In 2021, the National Film Board (NFB) of Canada adopted a new approach focused on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). This initiative included hiring practices based on identity and the creation of management roles dedicated to enforcing DEI principles. A significant aspect of this overhaul was the introduction of an “Indigenous Content Moratorium.” This policy restricts the licensing of archival footage, excerpts, and photos featuring Indigenous individuals to clients who self-identify as Indigenous, specifically First Nations, Inuit, or Métis.

The NFB described the moratorium as a temporary measure affecting approximately 600 entries in its archive. However, the policy does not apply to archival entries predominantly featuring non-Indigenous individuals, even if they include one Indigenous person. The NFB stated, "All requests to license Indigenous excerpts and photos from films for commercial reuse by non-Indigenous filmmakers or production companies are reviewed on a case-by-case basis, in consultation with the Indigenous filmmakers and communities concerned."

This review process aims to incorporate best practices and ensure respect for Indigenous protocols and partnerships. The NFB has received hundreds of licensing requests over the years, denying fewer than 30. Critics argue that this approach amounts to censorship, as it limits access to archival material based on the race of the requester.

The policy was developed in collaboration with imagineNATIVE, an Indigenous film charity that organizes an annual film festival and provides professional development for Indigenous artists, primarily funded by government sources and Netflix. Critics contend that this arrangement effectively allows non-Indigenous Canadians to fund an organization that lobbies for content restrictions based on race.

While the NFB maintains that the moratorium does not completely ban access to the material, as it remains available for public viewing, the policy has raised concerns about race-based discrimination. This initiative is part of a broader trend among organizations under the Department of Canadian Heritage, which have increasingly integrated DEI principles into their operations.

For instance, the Canadian Media Fund (CMF) has implemented diversity quotas for projects funded by the federal government. By 2024, projects led by minorities must reach 45 percent, and key creative roles are expected to be filled by 25 percent minorities. Additionally, the CMF has introduced a “narrative positioning” policy that restricts funding for projects about minority groups unless the creators belong to those groups or can demonstrate measures to prevent harm.

In a related development, Parks Canada introduced an Indigenous stewardship policy last year, granting First Nations greater authority over federal parklands. Critics have expressed concerns about the vagueness of this policy and its implications, particularly in light of past issues regarding park-sharing in British Columbia.