Get Sonya to BC!

I'm Sonya Ballantyne, Swampy Cree writer, filmmaker and nerd presently based in Winnipeg! My work focuses on Indigenous women and girls in non-traditional film and television genres. I've done television, online, and video game writing work for CTV Comedy's Acting Good, Scott Brothers Entertainment's Builder Brothers Dream Factory, Sesame Street, and The Walking Dead The Last MILE. I've also worked as a sensitivity consultant with my most high profile work being God of War Ragnarok. The feature documentary I co-directed The Death Tour had its world premiere at the Slamdance Film Festival in 2024.

I have been chosen to be the Indigenous storyteller/writer in residence at Kwantlen Polytechnic University in British Columbia, which will require me to relocate for the duration of the residency. This residency is my first and I'm very honoured to have been selected.

Though the residency is paid, it does not include relocation cost reimbursement. Due to extensive medical expenses over 2024 that Indigenous Services Canada will not cover, my savings and credit cards have been depleted. I am unable to cover everything specifically the flight out to BC, the shipping of luggage and my first few weeks of accommodation. I also received an unexpected medical expense that I hadn't budgeted for.

Any assistance would be appreciated! Thanks for your help.