COMMUNIQUÉ 2019 MISSION APTN is sharing our Peoples’ journey, celebrating our cultures, inspiring our children and honouring the wisdom of our Elders.
ABOUT APTN
The launch of APTN on Sept. 1, 1999 represented a significant milestone for Indigenous Peoples across Canada. The network has since become an important entertainment, news and educational programming choice for nearly 11 million households across Canada. Since APTN had its beginnings in the Canadian North more than 30 years ago, the dream of a national Indigenous television network has become a reality. The rest, as they say, is broadcast history.
APTN’s fiscal year runs from Sept. 1, 2018 to Aug. 31, 2019.
APTN COMMUNIQUÉ 2019 TABLE OF CONTENTS
2 Message from Our Chairperson 4 Message from Our CEO 6 Year in Review 8 Indigenous Production 18 Our People 24 Understanding Our Audience 28 Advertising 32 Setting the Technological Pace 36 Community Relations & Sponsorships 40 Covering the Stories that Others Won’t 44 Conditions of Licence 52 Programming 72 APTN Indigenous Day Live 76 APTN’s Extended Family Appendix A | Independent Production Activity (Original Productions) 2018–2019
Cover art by Mike Valcourt.
1 MESSAGE FROM OUR CHAIRPERSON JOCELYN FORMSMA
WACHIYA, From the very beginning, APTN’s mission This ensures we are better able to meet industry demands while still has been to share our Peoples’ journey, delivering high-quality, relevant celebrate our cultures, inspire our children content to our audiences. We demonstrated our commitment and honour the wisdom of our Elders. to audiences when we launched Nouvelles Nationales d’APTN in late Over the years, our mission has remained August. While we have provided audiences with a variety of French- unchanged, but our approach and language programming for several methods have continued to adapt to years, this is our first-ever national news program in French. This new our ever‑evolving industry. program aims to represent the important voices of Indigenous French-speaking audiences and strengthen our relationship with them. It will also enable us to meet our new conditions of licence from the CRTC.
APTN COMMUNIQUÉ 2019 WE ARE ALWAYS At the end of December 2019, we PUSHING THE will say Wachiya to Jean La Rose, BOUNDARIES OF WHAT our long-time CEO. After an in- IS POSSIBLE, AND THIS depth conversation between Jean UPCOMING FISCAL YEAR and the APTN Board of Directors, we agreed that it is time to open IS NO EXCEPTION. our doors to a new CEO. On behalf of the APTN Board of Directors, Coinciding with the 20th I thank Jean for his passion, anniversary of the network, APTN dedication and integrity as CEO of will launch APTN lumi on Sept. 1, APTN over the last 17 years. It has 2019. This new streaming service been a pleasure to work with him, will provide unique, Indigenous- and he has undoubtedly left an focused content that audiences indelible mark on APTN. I wish him can enjoy anytime, anywhere. all the best in his future endeavours, This exciting offer will connect and look forward to the new the network with new viewers challenges and opportunities that while strengthening our existing lie ahead for the network. relationships with audiences across the country. Jocelyn Formsma, Chairperson APTN Board of Directors
32 MESSAGE FROM OUR CEO JEAN LA ROSE
This past fiscal year A first for the network, we part of Rogers Hometown Hockey. continued to reach even more Featuring Cree analysis and has been one of great audiences by launching two radio commentary, this landmark program stations in two major urban centres brought all Canadians together as change, innovation in the fall of 2018. With the help they celebrated a shared passion and achievements for of APTN, First Peoples Radio that unites us all: hockey. now hosts two ELMNT FM radio APTN. As a network, stations in Ottawa (95.7 FM) and This event was made all the more Toronto (106.5 FM). These stations appropriate and poignant by the we pushed ourselves offer unique programming with recent proclamation made by the harder than ever a minimum of 25% Canadian- United Nations General Assembly: Indigenous music and are a 2019 is the International Year of before, allowing us significant platform for Indigenous Indigenous Languages. APTN Peoples, their cultures and their has fully supported this initiative to reach new heights incredible musical talent. from the beginning, which can be seen in our Indigenous-language and accomplish so A national spotlight was shone programming and promotion of much in such a short on Indigenous languages and Indigenous languages through a culture in the spring of 2019. The variety of partnered events during amount of time. network made history on March the past fiscal year. 24, 2019 when we teamed up with Sportsnet to broadcast the first- And finally, the network wrapped up ever NHL game in Plains Cree as this past fiscal year on a high note with the development of APTN lumi.
APTN COMMUNIQUÉ 2019 creating new and engaging content This year also marks my last year as for APTN lumi once it launches in CEO of APTN. I will be moving on the fall of 2019. to new opportunities in December 2019, but I will never forget my 17 The marketing department was years at APTN. I look back on this also transformed and realigned time with the utmost pride for all this past summer. New positions, the network has accomplished and including executive director of the deepest gratitude to have had marketing, were created to review this life-changing experience. our marketing efforts and look at ways to increase our profile and In these uncertain times, carrying visibility while remaining true to out our mission has become more our values, mission and mandate. important than ever before. I have full confidence that the network These changes reflect the need will continue to push the limits of for APTN to operate in an ever- what’s possible, break new ground changing industry as we strive to THIS NEW INITIATIVE and grow with audiences across meet new challenges, initiatives SHOWS THAT APTN Canada and around the world in and seek out new global partners. the years to come. CONTINUES TO Meeting these goals means we BE A FORCE TO BE need to be ready for any and all I would like to express my sincere RECKONED WITH IN THE obstacles that come our way, thanks to the APTN Board of BROADCAST INDUSTRY. while providing our audience and Directors and to our hardworking communities with stories that executive management team and reflect their lives and realities. staff for their fantastic and many Starting Sept. 1, 2019, this brand- achievements over the years. It new streaming service will give Back when APTN first joined the has been the honour of a lifetime audiences the freedom to watch industry in 1999, no one expected to work with you all and see their favourite APTN programs us to be around in another year, the network become what it is whenever and wherever they want. let alone another 20 years. Since today. Your unfailing dedication then, we have continued to exceed These exciting projects and and enthusiasm make APTN an expectations and blaze new trails in initiatives made it necessary for the organization that is always striving the industry. network to undergo department to go above and beyond and change lives across Canada. restructuring and growth – a In a time when news organizations rare move in today’s broadcast are cutting back or shutting Here’s to 20 more years. industry. As a result, Digital Drum down, APTN’s unprecedented is now a part of our programming growth speaks to the importance Wliwni – Merci – Thank you, department, a change that signals of our mission and our effect on a new range of opportunities for audiences across Canada, both Jean La Rose the team. They are tasked with Indigenous and non-Indigenous. Chief Executive Officer APTN
54 YEAR IN REVIEW
MORE % MORE % % OF THAN 86 THAN 95 62 EMPLOYEES Canadian programming content Canadian programming broadcast are of Indigenous ancestry was independently produced
Broadcasts Broadcasts $ MORE HOURS/ HOURS/ 10,000 THAN 50 WEEK 22 WEEK Band Aid program grant Indigenous-language programming French-language programming was presented in partnership in 23 different languages with MusiCounts to an Indigenous school in northern Newfoundland and Labrador
APTN COMMUNIQUÉ 2019 2018–2019 Highlights
Reached an audience of NEW 13 ADVERTISERS 4.3 MILLION 1.46 MILLION secured for TV and aptn.ca combined users on APTN and during multi-platform delivery of APTN National News websites APTN Indigenous Day Live 2019
INDUSTRY JOURNALISM TOP EMPLOYER 9 AWARDS 6 AWARDS for top programming including awards for Best AWARDS commissioned by the network Feature Story, Best Feature for Canada’s Top 100 Employers, Photo and General Excellence Canada’s Top Employers for Young from the Native American People, Manitoba’s Top Employers Journalists Association (NAJA) and first-time recipient of the Company of the Year Award from Women in Communications and Technology
76 INDIGENOUS PRODUCTION
Distinctive, entertaining and uplifting Indigenous programming is developed, commissioned and acquired by APTN for broadcast in both linear and non-linear formats. APTN is honoured to have been the primary platform for Indigenous Peoples for the past 20 years, enabling them to share their knowledge and experiences with all of Canada.
APTN COMMUNIQUÉ 2019 98 By broadcasting web series, which allowed • CAUTION: May Contain Nuts, programs in Indigenous another documentary series, a popular sketch comedy Lands Wandered, to be greenlit series, released a series of languages, not just for production. virtual reality web sketches that English and French, amassed remarkable views and MULTIPLATFORM CONTENT impressions on YouTube. APTN actively supports In 2019, APTN’s support of digital the preservation of these media components evolved AWARDS & RECOGNITION languages for future to follow the industry trend of APTN and our talented Indigenous including most digital media production community received generations, allowing all components as part of the significant praise and recognition Canadians to learn about production budget. throughout this past fiscal year.
the beauty and diversity However, the network also The network swept the 2019 of the country’s many continues to support the creation Canadian Screen Awards with Indigenous cultures. of distinct and entertaining content, 14 nominations, ranging from such as web series: Best Writing to Best History SPOTLIGHT ON SUCCESS Documentary Program and Best • Living By The Drum: Canadian 2018–2019 Accomplishments Factual Series, just to name a few. Powwows, a five-episode The evening was capped off with REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS web series, launched on APTN taking home the 2019 Donald Each year, the programming APTN’s YouTube channel Brittain Award for Best Social/ department typically launches a in January 2019. Political Documentary Program for minimum of three Requests for • Queen of the Oil Patch, which Quiet Killing (Ce silence qui tue). Proposal (RFP) specifically to was very well received by The prestigious Hot Docs presented commission stories shared in an Canadian media, offered a the team of nîpawistamâsowin: Indigenous language. second-screen experience We Will Stand Up with the for viewers, which included award for Best Canadian Feature APTN continued to support feature a behind-the-scenes look at Documentary. This film also film storytellers for a third year the show. by releasing a Feature Film RFP received the Colin Low Award 2018, which resulted in a licence • Arm Nation, a documentary for Best Canadian Documentary offer for the dramatic feature Tales series, offered an arm wrestling at the DOXA Documentary Film of an Urban Indian and further arcade-style game for fans. and Video Festival, as well as Best development of another drama • Anaana’s Tent, a children’s Director and Best Documentary feature, White Mask. series, delivered a rich and at the Weengushk International interactive website complete Film Festival. APTN also launched another with an Inuktitut language RFP specifically for an English learning section. and Indigenous language linear
APTN COMMUNIQUÉ 2019 The Alberta Film and Television Most recently, the network • TVO and APTN partnered in Awards presented Rosie Awards for received one nomination March 2019 to commission a Best Overall Sound to CAUTION: from the prestigious 34th Prix 2 x 60-minute documentary May Contain Nuts, out of 13 Gémeaux in the Best Direction, called Red Fever – an nominations, and Best Screenwriter Entertainment/Magazine category examination of the appropriation to Queen of the Oil Patch. for Méchant Trip! of Indigenous Peoples’ culture in fashion, sports, art and literature. The Leo Awards honoured Rachel STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIPS Created by the producers of the with two awards for Best Web APTN and the National Screen very successful feature-length Series and Best Performance by Institute (NSI) continued their documentary Rumble: the Indians a Female. APTN also received partnership for a third year and that Rocked the World. 10 nominations for Red Snow, worked together on the NSI • APTN and TVO also came two nominations for the APTN- IndigiDocs program in 2019. together to support the dramatic supported NSI IndigiDocs film The program continues to series Unsettled in the spring Cedar Tree of Life, as well as one provide mentorship and training of 2019. This drama explores nomination for Queen of the to Indigenous producer/director the story of a successful urban Oil Patch. creative teams who are producing Indigenous family who move to short documentary films. The Gala Québec Cinéma the rez during a time of major presented the team of Innu Nikamu: APTN and imagineNATIVE transition, affecting the cultural, Chanter la résistance with the Best collaborated for a second year political and economic realities Documentary Film Award. on the Web Series “Open Call” in of everyone. October 2018, which resulted in • For the second time, CBC APTN was also nominated in the APTN greenlighting a documentary and APTN partnered for the Documentary Social/Political series called IndigiStyle. This broadcast of the 26th annual category at the Yorkton Film series went on to receive further Indspire Awards in June 2019. Festival for First Contact, as well as funding from the Telefilm Talent • On June 22, 2019, Accessible in the Indigenous Award category to Watch program. for Cedar Tree of Life, an NSI Media Inc. joined APTN once IndigiDocs film. Broadcast partnerships are crucial again to co-broadcast the very in an ever-changing market successful APTN Indigenous The network also enjoyed landscape. This past fiscal year, Day Live from concert stages recognition from the Canadian the network continued to seek in Winnipeg, Calgary and Comedy Awards with out interesting partnerships with Whitehorse. The 2019 concerts nominations for Best TV Show, other broadcasters: were also broadcast live on 12 Best Performance in a TV Series Indigenous radio stations across and Best Writing in a TV Series • APTN partnered with Canada and, for the first time, or Special for CAUTION: May Sportsnet to broadcast Rogers in the United States. Contain Nuts. Hometown Hockey in Cree on March 24, 2019.
1110 APTN also continued its long- industry talents who shared their PROGRAMMING COMMITMENTS established relationship with experiences: Jason Brennan, (AS OF AUG. 31, 2019) the Montreal First Peoples “Producing an Emerging Cinema: This past fiscal year, APTN’s Festival. In August, the network Challenges and Resilience;” programming department awarded the sixth annual APTN Julie O’Bomsawin, “How to committed to 46 television Award to Darlene Naponse for Develop and Produce Your First productions and 18 original her feature film,Falls Around Television Show;” Jason Ryle, “The digital media components. In Her. APTN also sponsored four Development of an Indigenous total, this represented over 389 master classes – two in French Audiovisual Industry;” and Roxann hours of original programming and two in English. These classes Whitebean, “From Short to Long.” in English, French and 13 featured the following prominent Indigenous languages.
Indigenous-Language Commitments 2018–2019
Inuktitut 38% Cree 15% Mi’kmaq 13% Blackfoot 4% Dene 4% Halkomelem 4% Innu 4% Maliseet 4% Syilx 4% Michif 3% Ojibway 3% Plains Cree 3% Dakota 1%
APTN COMMUNIQUÉ 2019 ACQUISITIONS This past fiscal year, acquisitions secured 189.5 hours of programming. Viewer favourites Longmire and Wentworth will return in the fall of 2019, with Longmire in its final season.Mystery Road, a crime-thriller series, will have its Canadian premiere on Committed to APTN, with the first eight months exclusive to the network. This series TELEVISION from Australia is based on the 46 PRODUCTIONS critically-acclaimed film of the same ORIGINAL DIGITAL title. And for lighter fare, Get Your 18 MEDIA COMPONENTS Fish On, a competitive fishing show from New Zealand, will have its Canadian premiere in 2020.
Acquisitions also secured 36 feature films, including many strong Canadian-Indigenous titles. Tia and Piujuq follows two 10-year-old girls: Tia, a Syrian girl, and Piujuq, an Inuk girl, who form a special friendship and immerse themselves in a world of Inuit myth and magic. This first-window family film is a Canadian premiere with the first year exclusive to the network. APTN obtained both the English and Inuktitut versions of the title. It also acquired Sgaawaay K’uuna, the first feature film ever produced in the Haida language, as well as Maliglutit, an Inuktitut-language feature from celebrated director Zacharias Kunuk. Other notable titles from Indigenous filmmakers include Kayak to Klemtu and Indian Road Trip.
12 13 An international hit and the highest This funding also allows the The network was able to trigger grossing film in New Zealand’s network to meet Canadian Radio- the totality of its PE and greenlit history, Hunt for the Wilderpeople television and Communications 104.75 hours of new programming will have its Canadian premiere on Commission (CRTC) expectations during the CMF’s 2018–2019 fiscal APTN with a first year exclusive. for licensed programming genres year. As always, this included This heartfelt and hilarious film tells and broadcast languages. APTN’s programs in English, French and the story of a city kid who goes English PE increased by 1% and Indigenous languages. on the run with his foster uncle in French increased by 11% in the CMF the wild New Zealand bush. Other 2018–2019 fiscal year. Summary of APTN’s 2018–2019 international titles include Sami CMF Performance Envelopes: Blood, a film-festival favourite As is true with most independent • 100% of English PE generated about a Sámi girl who struggles broadcasters, APTN faces many 98.25 hours of programming to to overcome the racism she challenges in its yearly operations, be produced. experiences at boarding school, including competing against larger and Anori, a tragic love story and broadcasters for a share of PE • 100% of French PE generated the first Greenlandic film written, funds. In particular, our lean French 6.5 hours of programming to produced and directed by a female PE makes it a challenge to meet be produced. our CRTC Condition of License filmmaker. Both titles are Canadian • 34.5 hours of Indigenous- to broadcast 20 hours per week premieres and exclusive to the language programming will in the French language on our network for one year. also be produced. aptn e feed. Acquisitions secured rights to a • $21,903,356 total production number of blockbusters as well, However, APTN remains budgets to be triggered including Fast Five starring Dwayne committed to delivering high- (English, French and Johnson and Cowboys & Aliens quality programming in both Indigenous languages). official languages and in a variety starring Adam Beach. Viewers • APTN also generated 100% of of Indigenous languages. Despite can also look forward to Road to its CMF English and French the challenges the network faces Paloma directed by and starring development funds for with ratings, channel placement Jason Momoa, and Shadow Wolves 2018‑2019. with Graham Greene. and resources for marketing and licensing, APTN continues to CANADA MEDIA FUND (CMF) | commission superior programs PERFORMANCE ENVELOPES (PE) such as First Contact and 1491: In order for programs to proceed The Untold Story of the Americas to production, APTN continues Before Columbus, which viewers to rely on obtaining CMF funding tell us have had significant impacts for our commissioned programs. on their lives and worldview.
APTN COMMUNIQUÉ 2019 APTN – CMF English Performance APTN – CMF French Performance APTN – CMF French and Envelope Comparison Envelope Comparison English Performance Envelope Budget and Hours – English and Budget and Hours – French and Total Comparison Indigenous-Language Hours Indigenous-Language Hours Budget and Hours – English, French and Indigenous-Language Hours $439,066 6.5 6.5 $389,025 $6,598,132 83.5 $6,691,090 98.25 $6,987,157 90 $7,130,156 104.5
2017–2018 2018–2019 2017–2018 2018–2019 2017–2018 2018–2019
Budget Hours
1514 CANADA MEDIA FUND (CMF) | Summary of APTN’s 2018–2019 AP SPOTLIGHT ON SUCCESS ABORIGINAL PROGRAM (AP) (Development): 2018–2019 Accomplishments The AP budget for the 2018–2019 fiscal year was $8.7 million, an APTN supported two TV projects DIGITAL CONTENT FOR THE increase from $8.5 million last through the AP development fund. INDIGENOUS YOUTH AUDIENCE year. APTN continues to be the Both projects included digital By keeping its finger on the pulse main broadcaster generating AP media components. of Canada’s Indigenous music funding and the only regulated scene, Digital Drum provided broadcaster that has a specific DIGITAL DRUM live social media coverage and Condition of Licence to broadcast produced original content from CONNECTIVE EXPRESSION some of Canada’s top award shows, Indigenous-language programming. Digital Drum (DD) is a music concerts and music festivals in APTN broadcasts a minimum of media platform that showcases the past fiscal year. The platform 35 hours of Indigenous language innovative Indigenous talent also expanded its reach and programming each week. from across Canada and beyond. bolstered its reputation by building DD reaches within its emerging Summary of APTN’s 2018–2019 AP relationships with influencers, communities to bring Indigenous (Production): connecting with community youth closer to music, connecting programs and attending key • 71% of projects supported by the them to engaging content that industry events. AP were licensed by APTN. contributes to and celebrates their cultural pride. • 65 hours of Indigenous-language From a content strategy perspective, DD continued to focus programming to be produced Created in-house, this marketing on artist discovery and exceptional for APTN. tool helps APTN grow its ever- storytelling through multiple • 6.5 hours of French-language expanding youth audience. production streams. In addition programming to be produced With the organization’s ongoing to the ongoing DD Spotlight, DD for APTN. commitment to connect with that Xposed and the DD Blog, DD audience, DD provides a unique • 65 hours of English-language released its third season of DD opportunity to engage with programming to be produced Studio Sessions. We also produced Indigenous youth in a digital space. for APTN. an original documentary, Making a • $11,358,533 total production Recently renamed Content Scene: The DIY Music Movement on budgets to be triggered Creation, this in-house production Haida Gwaii, which premiered on by APTN. unit also creates content as needed Haida Gwaii in August 2019 and will for other APTN platforms including be added to the APTN lumi library television, radio and web. in the fall of 2019.
APTN COMMUNIQUÉ 2019 A NEW CHAPTER Effective June 2019, DD was moved from the marketing department to programming, and was tasked with creating new and engaging content for APTN lumi and other APTN media channels. While DD’s storytelling focused primarily on the Indigenous music scene, Content Creation will expand into other genres and topics. Meanwhile, the department’s original mission 65 HOURS statement will remain unchanged: to be a window of diversity and of Indigenous-language programming connect with the audience, both produced for APTN this past fiscal year Indigenous and non-Indigenous, through Indigenous stories and deliver inspirational content that speaks to self-expression, perseverance, pride and identity from an Indigenous perspective.
16 17 APTN COMMUNIQUÉ 2019 OUR PEOPLE
A top employer, trailblazer and influential presence, APTN creates in-house employee programs that are recognized and praised by industry leaders.
1918 SPOTLIGHT ON SUCCESS workplace, which included of women and achieved 2018–2019 Accomplishments installing a healthy-eating measurable results in creating more vending machine. diverse and inclusive workplaces. COLLABORATIVE CULTURE • Traditional Elder Healing Services APTN’s benefits outshine those TRAINING FOR THE FUTURE – made available to all employees offered by many other companies. APTN is known for its unwavering through the existing Employee This, and many other elements, support of Indigenous talent and and Family Assistance Program have contributed to the network’s its commitment to the professional (EFAP). thriving internal culture: development of employees in the • Recognize Appreciate Praise broadcast industry. All employees • “Share Your Talents” Initiative Program (RAP) – developed receive support for ongoing – employees are encouraged by APTN to encourage and training, both in-house and online, to share their talents and motivate employees to recognize to encourage growth within hobbies with others during their peers’ contributions the organization. lunchtime workshops. and successes. New APTN employees receive • Canadian Blood Services – AWARDS & RECOGNITION training in Understanding partnered with this organization By continuing to offer exciting Indigenous and Treaty Rights, for blood donations on Feb. 22, career opportunities and foster Harassment in the Workplace and 2019 and May 29, 2019. a nurturing work environment, Workplace Hazardous Materials • Take Our Kids to Work Day – an APTN was recognized for its Information System (WHMIS). event organized at the Winnipeg enduring dedication to employees head office for employees who throughout this past fiscal year: APTN also has a formalized have children in Grade 9. The day mentorship and coaching program, included a fun and interactive • Canada’s Top Employer for which provides Indigenous tour, a camera-operation Young People for the third time. employees with development opportunities. Once they complete demonstration and a special • Canada’s Top 100 Employers for the program, employees have the viewing of a live news broadcast. the seventh consecutive year. APTN provided snacks, a pizza opportunity to apply for mid- • Manitoba’s Top Employers for the lunch, participation certificates level, management and senior 11th consecutive year. and thank-you gifts. management vacancies as they become available. • The Employee Engagement Notably, APTN received the Committee (EEC) – a Company of the Year Award The network also sends a reporter collaborative effort that helps from Women in Communications to help train other journalists for foster a culture of engaged and Technology. This award is four weeks in an African country. employees. The committee presented to a leading company works with employees and senior in the digital sector that has SUPPORTING ALL CANADIANS management to implement demonstrated an extraordinary APTN has signed off on a healthy changes within the commitment to the advancement Collaborative Services Agreement
APTN COMMUNIQUÉ 2019 with the Canadian Women’s Women’s Foundation, was formed This helped them acquire valuable Foundation to support the in Toronto in 2017 as a response to work experience. training component of their new inadequate protections and systems project, Rosa. that address workplace sexual APTN video journalists participated harassment in the entertainment in the NASH conference, which Rosa is a digital platform designed industry. The Canadian Women’s supports young journalists. to act as a robust, one-stop- Foundation is a national leader in shop that provides clarity around the movement for gender equality workplace sexual harassment. It in Canada. APTN will support the offers plain-language explanations training component of Rosa from of provincial and federal legislation, April 1, 2019 to Feb. 28, 2024. what to expect, how to prepare, reporting options and where to LEVERAGING LEARNING access low-cost or free legal and APTN is proud to support the trauma-informed supports. The career development of Indigenous project will also provide training students. The network provides and supports for preventing students of vocational schools and workplace sexual harassment. post-secondary institutions with internships and practical work Over a five-year period, this experience that introduces them to training will cover areas such as the real world of TV broadcasting. employment law, reporting, policies Highlights include: and practices, addressing workplace culture as well as inclusion, equity APTN’s Work Experience Program, and opportunities on boards and where APTN collaborates with in leadership positions. educators in high school and post- secondary educational institutions Included among Canada’s The platform will also guide to identify fitting Indigenous potential complainants through students to enroll in the network’s their reporting options and help program. Students who complete TOP 100 the user make an informed decision the Work Experience Program about his or her next steps. are eligible to apply for a paid EMPLOYERS internship position at the network. for the seventh consecutive year The first of its kind in Canada, Rosa will help workers continue to lead The Extensive Internship Program the charge of eliminating sexual and Work Experience Program harassment from their workplaces. placed four students over the past fiscal year into placements AFTERMETOO, a collaborator throughout the network. on the project with the Canadian
20 21 2018–2019 INTERNSHIPS | WORK EXPERIENCES | FELLOWSHIPS
Institution Program Department # of Students
Assiniboine Community College Work Experience News 1
Northern Alberta Institute of Technology Internship/Practicum News 1
Argyle Alternative High School Work Experience News 1
CDI College Work Experience IT 1
MITT Work Experience IT 1
REWARDING COMMUNITY Seanna Dale (Métis) EMPLOYEE RECOGNITION APTN is committed to the Seanna is pursuing an Indigenous Employees are recognized and development of Indigenous media bachelor of education at Trent praised for their accomplishments professionals across Canada. University. Hailing from Bancroft, that contribute to APTN’s business Our Scholarship Program supports Ont., she plans to teach Indigenous objectives and goals. Recognition First Nations, Inuit and Métis lessons and history that have been also helps prepare potential students in the course of studies left out of Canadian history classes. leaders, which retains the network’s leading to full-time employment in workforce. This past fiscal year, a television or filmmaking career. Niki Watts (First Nations, Plains APTN presented eight employees This year’s recipients include the Cree from Nuxalk Nation) with five-year anniversary gifts, 12 following individuals: Niki is pursuing a masters program employees with 10-year anniversary in counselling psychology at gifts and three employees with Tamara Takpannie (Inuit) Yorkville University. Growing up 15‑year anniversary gifts. Originally from Iqaluit, Nunavut, in the rural community of Bella Tamara is attending Carleton Coola, B.C., she witnessed her University where she is pursuing a Peoples’ struggles with high bachelor of arts in psychology and unemployment, substance abuse, Indigenous studies. She wants to school absenteeism and high help Inuit children understand their suicide rates among young people. identity and ensure they receive She intends to use her masters the same education that all other to help tackle these issues in her Canadian children receive. home community.
APTN COMMUNIQUÉ 2019 APTN’S DIVERSITY UPFRONT As of Aug. 29, 2019, 62% of APTN employees are of Indigenous ancestry.
30% 30%
26%
First Nations – Status First Nations – Non-Status Métis Inuit Visible Minority 5% 5% 3% Non-Indigenous 1% Undeclared
85% APTN’S GENDER COMPARISON 54% of employees are female. 69% Of this percentage, 73% are Indigenous. 46% of employees 61% 59% are male. Of this percentage, 54% are Indigenous. 50% 52% 48% 41%
31%
To ensure all our positions are at market salary level, a formal compensation survey was conducted for unionized and non-unionized employees. From there, adjustments were made to ensure our Indigenous Senior Managers Senior Managers Female Male Senior Managers Indigenous Managers Managers Female Male Managers Indigenous Non-Managerial Non-Managerial Female Male Non-Managerial employees are paid accordingly.
2322 APTN COMMUNIQUÉ 2019 UNDERSTANDING OUR AUDIENCE
APTN understands the unique differences within its audiences and acknowledges the vast diversity among Indigenous Peoples in Canada. As a result, the network conducts research and outreach initiatives on a regular basis to better understand its evolving and loyal audience.
24 25 SPOTLIGHT ON SUCCESS tune in to their favourite shows APTN, its funders and members of 2018–2019 Accomplishments anytime, anywhere. The platform the music community will be able will officially launch on Sept. 1, 2019. to better understand the current INTERNATIONAL YEAR OF state of this community as well as INDIGENOUS LANGUAGES NATIONAL INDIGENOUS MUSIC identify opportunities to foster its In 2016, the United Nations General IMPACT STUDY growth and success. Assembly proclaimed 2019 as the Indigenous musicians and their International Year of Indigenous supporters are found in every REVIEWING OUR BRAND Languages. The network has facet of the music and television Over the past two years, APTN supported this initiative for industry. However, no study had observed a shift away from many years and is known for been conducted about this area their audience’s use of the term airing high-quality programming of the industry until this past “Aboriginal” when describing First that not only respectfully and fiscal year. The first of its kind in Nations, Inuit and Métis Peoples. accurately represents Indigenous Canada, the online portion of the APTN originally felt strongly about Peoples in Canada, but is also National Indigenous Music Impact preserving the term “Aboriginal” broadcast in a wide variety of Study (NIMIS) ran from December in its lexicon. However, a rising Indigenous languages. 2018 to February 2019. In-person interviews were conducted around abandonment of the term and APTN continued to show its the same time. Led by APTN with a stronger preference for support for this declaration in support from government and “Indigenous” forced the network to March 2019, when the network industry partners, the study was evaluate the affect this shift could broadcast the first-ever NHL game designed to help the network have on its name, brand, language in Plains Cree as part of Rogers better understand the current and marketing communications. Hometown Hockey. In addition, contributions (economic, cultural, With this in mind, APTN questioned the press release announcing this social) of the Indigenous music whether a corporate name change monumental hockey game was community in Canada, while also was required. sent to media in English, French providing a general overview of the and Plains Cree. current landscape this community APTN assessed this by engaging operates within. in extensive national research APTN lumi with First Nations, Inuit and Métis In an effort to connect with even Expected to release in the fall of Peoples, a mix of geographies more viewers and strengthen 2019, the study will be publicly (East, West and North) and with our relationship with our current available to help those in the music urban, non-urban and on-reserve audience, a public beta version of industry use it and adapt it to participants. These audiences APTN lumi launched on June 3, their needs. helped the network assess how 2019. This on-demand streaming the terms “Indigenous” versus service is dedicated to providing By observing the opportunities, “Aboriginal” are perceived and digital, Indigenous content to users successes and challenges faced by whether or not a corporate name across Canada, allowing them to the Indigenous music community, change was necessary.
APTN COMMUNIQUÉ 2019 In the end, the research indicated the significant amount of brand but Numeris ratings for APTN that the term “Aboriginal” was not equity at stake) and therefore the channels reveal an incomplete considered negative or offensive decision was made to continue picture of its diverse audiences. to most Peoples, but was rarely with the current name. Only 14% of the country’s used when describing themselves. Indigenous population resides Instead, individuals preferred to A FOCUS ON MEDIA within the sample areas, which use specific identifiers like Cree, CONSUMPTION includes the major centres of Ojibway, Mi’kmaq, Métis, Inuit, etc. It is imperative to provide timely Toronto, Edmonton, Calgary, and relevant research to our Vancouver and Montréal. APTN In addition, the research showed internal stakeholders as APTN has remained doubtful that this that the term “Indigenous” was embarks upon new initiatives to system can adequately measure its well-liked, as it harkened back ensure its success. We continue performance, and we continue to to connection to the land and to conduct research in order to explore other methods to support empowerment. For these reasons, understand the media consumption its data requirements. it was considered the best behaviours of Indigenous collective word to describe the communities which have their own APTN INSIDERS First Peoples of Canada. unique viewing and content needs. APTN utilizes an online panel of core viewers: the APTN Insiders. Furthermore, the research In order to better understand these Since 2010, this panel has displayed strong recognition and unique viewing and content needs, participated in ongoing surveys a very positive perception of the the network continued to deploy its about APTN programs and APTN brand. And while there was national tracking survey across the initiatives. Its primary purpose is clear awareness of the brand’s full Indigenous population in Canada to gather an inventory of opinions name, the preference remained to over three waves. APTN found about the network’s programs and refer to it by its call letters. that approximately 43% of the 18+ initiatives and consider the views Indigenous population continues of the people APTN serves. This Finally, when provided with to tune in on a regular basis. The information is provided to program possible alternative acronyms survey also provides quantitative producers so they can adjust (i.e. IPTN, OPTN), none data that shows what proportion for consumer feedback. Surveys strongly resonated with the of our audiences are using Internet- are generally distributed on a research subjects. based services to consume media. monthly basis. Five surveys were conducted on programming and As a result, the APTN Board CURRENCY DATA DOWNFALLS another five were conducted on of Directors concluded that a The network has always faced internal matters. change to the APTN corporate limited access to industry- name was both unnecessary measured data that adequately (given no specific research-based represents its audiences. APTN concerns regarding the name were uses Numeris data as its currency, discovered) and highly risky (given
26 27 ADVERTISING
APTN is a national Canadian television network that shares our Peoples’ stories for all Canadians. Our roots run deep in communities across the country and create meaningful connections with our audiences.
APTN COMMUNIQUÉ 2019 2928 CHALLENGES platforms has made it increasingly in their home are tuning in on a Revenue generation through difficult to generate TV advertising regular basis. advertising continues to be a revenue for APTN. Digital significant hurdle for APTN. advertising is growing at the SPOTLIGHT ON SUCCESS National advertisers, which expense of all media, including 2018–2019 Accomplishments comprise the majority of available traditional television. revenue, utilize Numeris data The network continues to to calculate audience numbers. Below are some recent data on commission quality television Maintaining a balance between advertising revenue by media programs comparable to other increased advertising revenue in Canada. national networks. With marketing while ensuring APTN remains true budgets at a tiny proportion of Based on our internal survey of to its mandate continues to be other broadcasters, publicizing Indigenous Peoples in Canada, a challenge. these programs to a national we know that 72% of Indigenous audience (Indigenous and non- Additionally, the impact of Peoples over 18 who receive APTN Indigenous) is a challenge. competitive digital advertising
Advertising Revenue by Media $ Net CDN – Millions
8000
6000
4000
2000
0 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017
Television Newspaper Radio Internet General Magazines Out-of-home
Source: Thinktv December 2018: Television – linear revenue – Statistics Canada; Online – thinktv estimate; Newspapers – Newspapers Canada; Radio – CRTC; Internet – IAB; General Magazine – estimate of net revenue based on NMR; OOH – estimate of net revenue based on NMR.
APTN COMMUNIQUÉ 2019 APTN HD Statistics based on Numeris: Individuals • Leverage Data – Offer the • 558,000 Primetime Average 2+, Total Canada, Fall 2018. latest data, as it pertains to Weekly Reach primetime programming, for SALES STRATEGIES both established and newly- • 1.1 million Run of Schedule APTN must continue to cultivate acquired programs. Average Weekly Reach sources of revenue from advertising • Increase Awareness – Promote • 1.4 million Primetime Average in order to maintain the network’s APTN’s new commercial Monthly Reach growth. The digital landscape is highly competitive for all television availability of non-standard • 2.4 million Run of Schedule broadcasters. Capturing marketer’s formats among advertisers, Average Monthly Reach attention, gaining their interest including snipes and lower thirds. APTN+ (aptn e, aptn n, aptn w) and securing their investments is • APTN.ca Featured Advertising – • 405,000 Primetime Average an uphill battle, as there are many Big box ads and leaderboard. other options available. Weekly Reach • Utilize Audience Tracking • 823,000 Run of Schedule In continued efforts to diversify Tools – Employ website Average Weekly Reach its sources of revenue, APTN will audience demographic data to assist in selling aptn.ca for • 1.0 million Primetime Average continue to: online advertising. Monthly Reach • Stay Current – Regularly • Focus on Continuous • 1.9 million Run of Schedule update APTN’s highlight reel, Engagement – Share information Average Monthly Reach media kit and website to keep with media buyers and industry clients and advertisers aware personnel through presentations, ONLINE AUDIENCE – APTN.CA of the network’s programming. bulletins and events about AND APTNNEWS.CA Will also continue to highlight Indigenous Peoples and • 560,000+ monthly sessions APTN’s role, successes and their cultures. • 380,000+ monthly users strengths in the Canadian broadcasting landscape. • 900,000+ monthly page views
Advertising on APTN is currently restricted to national advertisers. This past fiscal year, APTN continued its partnerships with many of its long-standing clients. Here are the new advertisers for aptn.ca and linear television:
• Chrysler Canada • Comwave • Government of Yukon • Walmart Canada • Residential School Survivors • First Nations Technical Institute • Amazon – Gowling WLG International – • Alberta Dental Association Indigenous Rights and College • 7-Eleven – Métis Nation Sixties Scoop • Bigen Hair Coloring • Bath Fitter Engagement Sessions • The North West Company 30 31 SETTING THE TECHNOLOGICAL PACE
APTN COMMUNIQUÉ 2019 APTN faces its challenges head-on and continues to adapt to changing environments and consumer behaviours. This willingness to adapt keeps the network a step ahead within the industry and ensures it will continue to offer cutting-edge and relevant content for another 20 years and beyond.
3332 SPOTLIGHT ON SUCCESS with a focus on Indigenous • Reduced duplication of effort 2018–2019 Accomplishments content. APTN lumi launched in and increased automation public beta on June 3, 2019 and to reduce costs and DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION will officially launch to the public increase output. PROJECT on Sept. 1, 2019. APTN lumi is • Removed silos in system APTN is in the final stages of our dedicated to providing digital, architecture, standards, multi-phase digital transformation Indigenous-focused content to workflow and data. project, which will position us to users across Canada, allowing move forward with key digital them to enjoy their favourite shows • Invested in training and initiatives and quickly adapt to anytime, anywhere. development of digital the challenges and opportunities competencies and expertise of the future. New Media Asset across the organization. Management System • Set the stage to integrate new This project is made up of the Our new Media Asset Management and emerging technology following phases: system (MAM) provides a seamlessly and efficiently. centralized online hub to create, Creation of Digital manage and track all media assets AHEAD OF THE CURVE Media Department for all distribution channels, both Through this process of building APTN established a digital media liner and non-linear. This internal our digital infrastructure and department to build a team of MAM initiative provides rapid developing new workflows, experts focused on the vision, access to content and information, our internal teams continue to development and operation of bridges various systems, explore and learn new digital skills. digital products and services that standardizes workflows and helps For example, APTN has adopted will delight both current and future automate critical processes. the Interoperable Master Format APTN audiences. (IMF) as the network’s mezzanine- By implementing these new level file format. IMF is a single, OTT Preparation systems into APTN’s workflow, interchangeable master file format The network has spent the last the network was able to complete that has been rooted in the motion fiscal year developing an overall the following objectives during picture industry for many years. OTT (Over the Top) strategy the past fiscal year: plan. This included defining By adopting and integrating the requirements, developing • Increased collaboration, IMF, the network is able to share interfaces, building an OTT interoperability and the and exchange digital assets in framework and eventually sharing of expertise between a seamless and automated way. launching an OTT service. departments, work units A number of our Avid editors and stakeholders. Launch of APTN lumi and Master Control operators The OTT service will conclude • Utilized common tools are learning how to create IMF with the launch of APTN lumi, an and implemented the packages. Meanwhile, other APTN on-demand streaming service latest technology. employees are building on their
APTN COMMUNIQUÉ 2019 current skill set and making a point of learning in-demand digital skills.
Over this past fiscal year, we have also upgraded our Electronic News Gathering (ENG) cameras and our Avid nonlinear edit suites. To facilitate higher levels of production in our regional bureaus, we have deployed integrated production switchers in Vancouver, MILLION Ottawa, Montréal and Winnipeg. 4.3 These studios allow APTN and combined users on APTN and its partners to create new, fresh APTN National News websites content that will continue to captivate our growing audience.
MOVING FORWARD The network continues to update, enhance and optimize APTN’s websites and other digital offerings through an integrated strategy. Digital properties are being redeveloped with new features that will promote deeper user engagement and enhance the user experience. In addition, new automated digital workflows will facilitate more flexible and efficient content delivery.
APTN will continue to push forward for full system, workflow and process automation, which will help the network quickly adapt to changing needs and cultivate our growing focus on digital distribution.
34 35 COMMUNITY RELATIONS & SPONSORSHIPS
APTN COMMUNIQUÉ 2019 Since its inception 20 years ago, APTN has built a reputation of working for and with Indigenous Peoples across Canada. This reputation is rooted in the community relations department, which aims to foster, enhance and build relationships with First Nations, Inuit and Métis community members, organizations and agencies locally, regionally and nationally.
36 37 SPOTLIGHT ON SUCCESS living in an urban setting. She sponsored a table at this first- 2018–2019 Events also shared her experiences at annual gala. residential school and touched on This past fiscal year, the community the important role that Indigenous BANFF WORLD MEDIA FESTIVAL relations department attended and culture played in her healing – BANFF, ALTA. supported a number of community journey and her ability to embrace June 9–12, 2019 events across the country. Here is her Indigenous heritage. Nestled in the heart of the a complete list of the events that Canadian Rockies, the annual Banff received APTN’s support: WCT GALA – OTTAWA, ONT. May 1, 2019 World Media Festival examines TALKING STICK FESTIVAL 2019 – critical issues facing television and VANCOUVER, B.C. The WCT Annual Awards Gala digital media through keynotes February 19–March 2, 2019 draws over 400 high profile from industry trailblazers, leaders from Canada’s public and conversations with decision-makers Known as a place of gathering for private sectors to celebrate the and thrilling panel discussions. The over 18,000 Indigenous and non- achievements and diversity efforts community relations department Indigenous attendees alike, Talking of women, men and organizations attended the event in support of Stick Festival features two weeks in Canada. APTN’s programming department. of traditional and contemporary Attendees were provided with visual arts, film, theatre, dance and APTN was honoured to be programming and producer music. As an attendee on behalf named this year’s Women in contact information as well as of APTN, Vera Houle, director of Communications & Technology leaflets detailing the many ways community relations, provided Company of the Year – an award APTN supports its communities. greetings at the festival and offered that recognizes extraordinary a congratulatory message during commitment to the advancement MOVING FORWARD the opening ceremony. of women in the digital sector. In October 2019, Indigenous Fittingly, the network was notified women from across Canada will 18th SESSION OF THE UNITED about this win on International gather in Vancouver for the second NATIONS PERMANENT FORUM Women’s Day. annual Indigenous Women’s ON INDIGENOUS ISSUES (UNPFII) Leadership Summit. Through – NEW YORK CITY, NY HONOURING THE GOOD ROAD connection and storytelling, April 22–May 3, 2019 GALA – BRANDON, MAN. attendees will gather new insights May 23, 2019 and resources to step forward This annual event focused on the with confidence as they face Hosted by the Brandon School theme of “Traditional Knowledge: their next leadership challenges. Division, this annual event aims Generation, Transmission and APTN will attend and provide to recognize Mother Earth and Protection.” Vera Houle attended opening greetings. the event and shared her personal the contributions of Indigenous story about her efforts to preserve community members through the her Indigenous language while seven sacred teachings. APTN
APTN COMMUNIQUÉ 2019 SPONSORSHIPS Awards. This annual sponsorship Film Summit, 2019 Indigenous helps bring Indigenous music, Music Awards, 2019 Indspire APTN connects with potential cultures, perspectives and talent to Awards, Inuvik Sunrise Festival, target and fringe audiences the forefront of the music industry. Journalists for Human Rights by partnering with events and “Night for Rights” Gala, 2019 organizations nationwide. Reaching IMAGINENATIVE FILM + MEDIA JUNO Awards – Indigenous our growing audience through ARTS FESTIVAL Music Album of the Year, sponsorships creates a better APTN’s continued partnership Languages Without Borders understanding of the network with this annual festival includes Conference, Manito Ahbee and its important work – all while a Web Series “Open Call” and Festival, MICEC Indigenous Minor increasing loyalty and viewership. training sessions on how to develop Hockey Tournament, Montreal and pitch web series projects to First Peoples Festival, National During the past fiscal year, APTN industry decision-makers. Indigenous Cultural Expo, supported 43 events across NATOA Indigenous Women’s Canada. These partnerships helped APTN also sponsored a number Summit & Gala, Odanak Pow build community relationships of other fantastic events and Wow, Saskatchewan First while supporting important initiatives throughout the past Nations Summer Games, Soaring: initiatives through financial and fiscal year: Indigenous Youth Empowerment in‑kind contributions. • In partnership with MusiCounts, a Gathering, Talking Stick Festival SPOTLIGHT ON SUCCESS $10,000 Band Aid Program grant 2019, 2019 Vision Quest 2018–2019 Partnerships was presented to an Indigenous Conference & Tradeshow, 2019 Winnipeg Folk Festival and more. & Sponsorships school in northern Newfoundland and Labrador. MOVING FORWARD THE INDSPIRE AWARDS • 40+ PARTNERED EVENTS APTN will continue to partner APTN has supported this annual including: Atamiskakewak with events and programs that are award ceremony for a number of Gathering, BreakOut West, 21st essential to Indigenous Peoples years. The network was once again Annual Canadian Journalists and their cultures. Some upcoming a major sponsor and broadcast for Free Expression Gala, events in the 2019–2020 fiscal year partner of the 2019 ceremony and Dreamcatcher Gala, 2019 include the National Gathering of helped share stories of Indigenous East Coast Music Awards, Elders, the 2020 Indspire Awards Peoples and their achievements in First Nations Language and the Soaring: Indigenous Youth a variety of fields. Keepers Conference, 2019 Empowerment Gathering. Gimli Film Festival, Honouring THE JUNO AWARDS APTN continued to sponsor the Our Languages Conference, Indigenous Music Album of the imagineNATIVE Film + Media Year award at the 2019 JUNO Arts Festival, 2019 Indigenous
38 39 APTN COMMUNIQUÉ 2019 COVERING THE STORIES THAT OTHERS WON’T
APTN National News gives viewers an in‑depth look at the stories affecting Indigenous Peoples from across Canada and around the world. Our award- winning coverage includes political and social conversations that are ignored, under‑reported or misunderstood by mainstream news media.
40 41 SPOTLIGHT ON SUCCESS Apprehended, the second segment MULTIPLATFORM PROGRAMMING 2018–2019 Accomplishments from APTN Investigates, examines • APTN produced a series of civil lawsuits against a Kelowna vignettes for the APTN News SPECIAL NEWS PROGRAMMING social worker accused of stealing website, which celebrated Reporters in bureaus across thousands from Indigenous Indigenous heroes and historical the country focus on special children in his care. The APTN figures throughout National news programming and Investigates team traveled to Indigenous History Month event coverage to provide a Saskatoon and met with six in June. regional representation of all parents who are fighting the • The APTN National News Indigenous Peoples. system to get their children back. app was launched for iPhone Approximately 70% of the children and Android. Child welfare continues to be in Saskatchewan’s child welfare an ongoing theme in our APTN system are Indigenous. • Updating the APTN News National News coverage, and has website and creating a strategy been explored on a variety of our In addition to this dogged to monetize its content. programs, including: Perspectives reporting, APTN Investigates On, APTN InFocus and Nation celebrated its 10-year anniversary AWARDS & RECOGNITION to Nation. by broadcasting half-hour specials Ever since its inception in 2000, that looked back on memorable APTN National News has been Stories from this past fiscal year stories from the past decade. lauded by the industry. This past focused on the quality of care A supporting podcast provided a fiscal year has been no different. provided to kids and the high retrospective on the careers and The team behind APTN National number of Indigenous kids in anecdotes of APTN journalists who News received six industry awards the foster care system. These had broken crucial stories over and three nominations. Some stories were told from the the years. highlights from these wins and perspectives of the children in nominations included the following: care whenever possible. NOUVELLES NATIONALES D’APTN • Michener Award nomination for Visit aptnnews.ca to learn more A new national news program Stories on Child Welfare: Life and about these stories and many more called Nouvelles Nationales d’APTN Death in Care (Martha Troian and from APTN National News. debuted on APTN on Aug. 26, Kenneth Jackson). 2019. APTN has offered French- APTN INVESTIGATES • Second place in “General language programming for several In keeping with the special focus Excellence” at the Native years, but this weekly program is on child welfare, APTN Investigates American Journalists the network’s first French national ran two segments. The first,Adopt Association (NAJA) TV news program intended for an an Indian, examined a government Awards (APTN Investigates). Indigenous audience. policy that adopted out Indigenous children to non-Indigenous homes, devastating families in the process.
APTN COMMUNIQUÉ 2019 PARTNERSHIPS COMMUNITY WORK MOVING FORWARD With 20 years of experience in the In addition to APTN’s APTN National News is honoured industry, APTN fully recognizes the representation on industry to broadcast the upcoming 2019 importance of partnerships and boards, the network also makes a federal election debate. While the their ability to reach more viewers conscious effort to connect with 2015 federal election saw a historic and build skills for employees. Here its communities across Canada. 10 Indigenous MPs elected and are some of the partnerships APTN This ensures that the content a historic number of Indigenous fostered this past fiscal year: produced by APTN is both relevant voters cast their ballots, Indigenous and inspirational to the diverse issues have been notably absent • Set up a training project communities and audiences it from election debates in the with The Discourse to assist serves. Here are some of the past. This is the first time APTN emerging APTN reporters with community works the network was will broadcast a federal election their investigative skills and involved in this past fiscal year: debate, a move that will ensure data analysis. Indigenous voices are heard as the • Participated on panels about • Formed a partnership with country elects a new leader. the impact of lost advertising The Discourse and the revenue on the news industry, After the debates, APTN National Huffington Post to cover the which includes advising News will host an online, live Trans Mountain Pipeline. media startups. panel discussion which will provide in-depth analyses and REPRESENTATION ON • Presented at the Public Policy further highlight the importance INDUSTRY BOARDS Forum in April 2019 about of Indigenous participation and • The executive director of threats to traditional journalism, representation in Canadian politics. news and current affairs was misinformation and elections. appointed to the board of the InSpirit Foundation. • Eastern executive producer of news was elected to the board of the Canadian Committee for World Press Freedom and the Native Association of Journalists.
HIGHLIGHTS FROM CURRENT AFFAIRS
• Nation to Nation conducted a sit-down interview with Justice Murray Sinclair on May 2, 2019. • The Laughing Drum taped two episodes at the Toronto Sketch Comedy Festival in March.
42 43 APTN COMMUNIQUÉ 2019 CONDITIONS OF LICENCE
TERMS The licence will take effect September 1, 2018 and expire August 31, 2023. The network is pleased to report APTN met all the mandated conditions, for a discretionary channel, in the 2018–2019 broadcast year.
4544 APTN CONDITIONS OF and their cultures. The service Day: Evening: LICENCE STATUS REPORT, will provide a positive window on Feed 6a – 12a 6p – 12a BROADCAST YEAR: Aboriginal life for all Canadians, aptn e 88% 81% SEPT. 1, 2018 – AUG. 31, 2019 whether living in northern or aptn hd 86% 78% southern Canada. The schedule Conditions of licence applicable will include programming in aptn w 87% 78% to all APTN feeds. English, French and various aptn n 89% 82% Aboriginal languages. 1. The licensee shall adhere to 4. The licensee shall broadcast, the conditions of licence for APTN’s programming has at a minimum, an average discretionary services set out remained of a consistently of eight hours of Canadian in Appendix 2 to Standard high quality over the years. programs between 7 p.m. requirements for television We continue to provide a and 11 p.m. in each broadcast stations, discretionary services, wide range of high-quality week that are drawn from the and on-demand services programming in all genres, following program categories Broadcasting Regulatory Policy which reflects the perspectives set out in Item 6 of Schedule I CRTC 2016-436, 2 November of Indigenous Peoples for our to the 2016, with the exception of Discretionary Services vast audience. By maximizing 2(b) Long-form the general programming Regulations: on the regional feeds, specific documentary, 7 Drama and requirement set out in condition content of interest is offered comedy, 8(a) Music and dance, of licence 6, and condition on the appropriate feed and 9 Variety and 11(a) General of licence 19 relating to high- at a time most relevant to that entertainment and human definition programming. region. Content of a national interest, or that are Canadian interest is shared across the regional productions. APTN is pleased to report entire APTN network on a that all conditions of license national level. For the purpose of this condition for discretionary services of licence, “regional production” have been adhered to for the 3. The licensee shall devote at shall have the same meaning broadcast year 2018–2019, least 75% of the broadcast set out in Group-based licence which is year one (1) of our year and at least 75% of the renewals for English-language new broadcast licence. evening broadcast period to the television groups – Introductory broadcast of Canadian programs. decision, Broadcasting Decision 2. The licensee shall provide a high- CRTC 2011-441, 27 July 2011. quality, general-interest television APTN has achieved service offering a broad range this condition across all APTN continues to offer of programming that reflects programming feeds. Canadian long-form the diverse perspectives of Please see following table: documentaries, drama and Aboriginal peoples, their lives
APTN COMMUNIQUÉ 2019 comedy, music and dance, More than 95% of APTN’s required expenditure for that variety and human-interest Canadian content, excluding year calculated in accordance programs in prime time. news programming and the with condition 6; in such case, While our condition of license other categories noted in the licensee shall ensure that requires us to offer a minimum the condition of licence, is the undertaking expends in of eight (8) hours per week, produced by independent the next broadcast year of the network averages over production companies. the licence term, in addition 15 hours per week of this to the minimum required type of content on each of 6. Subject to condition 7, expenditure for that year, the our programming feeds. the licensee shall, for each full amount of the previous broadcast year, make year’s under-expenditure; 5. At least 80% of the programming sufficient expenditures such broadcast on the service, other that the undertaking devotes b) Where the licensee expends than news (program category at least 55% of the previous an amount for that year on 1), current affairs (program year’s gross revenues to the Canadian programming that category 2(a) and 3) and acquisition of or investment is greater than the minimum sports (program category in Canadian programming. required expenditure 6) (see Item 6 of Schedule I calculated in accordance with to the Discretionary Services APTN is in compliance with condition 6, the licensee may Regulations), shall be produced this condition of licence. deduct that amount from by independent production The precise percentage of the total minimum required companies not related to the revenue spend on Canadian expenditure in one or more licensee. An “independent programming is not available of the remaining years of the production company” is defined at the time of publication, licence term. as a Canadian company that is as APTN is completing our c) Notwithstanding conditions carrying on business in Canada financial statements and the 7(a) and 7(b), during the with a Canadian business related audit. licence term, the licensee shall address, that is owned and ensure that the undertaking controlled by Canadians, whose 7. In each broadcast year of the expends on Canadian business is in the production of licence term, excluding the programming, at a minimum, film, videotape or live programs final year, the total of the minimum for distribution, and in which required expenditures the licensee and any company a) The licensee may expend calculated in accordance with related to the licensee owns or an amount on Canadian condition 6. controls, directly or indirectly programming that is up to in the aggregate, less than 30% 5% less than the minimum of the equity.
46 47 APTN is in compliance with representation by northern • Annual amount of closed this condition of licence. and southern Canada and captioning of the French- The precise percentage of for the selection of directors language and English- revenue spend on Canadian by Indigenous broadcasting language programming programming is not available societies that participate in broadcast on each feed, at the time of publication. the Northern Native Broadcast listed separately. APTN is currently completing Access Program. our financial statements and APTN files an annual report the related audit. 10. The licensee shall file, by no each year before the end later than 30 November in of November via upload to 8. On or before November 30 of each year, a report signed by a the CRTC’s secure website. each year, the licensee shall senior officer of the corporation The network will continue to file with the Commission a attesting that APTN has met follow that process. report on its expenditures for the requirements set out in the and exhibition of Canadian conditions of license regarding 11. The licensee shall file, by no programming in a manner the broadcast of programming later than 30 November in each and form prescribed by in Aboriginal languages and in year, a report relating to its the Commission. the French-language, as well as independent production activity the requirement relating to the that shall include: APTN will file the required closed captioning of the English- report following the and French-language programs • the name of the production completion of APTN’s during the previous broadcast for which APTN has financial statements and year. This report shall include entered into a new the related audit. the following information: production commitment; • the name of the • Weekly amount (time) of 9. The licensee shall have an production company; adequate number of members programming broadcast in • whether it is “related”; on its Board of Directors to Aboriginal languages on each represent northern and southern feed, listed separately; • the region of production; Canada, and at least one member • Weekly and annual amount • the length of production who is selected by the Aboriginal of French-language (episodes and program broadcasting societies that programming broadcast on running time); and make up the Northern Native each feed, listed separately; • the budget of production Broadcast Access Program. • Annual amount of English- (to be filed in confidence language programming with the Commission) APTN’s by-laws are on file broadcast on each feed, with the Commission. The listed separately; and by-laws provide for adequate
APTN COMMUNIQUÉ 2019 For the purposes of these APTN averages over 50 hours conditions of licence: each broadcast week of Indigenous language content All time periods shall be on aptn n. calculated according to Eastern Standard Time. Further, the 13. The licensee shall broadcast terms “broadcast year” and at least 5 hours and 30 “evening broadcast period” shall minutes of news or current have the same meanings as affairs programming in each those set out in the Television broadcast week. Broadcasting Regulations, 1987. APTN averages approximately The term “broadcast week” 12 hours of news or current shall have the same meaning affairs programming each as set out in the Radio broadcast week on aptn n. Regulations, 1986.
To view APTN’s Independent Production Activity (Original Productions) for the recently completed broadcast year, with the exception of related production budget information that will be filed in confidence with the Commission, please refer to Appendix A: Independent Production Activity (Original Production) 2018–2019.
Additional conditions of licence MORE % for APTN North THAN 86 Canadian programming content 12. The licensee shall broadcast a minimum of 35 hours of programming in Aboriginal languages in each broadcast week.
48 49 Additional conditions of licence affairs programming in each a high definition version of for APTN East broadcast week. its service, together with the standard definition regional 14. The licensee shall broadcast APTN averages approximately feeds of its service, provided a minimum of 12 hours of 12 hours of news or current that 95% of the programs on programming in Aboriginal affairs broadcasting each the high definition version of its languages in each broadcast week. service are also broadcast on broadcast week. at least one standard definition Additional conditions of licence regional feed of the service. APTN provides an average for APTN West Further, all of the programs of 13 hours each broadcast making up the 5% allowance week of Indigenous language 18. The licensee shall broadcast shall be provided in high programming on aptn e. a minimum of 12 hours of definition. For the purposes programming in Aboriginal of this condition, “program” 15. Starting no later than the languages in each has the same meaning as that end of the first year of the broadcast week. set out in the Discretionary licence term, the licensee shall Services Regulations, or any broadcast a weekly French- APTN provides an average successor regulations. language newscast. of 13 hours of Indigenous language programming each Almost all of the content APTN launched Nouvelles broadcast week on aptn w. broadcast on aptn hd can Nationales d’APTN, our be seen on one of the SD French-language news 19. The licensee shall broadcast regional feeds. The few broadcast, to our audiences at least 5 hours and 30 instances where content in August 2019. minutes of news or current was truly unique to HD was affairs programming in each very minimal. During our fall 16. The licensee shall broadcast a broadcast week. season, three (3) hours per minimum of 20 hours of French- week or 1.8% in the late night langauge programming in each APTN averages approximately was unique. However, during broadcast week. 12 hours of news programming the winter season, only one each broadcast week, which (1) hour – or 0.5% – was APTN averages approximately includes the later evening unique per week. Only 0.5 22 hours each broadcast rebroadcast. hours per week were unique week of French language during our spring season. programming on aptn e. Additional conditions of licence for APTN HD 21. The licensee shall broadcast 17. The licensee shall broadcast at least 5 hours and 30 20. The licensee is authorized to at least 5 hours and 30 minutes of news or current make available for distribution minutes of news or current affairs programming in each
APTN COMMUNIQUÉ 2019 broadcast week which may be unique to the high definition version of the service and excluded from the calculation of programs taken from the standard definition feeds set out in condition 20.
APTN averages approximately 12 hours of MORE % news programming each THAN 95 broadcast week. Canadian programming broadcast 22. The licensee shall broadcast a was independently produced minimum of 17 hours of French- language programming in each broadcast week.
APTN averages approximately 17.5 hours of French language programming each broadcast week.
23. The licensee shall broadcast a minimum of 18 hours of programming in Aboriginal languages in each broadcast week. This programming may be taken from its standard feeds and may be offered at any time over a 24-hour broadcast day.
APTN offers 18 hours of Indigenous language programming each broadcast week on aptn hd.
50 51 PROGRAMMING
APTN COMMUNIQUÉ 2019 APTN connects with its audience through genuine, inspiring and engaging entertainment on multiple platforms.
Future History 52 53 SEPTEMBER Fall TO DECEMBER
APTN COMMUNIQUÉ 2019 Moosemeat & Marmalade WHAT’S ON Here is a sample list of series from the 2018–2019 broadcast season.
NUNAVUMMI MAMARIJAVUT TEEPEE TIME PREMIÈRE LIGNE SEASON I SEASON II SEASON I aptn.ca/nunavummimamarijavut aptn.ca/kids/teepee-time aptn.ca/premiereligne
Launched: Launched: Launched: Sept. 3, 2018 Sept. 8, 2018 Sept. 10, 2018 (World Premiere – Inuktitut) (World Premiere – Mi’kmaq) (World Premiere – French) 13 x 30-minute episodes 13 x 30-minute episodes 13 x 30-minute episodes Lifestyle – Cooking Series March 9, 2019 Documentary Series (World Premiere – English) In this Inuit culinary series, we 13 x 30-minute episodes Working miles away from major travel to the most special places Children & Youth Series hospitals, these doctors, nurses, in Nunavut – outside communities midwives, paramedics and first and in people’s kitchens – to meet Follow Teepee as he learns to ride responders don’t hesitate to rescue great hunters and Inuit masters his bike, set the table, read a book those in distress – even if it means of food making. or write his name for the very risking their own lives. first time.
5554 FIRST CONTACT ANAANA’S TENT MOOSEMEAT & MARMALADE SEASON I SEASON I SEASON III-IV
aptn.ca/firstcontact aptn.ca/kids/anaanas-tent aptn.ca/moosemeatandmarmalade
Launched: Launched: Launched: Sept. 11, 2018 Sept. 15, 2018 Sept. 18, 2018 – Season III (World Premiere – English) (World Premiere – English) (World Premiere – Cree) 3 x 60-minute episodes 13 x 30-minute episodes 13 x 30-minute episodes Documentary Series Children & Youth Series Feb. 7, 2019 – Season IV (World Premiere – English) First Contact takes six Canadians, In a very special tent in the Arctic, 13 x 30-minute episodes all with strong opinions about Rita Claire and her husky, Qimmiq, Documentary Series Indigenous Peoples, on a 28-day learn new songs, words and stories journey that will change their with the help of some animated This tasty series follows the lives. The travellers leave their friends and Inuit performers. culinary adventures of bush cook homes behind to visit Indigenous Art Napoleon, and classically- communities and learn about the trained British chef, Dan Hayes. lives of Indigenous Peoples. They couldn’t be more different, but they come together to explore culture, culinary traditions and delicious food.
APTN COMMUNIQUÉ 2019 DREAMCATCHER BIOS ARM NATION TAKEN SEASON I SEASON I SEASON III aptn.ca/dreamcatcherbios aptn.ca/armnation takentheseries.com
Launched: Launched: Launched: Sept. 19, 2018 Sept. 19, 2018 Sept. 25, 2018 (World Premiere – Dene) (World Premiere – Dene) (World Premiere – Cree) 13 x 30-minute episodes 13 x 30-minute episodes 13 x 30-minute episodes Nov. 13, 2018 Oct. 20, 2018 Sept. 28, 2018 (World Premiere – English) (World Premiere – English) (World Premiere – English) 13 x 30-minute episodes 13 x 30-minute episodes 13 x 30-minute episodes Documentary Series Documentary Series Documentary Series
Meet the world’s most successful When it comes to brute strength, A true crime series that looks at the Indigenous game-changers as they these athletes have it in spades. mysteries behind Canada’s missing talk about how they beat the odds But in the world of competitive and murdered Indigenous women to rise to the top. arm wrestling, being strong isn’t and girls. everything. Follow Canadian athletes as they train to become LONGMIRE the best of the best in this fast- SEASON V growing sport. aptn.ca/longmire
Launched: Oct. 5, 2018 (Network Premiere – English) 10 x 90-minute episodes Drama Series
This contemporary crime thriller focuses on a Wyoming sheriff who rebuilds his life and career following the death of his wife.
56 57 WENTWORTH SEASON VI
aptn.ca/wentworth
Launched: Oct. 9, 2018 (Network Premiere – English) PRINCESSES THE OTHER SIDE 12 x 60-minute episodes SEASON I SEASON IV Drama Series aptn.ca/princesses aptn.ca/theotherside Set in the present day, this hard- hitting and critically-acclaimed Launched: Launched: drama is a modern adaptation Oct. 15, 2018 Oct. 31, 2018 of the classic prisoner series. (Network Premiere – French) (World Premiere – English) 13 x 30-minute episodes 13 x 30-minute episodes Documentary Series Documentary Series
Standards of beauty – now, Follow a team of paranormal there’s a subjective issue! Shifting investigators who, with the concepts of beauty among guidance of an Indigenous Indigenous Peoples makes it even Elder, seek the truth behind more challenging to try and chart Canada’s real-life ghost stories. this elusive topic. CRY OF THE LOON SEASON IV
aptn.ca/cryoftheloon
Launched: Oct. 11, 2018 (World Premiere – Oji-Cree) 13 x 30-minute episodes Lifestyle Series
Join Joe Wesley and his friends as they fish, cook and explore the Sioux Lookout area of northwestern Ontario.
APTN COMMUNIQUÉ 2019 FUTURE HISTORY CANOT COCASSE MOHAWK GIRLS SEASON I-II SEASON II SEASON V futurehistorytv.ca aptn.ca/kids/canot-cocasse aptn.ca/mohawkgirls
Launched: Launched: Launched: Nov. 13, 2018 – Season I Nov. 17, 2018 Dec. 3, 2018 (World Premiere – English) (Network Premiere – French) (World Premiere – Mohawk) 13 x 30-minute episodes 13 x 30-minute episodes 6 x 30-minute episodes May 9, 2019 – Season II Children & Youth Series Dramedy Series (World Premiere – Ojibway) 13 x 30-minute episodes A comical, magical and Four young women navigate May 14, 2019 multifaceted canoe takes relationships, love and life on the (World Premiere – English) travellers from Camp Manitou rez in this hilarious series. 13 x 30-minute episodes on extraordinary adventures to Documentary Series discover a thousand and one things about the world around them and Archaeologist and activist Kris about themselves! Nahrgang and co-host Sarain Fox journey across Canada to museums and archaeological sites, exploring and exposing all facets of repatriation along the way.
58 59 JANUARY Winter TO APRIL
APTN COMMUNIQUÉ 2019 CAUTION: May Contain Nuts PETE & PIO’S KAI SAFARI UAKALLANGA! OUR PEOPLE, OUR LAND SEASON II SEASON I SEASON III aptn.ca/peteandpioskaisafari aptn.ca/uakallanga aptn.ca/ourpeopleourland
Launched: Launched: Launched: Jan. 7, 2019 Jan. 7, 2019 Jan. 7, 2019 (World Premiere – English with (World Premiere – Inuktitut) (World Premiere – Inuktitut) some Maori)¯ 13 x 30-minute episodes 6 x 30-minute episodes 12 x 30-minute episodes Documentary Series Documentary Series Documentary Lifestyle Series Uakallanga! (“wow” or “impressive” A look at the relationship between Pio Terei and Peter Peeti share a in Inuktitut) showcases the modern and ancient Inuit traditions. love of fishing, hunting and the incredible items traditionally made How are the Inuit balancing ancient great outdoors. But above all, they by the Inuit and how they make traditions and the demands of the both have an incredible passion for and use these creations in today’s modern world? See how the Inuit “kai” (food). Together, they bring modern world. and the land they live on have their unique Maori¯ fun, humour and changed over the past 60 years. outdoor prowess to households TAMÂNEVUGUT across Aotearoa. SEASON VII
oksociety.com/sample-page/ television
Launched: Jan. 7, 2019 (Network Premiere – Inuktitut) 13 x 30-minutes episodes Documentary Series
Through a combination of interviews, pictures, music and video, our host presents a magazine-style program that focuses on the Indigenous youth of Labrador.
60 61 QUEEN OF THE OIL PATCH QAMUQ ISUMAVIT LOUIS SAYS SEASON I SEASON III inuitbroadcasting.ca/blog/ aptn.ca/queenoftheoilpatch category/qanuq-isumavit louissaystv.com
Launched: Launched: Launched: Jan. 10, 2019 Jan. 15, 2019 Jan. 26, 2019 (World Premiere – Cree) (World Premiere – Inuktitut) (World Premiere – English) 8 x 30-minute episodes 13 X 90-minute episodes 13 x 30-minute episodes Documentary Series Live Call-in Show Children and Youth Series
Witness the reality of being Audience members call in to this Follow the adventures of six-year- two-spirit in Canada’s oil live show and discuss current old Randy and his best friend sands through the eyes of events and issues of living in Katie as they help Louis, a Cree Massey Whiteknife and Icesis Rain. the Arctic. Elder, with his work around the community in this animated series. The only problem? Louis mostly speaks Cree and Randy only speaks English.
APTN COMMUNIQUÉ 2019 MERCHANTS OF THE WILD CAUTION: MAY CONTAIN NUTS BITE CLUB SEASON I SEASON V aptn.ca/biteclub aptn.ca/merchantsofthewild aptn.ca/cautionmaycontainnuts Launched: Launched: Launched: March 10, 2019 Feb. 5, 2019 March 8, 2019 (Network Premiere – English) (World Premiere – Oji-Cree) (World Premiere – English) 8 x 60-minute episodes 13 x 30-minute episodes 13 x 30-minute episodes Drama series Feb. 22, 2019 Comedy Series (World Premiere – English) Two shark attack survivors join 13 x 30-minute episodes Nothing is off limits in this fast- forces to hunt a serial killer. Documentary Series paced sketch comedy series. Each episode is jam-packed with kooky A group of Indigenous adventurers characters, wacky worlds and crazy go on a 25-day journey on paths skits that will have you rolling on traditionally used by Indigenous the floor in three seconds flat. Many traders during fur trade expeditions. fan favourites are back in season They will learn to live off the land five, including fantasy characters, and depend on one another as the Space Trek world and, of they embark on this journey of course, Delmer and Marta! self‑discovery.
62 63 PLANET EARTH SEASON I
aptn.ca/planetearth
Launched: March 20, 2019 ORIGNAL ET MARMELADE (Network Premiere – Inuktitut) THAT’S AWSM! SEASON III 11 x 60-minute episodes SEASON I Documentary Series aptn.ca/orignaletmarmelade aptn.ca/thatsawsm This nature documentary series, Launched: the first to be filmed entirely in HD, Launched: March 11, 2019 provides unparalleled views of awe- March 23, 2019 (World Premiere – French) inspiring landscapes and incredible (World Premiere – English) 13 x 30-minute episodes footage of the rarely-seen 13 x 30-minute episodes Documentary Series creatures that inhabit our planet. Youth Series
This tasty series from APTN follows Celebrities, sports figures and the culinary adventures of bush musicians pair up with Indigenous cook Art Napoleon, and classically- youth to take on adventures. trained British chef Dan Hayes. Facilitated by a funny and They couldn’t be more different, resourceful host, each team will but they come together to explore visit interesting locations and tackle culture, culinary traditions and daring activities. delicious food.
APTN COMMUNIQUÉ 2019 ROGERS HOMETOWN HOCKEY BELLES, FIÈRES ET MOHAWKS IN CREE SEASON I-IV aptn.ca/hockey aptn.ca/bellesfieresetmohawks
Launched: Launched: March 24, 2019 April 15, 2019 (World Premiere – Cree) (World Premiere – French) 1 x 3-hour Live Event 27 x 30-minute episodes Sports & Live Event Dramedy Series
In late March, APTN made Four young women navigate broadcast history by televising relationships, love and life on the the first NHL game in Plains Cree rez in this hilarious series. as part of Rogers Hometown Hockey. Hockey fans watched as the Carolina Hurricanes faced off against the Montreal Canadiens on APTN. Clarence Iron provided play-by-play in Plains Cree for the entire game. Studio host Earl Wood, analyst John Chabot and their special guest shared updates, highlights and exclusive interviews from the APTN studio.
64 65 MAY TO Spring JUNE
APTN COMMUNIQUÉ 2019 Feast QANURLI? MÉCHANT TRIP! SANS RÉSERVE SEASON VII SEASON III SEASON I (CYCLE II) aptn.ca/qanurli aptn.ca/mechanttrip aptn.ca/sansreserve
Launched: Launched: Launched: May 6, 2019 May 6, 2019 May 6, 2019 (World Premiere – Inuktitut) (World Premiere – French) (World Premiere – French) 13 x 30-minute episodes 13 x 30-minute episodes 9 x 30-minute episodes Comedy Series Children & Youth Series Talk Show Series
Season 7 continues to deliver the Méchant Trip! is a crazy, action- Sans Réserve showcases unique, offbeat and hilarious stories packed youth series revolving personalities from a variety of that Qanurli? has become known around the unlikely pairing of an genres who are committed to and for across the North. After Inuk Indigenous youth and a well-known share a deep respect for the reality accepts an amazing opportunity public figure. Hosted by the ever of First Nations in Canada. to advance his work in Nuuk, resourceful and entertaining Brad Nipangi is forced to reexamine his Gros-Louis. own goals. Turning to their friends for guidance, the pair begin an exciting journey full of mishaps and self‑discovery.
66 67 TRIBAL POLICE FILES ASKIBOYZ POLICIER AUTOCHTONE SEASON II SEASON I SEASON I
aptn.ca/tribalpolicefiles aptn.ca/askiboyz aptn.ca/policierautochtone
Launched: Launched: Launched: May 7, 2019 May 7, 2019 May 7, 2019 (World Premiere – Ojibway) (World Premiere – Cree) (World Premiere – Innu) 13 x 30-minute episodes 13 x 30-minute episodes 13 x 30-minute episodes May 18, 2019 Children & Youth Series Documentary Series (World Premiere – English) 13 x 30-minute episodes Asivak and Mahiigan, gifted with Each week, this series gives viewers Documentary Series the nickname AskiBOYZ, have a glimpse of the everyday life of signed themselves up for a life- police officers in four different Season 2 journeys into Ontario, changing journey that will turn Indigenous communities. It Canada and focuses on two tribal their world upside down. The two illustrates the social and cultural police services. The Akwesasne and urbanized Cree teenagers from challenges they face, such as Rama Tribal Police Services provide Toronto travel to 13 different working in the community where intense, dramatic action, capturing Canadian rural Indigenous they grew up or currently live. the professional and personal communities, taking on whatever challenges of being a tribal police challenges come their way. The officer in Canada. journey proves difficult, but with the help of their mentor, they walk away with a renewed respect for Indigenous cultures and a deep sense of self.
APTN COMMUNIQUÉ 2019 HIT THE ICE FEAST SEASON VII SEASON I aptn.ca/hittheice aptn.ca/feast
Launched: Launched: May 15, 2019 May 24, 2019 (World Premiere – Cree) (World Premiere – English) 13 x 30-minute episodes 13 x 30-minute episodes June 12, 2019 Cooking Series (World Premiere – English) 13 x 30-minute episodes A professional chef with a love Children & Youth Series of food and flavour, Tiffany Wahsontiiostha Deer has a passion The best young female hockey for cooking healthy and easy to players from across Canada come prepare meals at home. Joined by together for a two-week NHL- friends and culinary experts, Tiffany esque training camp. From physical explores rustic and simple creations training to on-ice drills and team of both modern and traditional building activities, the players Indigenous cuisine. experience the highs and lows of a professional-level training camp and grow not only as a team, but also as women.
68 69 JUNE TO Summer AUGUST
APTN COMMUNIQUÉ 2019 Bebe Buckskin, IDL 2019 | Calgary BEST OF INDIGENOUS DAY APTN INDIGENOUS DAY LIVE! LIVE! 2018 – ARTIST REPACK 2019 indigenousdaylive.ca indigenousdaylive.ca
Launched: Launched: June 18, 2019 June 22, 2019 (World Premiere – English) (World Premiere – English) 6 x 30-minute episodes 1 x 5-hour Live Event Variety & Performing Arts 3 x 75-minute stream pre-shows Variety & Performing Arts Best of Indigenous Day Live! Live Event 2018 features some of the most accomplished Indigenous APTN Indigenous Day Live! 2019 musicians, including award- is the nation’s largest event in winning and up-and-coming artists. recognition of National Indigenous Displaying talent from all genres, Peoples Day. Through cultural regions and nations, this special activities and live music, Canadians annual event ensures all First are brought together to celebrate Nations, Inuit and Métis Peoples Indigenous Peoples’ unparalleled are recognized and included in contributions to Canada. the nation’s largest celebration of National Indigenous Peoples Day.
70 71 APTN INDIGENOUS DAY LIVE
APTN Indigenous Day Live (IDL) has been delighting audiences since 2007. This event features some of the biggest names in Indigenous music and television, including JUNO Award winners and new, emerging artists.
APTN COMMUNIQUÉ 2019 72 73 Through cultural Daytime celebration attendance activities and live music, Evening concert attendance the 13th edition of IDL Cumulative attendance brought Canadians together to acknowledge Indigenous Peoples’ accomplishments while contributing to the nationwide movement of reconciliation.
SPOTLIGHT ON SUCCESS 2018–2019 Accomplishments
ONE GREAT GATHERING This year, IDL was hosted in Winnipeg, Whitehorse and, for
the first time, Calgary. The live 10,000 20,000 30,000 15,000 6,000 21,000 5,000 5,000 10,000 multiplatform concert broadcast Winnipeg Calgary Whitehorse was available to all Canadians and beyond via APTN, radio waves and online. Viewer statistics reached more than 216,000 through the TV broadcast, with 200* online viewers IDL 2019 fused musical and centre stage across three cities! and 12 radio networks broadcasting dance genres, languages, The highlights included: Buffy to 1.1 million potential listeners in styles and interdisciplinary Sainte-Marie with Randy Bachman, Canada and the United States for arts from across Turtle Island. The Jerry Cans, The Dakhká a total combined reach of over This extravaganza of Indigenous Khwáan Dancers & DJ Dash, Blue 1.3 million across all platforms. cultures merged on stage to paint Rodeo and Armond Duck Chief, The rebroadcast on Sunday, a vibrant display of contemporary Crystal Shawanda, Diyet & The June 23 across all feeds reached Indigenous expression. Love Soldiers, Terri Clark, Julian 152,000 viewers for a combined Taylor Band, Leela Gilday and reach of over 1.46 million across Over 103 Canadian, Indigenous Daghaalhaan K’e & The Selkirk all platforms. and international performers took Spirit Dancers.
*The online viewer numbers decreased by 97% due to a change in streaming platform and technical issues.
APTN COMMUNIQUÉ 2019 Making its debut in a park outside City Year APTN headquarters in downtown Winnipeg in 2007, IDL continues Winnipeg 2007–2019 to expand its grassroots reach Yellowknife 2008, 2017 across the country. Whitehorse 2009, 2019 Ottawa 2010, 2017, 2018 Here are the cities that have hosted IDL: Regina 2012 Iqaluit 2013 Halifax 2014, 2017 Edmonton 2015, 2017 Vancouver 2017 Toronto 2017, 2018 Montréal 2017 Calgary 2019
Whitehorse Iqaluit
Yellowknife
Edmonton
Calgary Vancouver Regina Halifax Winnipeg Montréal Ottawa
Toronto
MOVING FORWARD The 14th edition of IDL is set to be both historic and deeply memorable. APTN Indigenous Day Live 2020 will be held in Winnipeg, Man., Whitehorse, Yukon, and for the first time ever – Membertou First Nation on Cape Breton Island, N.S.
This marks the first time that IDL will be held at a First Nation community.
74 75 APTN’S EXTENDED FAMILY
APTN collaborates with a variety of organizations to bring audiences high-quality Indigenous programming via digital media, television and radio.
APTN COMMUNIQUÉ 2019 ANIMIKI SEE DIGITAL ALL NATION PRODUCTION INC. APTN continues to explore the A producer of Indigenous television potential forms of distribution of and digital media content, its specialty programming and including interactive and alternative news to be made available in the multiplatform content. United States.
ANIMIKI SEE DISTRIBUTION INC. MOVING FORWARD A leading distributor and APTN is currently in talks with promoter of Indigenous members of the Indigenous music content for television, web and industry about creating a music other alternative platforms. production service that will better Animiki has been involved in a meet the needs of Indigenous number of APTN programs and musicians in Canada. This project is productions, including this year’s in the early stages of development. APTN Indigenous Day Live and First Contact.
ELMNT FM With APTN’s support, First Peoples Radio launched two new radio stations in urban areas in the fall of 2018. These two ELMNT FM stations serve urban Indigenous communities in Ottawa (95.7 FM) and Toronto (106.5 FM) with radio that is a true reflection of our Peoples.
76 77 339 Portage Avenue P: +1.204.947.9331 Winnipeg, Manitoba F: +1.204.947.9307 R3B 2C3 Toll-Free: +1.888.278.8862 Canada aptn.ca