EDMONTON, Nov. 15, 2012 /CNW/ - Aboriginalcommunitiesin Northern Alberta will continue to benefit from local radio
programming, thanks to support from the Government of Canada. Brent
Rathgeber, Member of Parliament (Edmonton-St. Albert), today 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 funding will support 168 hours of radio programming per week, of
which 12.5 hours will be in Cree and 3 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. "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."
"The Government recognizes the importance of Aboriginal languages and
cultures and continues to support Aboriginal communities in their
efforts to preserve and revitalize them," said Mr. Rathgeber. "With
this support, AMMSA will continue to promote Aboriginal languages
through culturally relevant radio programming, with important benefits
for Northern Alberta communities today and for many generations to
come."
"Since 1987, CFWE radio has been committed to the preservation and
revitalization of Alberta's First Nations languages and culture," said
Bert Crowfoot, Chief Executive Officer 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."
The Government of Canada has provided funding of $354,700 through the Aboriginal Peoples' Program of the Department of Canadian Heritage. The program helps strengthen
Aboriginal cultural identity, encourages the full participation of
Aboriginal peoples in Canadian society, and supports the preservation
and revitalization of Aboriginal languages and cultures.
SOURCE: Canadian Heritage