Aboriginal people interested in a career in film and television stunts have the opportunity to learn from two long-time professionals.

The second round of the Indigenous Action Artist Mentorship Program (IAAMP) will take place May 29-30; the program offers 20 slots for Aboriginal people (18 years of age or older) with athletic training. The program, created and directed by Lauro Chartrand Delvalle and Bruce Crawford, had its first session in February.

Delvalle, a veteran stuntman with credits in films like The last Samourai, Deadpool 2 and even the original MacGyver TV Show, thought something was missing in Vancouver’s film industry.

“I’ve always noticed, especially here in British Columbia, a huge lack of Indigenous actors and teams. I always said to myself, this is their land, their home, why don’t they participate and work more in film and television? he said in a press release.

At the same time, Bruce Crawford, who has his own impressive list of credits (like Elysium, Percy Jackson: Sea of Monsters and pretty much every DC show filmed here) worked with his wife to include Indigenous people in the local film and television industry. They worked with the Musqueum employment and training program to find funding for IAAMP.

IAAMP also receives support from the Squamish First Nations Band, the Tsleil-Waututh First Nations Band and Stunts Canada.

Even though the first session took place only a few months ago, the attendees were picked up by local productions, Netflix’s new Kung Fu series.

“There is so much talent that it’s just a matter of harnessing it, not only to work in film and television, but also to create space for more Indigenous roles to be created for the talent pool,” indicates a press release.

Anyone interested is requested to send an email to Jesse Blue at Ancient Fire Dojo ([email protected]). Participation is open to any Indigenous person (not just Vancouver or British Columbia).