APTN on Target for September Start
J.C.Catholic, Chairman with
Communications Director, Jennifer David
and Chief Operating Officer, Abraham Tagalik

June 18, 1999
Toronto - Aboriginal history will soon be made in Canada with the launch of the APTN --- Aboriginal Peoples Television Network. Scheduled to go on air in September, it promises to change forever the way Canadians view aboriginal peoples in this country.

"I come from a community of three hundred people and no roads. We must be dreamers!", said J.C. Catholic, Chairman of the Board of the APTN. He joined other network officials as they laid out their plans to a gathering of aboriginal media representatives during the Aboriginal Voices Media conference, part of the Aboriginal Voices Festival in Toronto.

"We have come to the point where our side of the story has to be told", said Catholic. He sees it as a new beginning and opportunity to educate ourselves and Canadians in general, about who we are. "Some people say TV has destroyed our languages and culture, and in some ways that's true", mused Catholic. "But we also realize it is powerful", he added.

For aboriginal reporters, writers and producers, the APTN presents a rare opportunity for employment. They'll be able to tell their stories and to be seen.

He thinks those stories might initially spark some negative feedback, especially the history. But he says Canadians can rest assured, "We're not there to put anyone down, but we want them to know where we're coming from".

The plan for the APTN is to focus its resources on news and current affairs, with programming based in Winnipeg and administration in Ottawa. Through this new aboriginal channel you'll see what's taking place in different parts of the country.

In his view, Catholic believes he already knows the aboriginal Canada that will be reflected in APTN's culturally-based programming, "People are turning their lives around, being able to sing their songs and do their ceremonies without anyone putting them down. A lot of the elders are coming around now and want to tell their stories. Until now they've been holding back, but they see what's happening with the young people".

One of the toughest questions facing the APTN is how they will address the issue of conflict of interest, accountability and community leaders. J.C. Catholic and the network's Chief Operating Officer Abraham Tagalik both agreed they believe in freedom of the press and the right to privacy. It means APTN programming will have to be somewhere in between.

Are they just going to give aboriginal politicians a ride? "We will support our reporters on the stories that need to be told", affirmed Tagalik. He also offered assurances the makeup of the APTN board of directors is under review to deal with concerns of potential conflict of interest. But the network has established an operations structure to ensure programming independence.

At the start of the Telling Our Story media conference, some participants expressed concern about a lack of information regarding the progress of the APTN. But by the end of the three days, communications director Jennifer David was confident there was solid support, "Everybody's excited---it's catching!", she exclaimed enthusiastically during the conference's summary session.

Mark this on your calendar---the Aboriginal Peoples Television Network goes on the air September 1st, 1999. It will be available on basic cable and the Express Vu and Star Choice satellite services.

Ana Policzer volunteers at the festival
APTN Information Table with
APTN Communications Assistant Racelle Kooy

ABORIGINAL VOICES FESTIVAL PHOTOS

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