November 28^th, 2000

CRTC - Burnaby Hearings

Stewart Phillip, President of the

Union of BC Indian Chiefs

Madame Chair, Commissioners, CRTC staff, and members of the public.

Before proceeding with my brief remarks, I will take a

moment to recognize the Coast Salish people, upon

whose traditional territory I am speaking here today.

Now, I will tell you a little bit about myself, and the Union

of BC Indian Chiefs (UBCIC).

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(no notes for personal comments…)

I am pleased to be here today to speak to you about the

radio licence applications you are considering for

Vancouver. Our letter of support fully endorsed an

application for a Native radio station in Vancouver.

But I also signed the Petition of Support, which as you

know clearly stated endorsement of both the Aboriginal

Voices Radio (AVR) licence application and the application

of their corporate partner NewCap Broadcasting.

The historic significance of such a unique Aboriginal and

non- Aboriginal arrangement was quite obvious to us. We

understood its significance and that it is the first proposal

of its kind for the Canadian broadcasting system, and

provides a creative, business oriented way for an

Aboriginal radio network to receive a solid, healthy

launch.

I am here on behalf of Aboriginal people who are

frustrated. There is no relevant radio. Generally, our

experience as Aboriginal people with commercial

broadcasters is unpleasant at best. The frequent

stereotypes of Native life and culture continue to fill the

Vancouver airwaves. Our issues and interests are seldom

recognized, let alone portrayed from our perspective.

There are daily judgements of us by mainstream media.

It is such an exceptional circumstance that provides me

with the opportunity to appear before you today. On behalf

of the UBCIC I enthusiastically support the proposal of

NewCap Broadcasting to work closely with Aboriginal

Voices Radio, in the transfer of management expertise,

and both financial and professional support as they work

together as industry associates. This follows the advice of

the Conference Board of Canada that encourages

Canadian businesses to tap into the energy, enthusiasm

and imagination of Aboriginal people.

We welcome their efforts and encourage their steps

toward building bridges between the Aboriginal world and

the mainstream Canadian broadcast business.

In assessing our support for this corporation's bold

proposal, we learned that it is a very community spirited

broadcaster in places it has radio stations in other parts of

Canada.

Its hiring practices meet the federal regulations regarding

employment equity and they promise to do even better

than that --- to hire people so their radio staff will reflect

the reality of the local Vancouver and area population.

That suggests to me employment opportunities for our

Aboriginal youth. That's in addition to the jobs it will help

create by its support for the Aboriginal Voices Radio

Network.

It seems to me there is a great opportunity here for you to

Do the right thing and help us --- to break through the wall

of resistance that exists in the local Vancouver media. It is

local programming that either ignores us, or is strongly

offensive to our people, some of it, deliberate. This is

symptomatic of smug and complacent broadcasters.

There is an obvious resistance to change here. It is

illustrated in the resistance to accept the new immigrants,

even though there are many third generation Asian

peoples living here. Of course there is a resistance to

respect the Aboriginal peoples and their diverse cultures

in their own homelands.

If it delivers on its promises, then I believe NewCap

Broadcasting is offering more than money, more than the

$4.2 million to Aboriginal Voices Radio.

It would provide us all with an opportunity to create

meaningful change in the lives of people in Vancouver by

beginning to reflect the real Vancouver. Now, the lopsided

reporting on Aboriginal rights issues is disruptive,

destructive and reflects downright racist radio. It is

obvious to me that radio here needs to be shaken up.

Perhaps if NewCap brings its philosophy of new voices

and new perspectives, along with its bold new venture

with Aboriginal Voices Radio - then the others will get the

message. The message is --- We cannot accept the status

quo any longer. I'm hopeful that you, the people who are

able to make a difference, will no longer allow it to

continue.

These new voices that would come from NewCap's radio

station, provide promise and hope to me that we would

have an opportunity for balanced news coverage, in a city

where most media lean so far to the right that at times you

might think we were right back at the turn of a different

century - nineteen hundred.

The applications you are considering make a lot of sense

to me.

Aboriginal and private broadcasters working

Together --- proposing an initiative to help the Aboriginal

community fast-track the creation of better

communications here and … nationally.

I think it makes sense because it helps you to fulfill your

mandate. It helps you to demonstrate how the Government

of Canada is 'walking the talk' of its own legislation and

policies.

As you search for guidance in your deliberations, may you

be reminded that despite their treatment, despite being

last to share in this country's wealth, Aboriginal People

hold a special place in Canada.

What is the right decision? There can be no doubt!

As the Petition of Support stated clearly, --- the Broadcast

Act says so. The Canadian broadcasting system

should through its programming and the employment

opportunities arising out of its operations, serve the needs

and interests, and reflect the circumstances and

aspirations, and the special place of aboriginal peoples.

The Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples (RCAP)

says it. Canada's Gathering Strength, the policy

responding to RCAP says it.

Today, on behalf of the Union of BC Indian Chiefs, I am

saying it.

Aboriginal people are anxious to move forward in our

efforts for cultural renewal and restoration. To do it, we

have special needs and circumstances. We need

effective communications, and the sooner the better.

We also have unique rights that have been recognized in

the Constitution and in law.

Surely, it is very clear that our needs and our rights

should be given special and appropriate consideration by

the CRTC.

Surely, it is very clear that this is the time.