Making room for Aboriginal voices

Canada’s native communities are awaiting the CRTC’s decision on whether to license new aboriginal radio stations in Calgary and Vancouver. At a recent public hearing in Burnaby BC, representatives from Aboriginal Voices Radio pitched their case for a new English- and Aboriginal-language FM radio service in Vancouver. Gary Farmer and others from AVR say an Aboriginal radio station is long overdue. They also described it as a critical component to creating healthier communities for Aboriginals living in urban centres. Below is an edited excerpt of AVR’s Nov. 23 presentation before the CRTC. Vancouver is home to the third largest Aboriginal population. The station we propose will be a first radio service for Vancouver’s estimated 100,000 urban Aboriginal peoples. It will be the first connection for many non-native Vancouver listeners to Aboriginal language and culture, and an introduction to their native neighbours. Aboriginal talent, musicians and artists, are often effectively shut out of the Canadian airwaves. For Aboriginal Voices Radio (AVR), the application that we envision here – vision without action is merely a dream. Vision with action can change the world. Action without vision just passes the time. The commission awarded AVR an FM radio licence in Toronto earlier this year. The Toronto service is proposed to be the flagship station for the Aboriginal Voices Radio Network. AVR is awaiting the decision on an application in Calgary for a local service of the network, similar to our proposal for Vancouver. This Vancouver application represents the next step in AVR’s plan to spearhead the rapid development of Aboriginal broadcasting in Canada, especially in urban centres in southern Canada where Aboriginal voices are seldom heard on the airwaves. AVR will not duplicate existing Aboriginal or non-Aboriginal services, but rather will provide a supplementary and supporting service, complementing and building on radio services which presently exist in the Canadian broadcasting system. This will provide support for emerging native broadcasters, particularly those who are ambitious to provide a full schedule of native programming but are simply unable to secure the necessary resources. AVR will work closely and share programming with these existing native broadcasters, including the various native radio networks and societies which operate in northern and rural Canada, as well as other Aboriginal broadcasters who produce programming for university-based and community radio stations. Vancouver needs a new Aboriginal radio voice. We need this voice to overcome the ignorance of our history. We need this voice to offer positive role models and to balance negative media stereotypes. We need this voice to build greater understanding between Aboriginal people and other Canadians. And, most importantly, we need this voice in the struggle for healthy urban communities. We have highlighted seven key components of our plan for this programming service: To be the first Vancouver outlet for the broad everyday expression of Aboriginal voices. To offer a media venue where native and non-native Canadians in Vancouver can speak as neighbours. To be an inclusive radio service for all community voices: women and men, elders and youth. To be a means of support for the promotion of Aboriginal language and culture. To provide exposure and promotion for Aboriginal artists and entrepreneurs in Vancouver. To operate with respect for the principles of environmental sustainability. To remain a native controlled and operated media not dependent on government. We have clearly identified demand in Vancouver for a new urban Aboriginal service, and we have carefully shaped our programming service to meet this demand. We have proposed a sustainable business plan that includes sufficient capital funding, and we have put together an experienced, confident and knowledgeable team. Commission members, the time has come to approve an Aboriginal radio voice for Vancouver.

Making room for Aboriginal voices

Broadcast | December 21, 2000

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