ABC and CBC/Radio-Canada launches new original podcast abaut Norval Morrisseau

National public broadcasters ABC and CBC/Radio-Canada has launched a new original podcast exploring the life of lauded Anishinaabe artist Norval Morrisseau and how the shocking discovery of thousands of Morrisseau forgeries led to the biggest art crime investigation in Canada, threatening to undermine his legacy and raising larger questions about how Indigenous art is considered and valued.

This new creative collaboration between ABC and CBC Podcasts was first announced at a special session (“Walking Together: Amplifying Indigenous Stories in Public Media”) of the 2024 Public Broadcasters International conference in Ottawa (PBI Ottawa 2024). It is the latest outcome of the continued Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between ABC and CBC/Radio-Canada, which encourages the co-development of programming to increase its impact and engage wider audiences.

“Given the importance of shedding light on Indigenous experiences and our common commitment to amplifying Indigenous voices, this extraordinary story of art, mystery and fraud will grip audiences globally. CBC/Radio-Canada is thrilled to collaborate with ABC to bring it to life and to advance awareness of Indigenous artists like Norval Morrisseau and of the deeply disturbing treatment they received,” Catherine Tait, President and CEO, CBC/Radio-Canada comments.

“Indigenous art plays a deeply important role in understanding a culture’s rich history and sense of national identity and we are proud to work with CBC/Radio-Canada on this important story. We hope this series gives our audience a better understanding of the life and work of acclaimed Anishinaabe artist Norval Morrisseau,” added David Anderson, ABC Managing Director.

Production begins on the podcast later this year, with a release targeted for the second half of 2025. Key Indigenous producers on the project include Stimson, Falen Johnson (CBC), Kyle Muzyka (CBC), Daniel Browning (ABC) and Rudi Bremer (ABC). The hybrid team will also include Zoe Tennant (producer on CBC’s Unreserved) and Veronica Simmonds (Senior Producer, CBC Podcasts).