EDMONTON – Local radio programming to Aboriginal communities in Northern Alberta will continue to benefit from local radio programming, with a leg up from the Government of Canada.
This week, Brent Rathgeber, MP for Edmonton-St. Albert announced funding for the Aboriginal Multi-Media Society of Alberta (AMMSA) for the production and broadcast of radio programming. He made this announcement on behalf of the Honourable James Moore, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages.
The $354,700 of funding will support 168 hours of radio programming per week, of which 12.5 hours will be in Cree and three hours in other languages including Dene, Nakoda Sioux, and Michif. AMMSA will provide its listeners with a variety of radio programs and features, including Aboriginal and country music, community happenings, news, health, traditional teachings, and language learning.
"This year marks the start of the five-year countdown to Canada's 150th birthday in 2017," said Minister Moore in a press release. "Our Government is proud to invest in projects that contribute to our collective identity and define who we are as Canadians. On the road to 2017, let us continue to celebrate all of the things that make Canada the united, prosperous, and free country we are today."
"Since 1987, CFWE radio has been committed to the preservation and revitalization of Alberta's First Nations languages and culture," said Bert Crowfoot, CEO for AMMSA. "The Government of Canada, through its funding, has played a vital role in CFWE developing its unique voice with which to provide information, music, and entertainment to a diverse province-wide Aboriginal audience."
