The CRTC says it has “clearly heard” that Indigenous peoples need more opportunity to participate in the development of its new Indigenous Broadcasting Policy.

To that end, it’s inviting Indigenous representation from the broadcasting sector to participate in a joint working group that will help develop the new policy and make recommendations.

Aiming for a balanced representation of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis peoples from a diverse range of communities and regions, the commission said in an announcement Monday that it’s seeking Indigenous broadcasters, content creators, artists, and industry representatives to participate. Those interested in joining can submit their names for consideration until Jan. 26.

The commission also announced funding to help Indigenous communities and groups lead their own community-led engagement events to discuss issues related to the new policy and communicate their views to the CRTC.

Indigenous communities and groups wishing to receive funding to hold an engagement event must notify the Centre for Indigenous Environmental Resources by Nov. 27.

Co-development of the policy has been ongoing since 2019, when the commission undertook Phase 1 of the process, holding 12 engagement sessions across the country with Indigenous broadcasters, artists and creators to define its scope. A round of formal public consultations followed in 2024.

The upcoming Phase 3 will focus on preliminary conclusions, determinations and collect further community feedback.

The new policy will update the legacy Native Broadcasting Policy, last updated in 1989-90, to better reflect modern digital environments, self-ownership, and the revitalization of Indigenous languages.