(Jean-François D. O’Bomsawin. Photo by Adil Boukind.)
November 3, 2026 – Montreal – National Film Board of Canada (NFB)
Jean-François Desmarais O’Bomsawin has been appointed Director General, Indigenous
Programming and Strategy, at the National Film Board of Canada (NFB). As a member of the Executive Committee reporting to the Chairperson and Government Film Commissioner, he will contribute to the overall management of the NFB, with particular responsibility for championing the NFB’s commitment to Indigenous narrative sovereignty and the right of First Nations, Inuit and Métis Peoples to shape, share and safeguard their own stories on their own terms.
Mr. O’Bomsawin will provide strategic and creative leadership across all Indigenous programming, partnerships and institutional initiatives. He will oversee Indigenous-led productions and lead the design and implementation of an Indigenous greenlighting and governance framework. Working collaboratively with Indigenous staff, filmmakers and communities, he will bridge creative, operational and governance priorities to ensure that Indigenous rights to self-determination are respected and upheld in all areas of the NFB’s operations.
Biography
Jean-François Desmarais O’Bomsawin is an accomplished Indigenous cultural leader with nearly 20 years of experience advancing Indigenous storytelling, strengthening industry relationships and championing Indigenous representation across Canada’s audiovisual sector.
A member of the Abenaki Nation of Odanak, Quebec, Jean-François has dedicated his career to creating opportunities for Indigenous creators and advancing Indigenous narrative sovereignty, ensuring that First Nations, Inuit and Métis storytellers have the resources, platforms and support to share their stories on their own terms.
He joins the NFB following his tenure as Director of Communications and Francophone Initiatives at the Indigenous Screen Office (ISO), where he contributed to the organization’s strategic growth, national visibility and engagement with Indigenous filmmakers, cultural institutions and industry partners across Canada.
Previously, Jean-François held senior leadership positions at the Aboriginal Peoples Television Network
(APTN), including Senior Manager of Programming, where he contributed to the development of the OnScreen Protocols & Pathways. He also served on the Board of Directors of L’Institut national de l’image et du son (L’INIS), a Quebec-based organization dedicated to professional training and development in the audiovisual sector.
Fluently bilingual, Jean-François brings a deep understanding of Canada’s diverse cultural and linguistic landscapes, with extensive experience navigating anglophone, francophone and Indigenous cultural environments. Drawing on his collaborative leadership experience and extensive national network, he is committed to fostering meaningful relationships, strengthening Indigenous creative leadership and supporting the next generation of Indigenous storytellers.
Quotes
“I am honoured to join the National Film Board of Canada at this important moment for Indigenous storytelling. Throughout my career, I have witnessed the transformative power of Indigenous creators telling their stories on their own terms. I look forward to working collaboratively with colleagues, filmmakers and Indigenous communities to strengthen relationships, advance Indigenous narrative sovereignty and ensure that our shared commitments translate into meaningful and lasting institutional practices.”
— Jean-François D. O’Bomsawin
“Jean-François brings exceptional experience, trusted relationships and a deep commitment to
Indigenous narrative sovereignty. His leadership will help advance the goals of the NFB’s Strategic Plan— empowering First Nations, Inuit and Métis creators and communities to shape the frameworks, decisions and practices that affect their stories and their lives. I am delighted to welcome Jean-François to our organization and look forward to working with him as, together, we all continue to create a space where
Indigenous stories are told by Indigenous voices.”
— Suzanne Guèvremont, Government Film Commissioner and Chairperson of the NFB
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