The federal government has announced $17.2 million in support over two years for Indigenous broadcasting in the North.
Minister of Canadian Identity and Culture and Minister responsible for Official Languages Marc Miller announced the funding for the production and broadcasting of Indigenous audio and video content. To be eligible for funding, recipients must broadcast north of the Hamelin Line, drawn at the 55th parallel.
Provided through the Northern Aboriginal Broadcasting component of the Indigenous Languages Program, it includes $872,262 over two years for the Native Communications Society of the Northwest Territories, which preserves, vitalizes and promotes the languages, cultures and heritage of the Dene Peoples, including operation of CKLB 101.9 FM Yellowknife, which broadcasts in multiple Dene languages six days a week. Others funded include the Wawatay Communications Society in Sioux Lookout, ON; the Inuit TV Network and Inuit Broadcasting Corporation in Iqaluit; and the James Bay Cree Communications Society in Mistissini, Que.
“The remarkable programs produced by Indigenous production houses like the Native Communications Society of the Northwest Territories, where we are today, are an example of Indigenous excellence. Hearing and seeing a community’s stories and values reflected on screen, online or over the airwaves are vital in passing on cultures through the generations,” said Miller, in an announcement. “Today we celebrate their success in connecting communities, encouraging dialogue, and promoting the vitality of Indigenous languages.”
“Funding through the Northern Aboriginal Broadcasting program from the Department of Canadian Heritage is an important investment in strengthening Indigenous culture and communities across the North. Multi-year program funding provides the Native Communications Society of the Northwest Territories with the financial stability needed to sustain its operations and the security to continue broadcasting to more than 33 communities. This support plays a vital role in preserving and promoting the Indigenous cultures and languages of the First Nations, Inuit, and Métis peoples of the Northwest Territories,” added Rob Ouellette, CEO of the Native Communications Society.
Find the full list of broadcast recipients here:
|
Aboriginal Multi-Media Society of Alberta (CFWE-FM) |
Edmonton, Alberta |
$641,481 over two years |
|
ALKW Media Society (Nuxalk Radio 91.1 FM) |
Bella Coola, British Columbia |
$380,254 over two years |
|
Green Lake Communications Inc. (CHGL Radio) |
Green Lake, Saskatchewan |
$190,620 over two years |
|
Ile a la Crosse Communication Society Inc. (CILX Michif Radio) |
Ile a la Crosse, Saskatchewan |
$428,800 over two years |
|
Inuit Broadcasting Corporation |
Iqaluit, Nunavut |
$2,573,846 over two years |
|
Inuit TV Network |
Iqaluit, Nunavut |
$1,038,532 over two years |
|
Inuvialuit Communications Society |
Inuvik, Northwest Territories |
$380,820 over two years |
|
James Bay Cree Communications Society |
Mistissini, Quebec |
$970,974 over two years |
|
Minahik Achimowin Inc. (CFNK Radio 89.9 FM) |
Pinehouse, Saskatchewan |
$642,757 over two years |
|
Missinipi Broadcasting Corporation (MBC Radio) |
La Ronge and Prince Albert, Saskatchewan |
$618,914 over two years |
|
Mistassini Lake Telecommunications Association (CINI-FM) |
Mistissini, Quebec |
$180,000 over two years |
|
Native Communications Inc. (NCI FM Radio) |
Winnipeg, Manitoba |
$483,649 over two years |
|
Native Communications Society of the N.W.T. (CKLB 101.9 FM) |
Yellowknife, Northwest Territories |
$872,262 over two years |
|
Northern Native Broadcasting (CFNR Radio and Television) |
Terrace, British Columbia |
$400,000 over two years |
|
Northern Native Broadcasting Yukon (CHON-FM) |
Whitehorse, Yukon |
$774,312 over two years |
|
Nunavut Independent Television Network (Uvagut TV) |
Igloolik, Nunavut |
$300,000 for one year |
|
Okâlakatiget Society (Radio 99.9 FM) |
Nain, Newfoundland and Labrador |
$486,058 over two years |
|
Sipisishk Communications Inc. (CIPI Radio 96.5 FM) |
Beauval, Saskatchewan |
$200,000 over two years |
|
Société de Communication Atikamekw-Montagnais Inc. |
Wendake, Quebec |
$767,330 over two years |
|
Taqramiut Nipingat Inc. |
Salluit, Quebec |
$2,810,312 over two years |
|
Tlegohli Got’ine Government Incorporated |
Norman Wells, Northwest Territories |
$714,014 over two years |
|
Tŝilhqot’in National Government (Tŝilhqot’in Radio, 104.5 FM) |
Williams Lake, British Columbia |
$300,000 over two years |
|
Wawatay Communications Society |
Sioux Lookout, Ontario |
$1,067,236 over two years |




