strive towards creating the space for a more equitable and empowering future for Indigenous people.