LA RONGE, SK – The Missinipi Broadcasting Corporation will receive $380,815 in funding from the federal government this year to support the production and broadcast of up to 168 hours of radio programming per week, including 20 hours per week of new original content in in Aboriginal languages.
Rob Clarke, Member of Parliament for Desnethe-Missinippi-Churchill River, made the announcement this week on behalf of Shelly Glover, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages.
The programming will be offered in English, Cree and Dene and include current events, local and national news, weather forecasts, sports community announcements, interviews and music. The broadcasts are expected to be heard in 60 communities, reaching about 105,000 listeners.
"Northern Saskatchewan communities have access to relevant radio programming that also contributes to the vitality of the Cree and Dene languages and cultures, thanks to the Missinipi Broadcasting Corporation”, said Minister Clarke, in a statement. “I'm happy that this funding will ensure this continues."
“This enhanced contribution through the Aboriginal Peoples' Program for 2015-2016 will allow us to carry on producing and broadcasting radio programming in the Cree and Dene Aboriginal Languages throughout our region”, added Missinipi Broadcasting Corporation CEO Deborah Charles. “This is a major commitment to the protection of our indigenous languages and culture in Saskatchewan and for this we are very honoured and appreciative of the support provided by the Department of Canadian Heritage."
