WILLIAMS LAKE, BC – The Tŝilhqot'in National Government will receive $180,500 in funding from the federal government this year to support its Community Radio Project, a new platform for the Tŝilhqot'in Nation to assist in the revitalization of their language and culture.
Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada Jody Wilson-Raybould made the announcement Monday on behalf of Canadian Heritage Minister Mélanie Joly.
Tŝilhqot'in Community Radio, based in Williams Lake, said that it will offer programs in Tŝilhqot'in, Carrier, Nuxalk and English, such as language lessons and interviews; news and community updates; traditional stories and songs; music and comedy segments; plus a community morning show. It broadcasts its radio programming to the six Tŝilhqot'in communities in British Columbia.
The funding is being provided under the Northern Aboriginal Broadcasting component of the Aboriginal Peoples' Program.
"In order to survive, language and culture must be given a platform for others to hear and be immersed in them”, said Minister Wilson-Raybould, in a statement. “Getting news or hearing music in your own language is something most Canadians take for granted, and I am proud that our government is investing in a project that brings this same experience to the Tŝilhqot'in Nation."
"The Tŝilhqot'in Community Radio projects provides a place for our citizens to share their stories, their history and their culture in way that's accessible to them”, added Tŝilhqot'in National Government tribal chairman Chief Joe Alphonse. “The ability for our youth, or really anyone, to tune in and listen to this programming is going to have an effect on not only learning of the language, but learning of who we are as a Nation. Communication within the territory is a challenge with limited internet availability and no cell service. This funding received will work to launch the radio project but it is really just the tip of the iceberg. We look forward to negotiating enduring agreements that will ensure a strong and vibrant Tsilhqot'in language and culture for generations to come."
