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 September 1, 1999 represented a significant milestone for Indigenous Peoples across . The network has since become an important entertainment, news and educational programming choice for more than 11 million households in Canada. 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, and the rest, as they say, is broadcast history.

APTN Communiqué 2018 table of contents

2 / Message from Our Chairperson 4 / Message from Our Chief Executive Officer 6 / Year in Review 8 / Indigenous Production 16 / Our People 22 / Understanding Our Audience 26 / Digital Drum 28 / Advertising 32 / Setting the Technological Pace 34 / Uncovering the Stories that Others Won’t 42 / Conditions of Licence 52 / Programming 66 / Indigenous Day Live Appendix A | Independent Production Activity (Original Productions) 2017-2018

/ 1 message from our chairperson JOCELYN FORMSMA

Wachiya, diverse perspectives to the national to create platforms that support television landscape, and doing our Indigenous talent and create an Every year, APTN continues part in building a robust and skilled environment in which our team is to evolve as the community Indigenous industry workforce. given opportunities to grow both of producers, actors and We are proud of the work that professionally and personally. The behind the camera talent we have done to date to fuel a continued support and input from grows, and as our Peoples nationwide network of Indigenous our communities provide us with continue to find new (or old) producers, writers, directors, essential feedback that we utilize stories to tell and innovative actors, broadcast professionals and to advance our purpose. Indigenous news teams in every ways to share them. This year province and territory. The APTN Board of Directors has was no different. adjusted to its new structure, which APTN is deliberate in our work we enacted in December of 2016. APTN was successful in receiving to change the digital content The number of representatives a renewed licence from the environment, provide interactive on the Board was reduced from Canadian Radio-television and programming, invest in ongoing 21 members to 12 as part of our Telecommunications Commission viewer research to better governance review. This past year, (CRTC), renewed mandatory understand our audiences’ the Board developed a new process carriage, and an increase in preferences, media consumption for recruiting board members and subscriber fees. This support and viewing habits. We partner will continue to roll out and refine will assist us in continuing to tell with other Canadian agencies the process. important stories, contributing

APTN Communiqué 2018 The network is also in the midst their enthusiasm and commitment of a complex, multi-faceted and to APTN. Each of you demonstrates multi-phased digital transformation admirable dedication that helps project. The core projects currently make the network the great underway will help APTN achieve organization that it is. the development of digital competencies and expertise Jocelyn Formsma, Chairperson across the organization. APTN Board of Directors

On behalf of the APTN Board of Directors, I would like to acknowledge those who supported us throughout the licence renewal process. Your letters and public expressions of support for us to continue and expand our work helped with our successful renewal. I would also like to acknowledge our hardworking Executive Management team and staff for

2 / 3 message from our CEO JEAN LA ROSE

APTN will look back on the On August 31, 2018, the This past fiscal year, the network 2017–2018 fiscal year with Canadian Radio-television and moved forward on many fronts pride, as we remember Telecommunications Commission to increase its presence within the hard work that led to (CRTC) renewed APTN’s our communities and create new one of our most successful mandatory carriage licence for relationships and opportunities for another five years; these changes our Peoples and our communities. licence renewal campaigns. are effective September 1, 2018 to In February 2018, APTN and the Canadians showed August 31, 2023. The CRTC granted National Film Board of Canada overwhelming support of APTN an additional subscriber fee (NFB) announced their partnership the network, submitting 1,130 increase of four cents per month to implement protocols, programs, letters commenting on the for a total of 35 cents a month per training and other initiatives network’s licence renewal household, effective September 1, aimed at strengthening relations application. 99.8% of the 2018. Although the network fell with Indigenous Peoples and letters received expressed short in its request for a five cent creators, as well as to provide new support for APTN, support for increase, the increase awarded will opportunities. Jointly, they will APTN’s continued distribution not only keep APTN on the air, it review the content of the NFB’s as a specialty channel service, will allow APTN to sustain a strong archives to determine the best support for APTN’s plans for and talented Indigenous production protocol for either returning a copy industry and grow opportunities to the communities where they the next licence term, and to better serve the needs of originated or ensure they’re airing support for APTN’s proposed Indigenous communities. with the community’s approval. wholesale fee.

APTN Communiqué 2018 This truly represents an innovative population. The next five years to showcase more programming by, approach in working with long- will be devoted to solidifying the for and about Indigenous Peoples established institutions in Canada. network’s position as a national in Canada. I invite you to read the We hope it will lead the way. network in a highly competitive Year in Review section to see some environment offering programming of our proudest accomplishments. APTN also helped launch First that reflects this position. We will Peoples Radio, a company that focus our attention on creating I would like to express my sincere will have radio stations in two partnerships with the Indigenous thank you to the APTN Board major urban centres in Fall 2018. entertainment industry, providing of Directors, to our hardworking and will see the APTN viewers with an opportunity Executive Management team introduction of ELMNT FM in to view the work of Indigenous and staff for their valuable role both cities. It will offer unique filmmakers and positioning APTN in achieving a successful year. programming with a minimum of as a multi-platform broadcaster. Your admirable dedication and 25% Indigenous music and will enthusiasm help make APTN an be a significant platform for our APTN’s future is bright, with organization that is always striving incredible musical talent. endless possibilities for growth to go above and beyond and a and expansion. With a new licence great place to work. APTN will continue engaging and comes a new chapter in our story; serving the Indigenous population a chapter filled with enormous Jean La Rose, in Canada by strongly connecting opportunities to bring more stories Chief Executive Officer with the younger segment of our to more people, and more platforms APTN

4 / 5 year in review

2017-2018 MORE % % THAN 86 94 highlights Canadian programming content Canadian programming broadcast was independently produced

51 HOURS/WEEK 22 HOURS/WEEK Indigenous-language programming French-language in 24 different languages programming broadcast

JOURNALISM Announcement of the signing of a 9 AWARDS MEMORANDUM including the Gordon Sinclair OF UNDERSTANDING Award for Broadcast Journalism – presented to a Canadian Broadcast between The National Film Board Journalist for their exceptional of Canada and APTN to pool body of work in television the organizations’ efforts and journalism, and best news or expertise in implementing protocols, information segment category at programs, training and other the 2018 Canadian Screen Awards initiatives aimed at strengthening relations with Indigenous Peoples and Indigenous creators

APTN Communiqué 2018 NEW % OF PARTNERED 13 ADVERTISERS 66 EMPLOYEES 30+ EVENTS secured for TV and aptn.ca have Indigenous ancestry including Anisabka Film & Media Arts Festival, Movie Nights Across Canada, National Gathering of Elders, Dreamspeakers Film Festival, Journalists for Human Rights Night MORE Reached an audience of for Rights Gala, imagineNATIVE Film THAN 50 MORE + Media Arts Festival, 13th Annual MILLION Dreamcatcher Gala, live streams from APTN National THAN 1.2 Language Keepers Conference, News across Canada on Missing at Indigenous Day Live through Whistler Film Festival 2017 – and Murdered Indigenous Women multi-platform delivery and Girls inquiries Aboriginal Filmmaker Fellowship, Inuvik Sunrise Festival, Talking Stick Festival, Soaring: Indigenous Youth Empowerment Gathering (), 25th Annual , 2018 INDUSTRY JUNOS – Indigenous Music Album 9 AWARDS 3.7 MILLION of the Year, 2018 South Slave Arctic Winter Games, National Aboriginal for top programming combined users on APTN and Diabetes Association Conference, commissioned by the network APTN National News websites Atamiskakewak Gathering 2018, Eastlink East Coast Music Awards 2018, Vision Quest Conference, Indigenous Fashion Week, Two-Spirit Pow Wow, Alianait Arts Festival, TOP EMPLOYER $ Folk Festival – Indigenous AWARDS 20,000 Workshop and Round Dance in Band Aid grants were presented Sponsor, 2018 Masters Indigenous for Canada’s Top 100 Employers, in partnership with MusiCounts Games, Montréal First Peoples Canada’s Top Employers for to Indigenous schools in Yukon Festival, Asinabka Film & Media Arts Young People, and Manitoba’s Territory and Manitoba Festival, 2018 Eskasoni Mi’kmaw Top 25 Employers Summer Games, and more

6 / 7 APTN Communiqué 2018 indigenous production

APTN develops, commissions and acquires distinctive and compelling television series and digital components that appeal to all Canadians. APTN is honoured to support our communities’ desire to be heard.

8 / 9 Language programming is digital media components. AWARDS AND RECOGNITION integral to APTN, not only to Most commissioned programs offer Recognition this year was preserve the languages but to stand-alone websites, including significant for APTN and our talent. th celebrate our diversity. clips, recipes, airdates and behind- The network swept the 6 annual the-scenes footage. However, Canadian Screen Awards with spotlight on success some programs created more 10 nominations including three 2017–2018 Accomplishments enriched content. wins for Rumble: The Indians Who Rocked the World, one win for • Mohawk Girls, our successful REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS Taken and one win for Rise. dramedy, once again offered a On average, the Programming second-screen experience and The Alberta Film and Television Department launches a minimum created videos titled Behind- Awards presented Best of three Request for Proposals The-Scenes that showcased six Documentary Series to Red Earth (RFPs) specifically to commission dynamic scenes from Season 5. Uncovered, out of four nominations. stories shared in an Indigenous Each scene gave fans a little APTN also received one nomination language: the Northern Members glimpse of the unseen action for The Secret History of the 2017 RFP, the Indigenous Language and quickly gained popularity. Wild West. Programming – Series 2018 RFP, • Queen of the Oil Patch, which has and the Aboriginal Language The Leo Awards honoured 1491: been very well received by the Programming – Emerging Director The Untold Story of the Americas Canadian media, also offered a 2018 RFP. Before Columbus team with second-screen experience. three awards in the categories Due to the positive response, APTN • Arm Nation, a documentary Best Documentary Series, Best received in supporting Feature Film series, offered an arm wrestling, Screenwriting in a Documentary storytellers in 2016, APTN released arcade-style game. Series and Best Composition in a the Feature Film 2017 RFP, which Documentary Series. APTN also resulted in the production of the • Anaana’s Tent, a children’s received four nominations for Red Eye feature, and development series, delivered a rich and Nations at War and one nomination of two other film projects. interactive website complete for Moosemeat & Marmalade. with an Inuktitut language On November 27, 2017, APTN learning section. The network also enjoyed launched an RFP specifically for • Caution: May Contain Nuts – recognition in comedy from the English and Indigenous language Season 5, a popular sketch Canadian Comedy Awards with Linear Web Series, and two comedy series released web two nominations in the categories documentary series were greenlit sketches, which amassed Best TV Series and Best Writing for production. remarkable views and toward Guilt Free Zone for the MULTI-PLATFORM CONTENT impressions on YouTube. episode “Cops & Mobsters.” In 2018, APTN continued to support interesting and innovative

APTN Communiqué 2018 APTN and imagineNATIVE • APTN and CBC came together collaborated on the first APTN to support the feature filmThe and imagineNATIVE Web Series Body Remembers When the Open Call in October 2017, which World Broke Open in Spring 2018. resulted in a spectacular drama • The Movie Network and series Colour of Scar Tissue taking APTN partnered on two the prize. A second call was feature-length documentaries: launched in July 2018 to Indigenous Inconvenient Indian and Robbie Canadian creatives. Three selected Robertson: Testimony. creative teams will learn how to conceive projects for the web, how • Telus’ one-hour point-of-view to execute the components to a (POV) documentary Dust ‘n broadcast standard and how to Bones caught APTN’s attention pitch to industry decision makers with the gifted Harold Joe’s for production funding. mission in preservation and rededication of First Nations In February 2018, APTN in artifacts and remains. partnership with TV5 selected • CBC joined as lead broadcaster Kokum as the fourth project for the on the 25th Annual Indspire program. Ma websérie sur APTN Awards in 2018. Broadcast partnerships are • Accessible Media Inc. once again imperative in an ever-changing joined APTN to co-broadcast market landscape. This fiscal year, the very successful annual Most recently, the network the network saw a significant Indigenous Day Live concert on received three nominations from increase in partnerships: June 23, 2018, broadcast from the prestigious 33rd Prix Gémeaux three cities across Canada. towards Ce silence qui tue. • APTN and CBC have confirmed the fourth and final season of The network continued its long- STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIPS the documentary series Taken, standing involvement with the APTN and the National Screen which will showcase not only Montréal First Peoples Festival Institute (NSI) continued with their stories on missing and murdered in 2018. In August, APTN offered second-year partnership toward Indigenous women and girls, but the fifth annual APTN Award to the NSI IndigiDocs program in those of men and boys. honour Alanis Obomsawin, for Our September 2017. The program will People Will Be Healed. APTN also • Documentary Channel and APTN continue to provide mentorship sponsored four master classes – are partnering on a one-hour and training to Indigenous two in French and two in English. documentary: Life and Death in producer and director creative the Prairies, a story about the teams on the production of short Colten Bushie trial. documentary films.

10 / 11 These classes featured industry key TERMS OF TRADE PROGRAMMING COMMITMENTS players: Kim O’Bomsawin, Directing The network has continued to (AS OF AUGUST 31, 2018) Documentary Films; Daniel Brière, abide by the Terms of Trade signed This fiscal year, APTN Programming Directing a Documentary Film with between APTN and the Alliance of committed to 38 television Special Effects; Wahiakeron Gilbert, Aboriginal Media Professionals on productions and 24 original digital Indigenous Languages in Cinema; August 28, 2014. media components, representing and Brittany LeBorgne, Acting in 307 hours of original programming Television and Cinema. in English, French and 10 Indigenous languages.

Indigenous-Language Commitments 2017-2018

Inuktitut 38% Mi’kmaq 19% 15% Ojibway 10% Dene 5% Coast Salish 5% Blackfoot 5% Gwich’in 1% Inuvialuktun 1% Mohawk 1%

APTN Communiqué 2018 ACQUISITIONS Horse, based on a true story of a However, APTN remains This fiscal year, Acquisitions brilliant but troubled New Zealand committed to delivering high- secured 231 hours of programming. chess champion (Cliff Curtis) quality programming. Despite the Back by popular demand, and who finds purpose by teaching challenges the network faces with thanks to a huge fan base and an underprivileged children about the ratings and smaller marketing and online petition, APTN brought back rules of chess and life. WARU and licensing budgets, and compared to all six seasons of North of 60, a The Dark Horse are also Canadian the average decrease in envelopes drama series about the trials and premieres. Charlie’s Country, among all broadcasters, APTN tribulations of Indigenous Peoples featuring an Australian Indigenous performed quite well. set in the fictional town of Lynx man named Charlie (David Gulpilil) River, Northwest Territories. who becomes lost between two The network triggered the totality cultures and heads into the wild on of its PE and greenlit 90 hours New seasons of Wentworth his own, to live the old way. Other of new programming during and Longmire return to the Fall notable Canadian films acquired the CMF’s 2017-2018 fiscal year, schedule, and later in the year the are Passchendaele, Take This Waltz, including English, French and newly acquired crime thriller series The Trotsky and the fiveNorth of Indigenous-language versions. Bite Club will have its Canadian 60 movies. premiere and first year exclusive. Summary of APTN’s 2017-2018 The network continues to support CMF Performance Envelopes: For movies, APTN secured the versioning of original productions, • 100% of English PE triggered: second window and exclusive either into French or English. rights for The Sun at Midnight, 83.5 hours of programming to which tells the story of an unusual CANADA MEDIA FUND (CMF) be produced; friendship between a hunter PERFORMANCE ENVELOPES (PE) • 100% of French PE triggered: (Duane Howard) obsessed with APTN continues to depend on 6.5 hours of programming to finding a missing caribou herd and CMF funding to meet its goals be produced; a teenage rebel (Devery Jacobs) with the Canadian Radio-television • 23.5 hours of Indigenous- who gets lost while on the run. and Communications Commission language programming will This is the first time a feature (CRTC) on expectations for also be produced; film has been produced near the licensed programming genres and Arctic Circle on Gwich’in traditional languages of broadcast. APTN’s • $22,163,930 total production lands. Shot entirely on location in English PE increased by 15% and budgets to be triggered Nunavut, Uvanga tells the story of French decreased by 30% in the (English, French and a mixed-blood child discovering his CMF 2017-2018 fiscal year. Indigenous languages); roots in a remote community. • APTN also triggered 100% of Being an independent broadcaster, International titles include WARU, its CMF English and French APTN faces many challenges in a powerful New Zealand feature development funds for 2017-2018. made up of eight, 10-minute short its yearly operations, including films, each written and directed by competing against larger Maori women filmmakers.The Dark broadcasters for a share of PE funds.

12 / 13 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 27.5 $551,936 $389,025 6.5 $5,560,782 102 $6,598,132 83.5 $6,112,718 129.5 $6,987,157 90

2016-2017 2017-2018 2016-2017 2017-2018 2016-2017 2017-2018

Budget Hours

APTN Communiqué 2018 CANADA MEDIA FUND (CMF) Summary of APTN’s 2017-2018 Summary of APTN’s 2017-2018 ABORIGINAL PROGRAM (AP) AP (Production): AP (Development): The AP budget for the 2017- 2018 fiscal year was $8.5 million. • 71% of projects supported by the • APTN supported one TV APTN continues to be the main AP were licenced by APTN; project through the CMF AP development fund. broadcaster triggering AP funding • 78 hours of Indigenous-language and the only regulated broadcaster programming to be produced that has a specific Condition for APTN; of Licence (COL) to broadcast • 13 hours of French-language Indigenous-language programming. programming to be produced APTN broadcasts a minimum of 35 for APTN; hours each week, and APTN strives to provide new and engaging • 65 hours of English-language content each broadcast season. programming to be produced for APTN; • $15,819,810 total production budgets to be triggered by APTN.

22 HOURS/WEEK French-language programming broadcast

51 HOURS/WEEK Indigenous-language programming in 24 different languages

14 / 15 APTN Communiqué 2018 our people

APTN is a top Canadian employer and is influential in creating in‑house employee programs that are recognized by industry leaders.

16 / 17 spotlight on success healthy changes within the TRAINING FOR THE FUTURE 2017–2018 Accomplishments workspace and introduced a APTN is known as an incubator for healthy eating vending machine. Indigenous talent and is committed COLLABORATIVE CULTURE This has continued into the new to the professional development The organization’s benefits exceed fiscal year. of employees in the broadcasting sector. All employees receive those offered by many other • Traditional Elder Healing Services support for ongoing training – companies. Examples of successes continues to be made available to in‑house and online – to encourage in building the internal culture at employees through the existing growth within the organization. the network included: Employee and Family Assistance Program (EFAP). • “Share Your Talents” initiatives New employees to the network were launched for employees • Peer-to-peer recognition is receive training in Understanding to share their talents such as the genuine expression of Indigenous and , beading, painting and crocheting appreciation exchanged between Harassment in the Workplace, and during lunchtime workshops. co-workers. APTN developed Workplace Hazardous Materials the Recognize Appreciate Praise Information System (WHMIS). • Partnership with Canadian Blood (RAP) Program to encourage and Services for blood donations in motivate employees to recognize APTN also has a formalized December 2017 and March 2018. their peers’ contributions mentorship program which • Take Our Kids to Work Day – and successes. provides Indigenous employees APTN organized this event at with developmental opportunities. its Winnipeg head office for AWARDS AND RECOGNITION Upon completion they have the employees who have children in APTN is committed to creating opportunity to apply for mid- Grade 9. The day included fun a nurturing work environment level, management and senior and interactive orientation and and to providing exciting career management vacancies as tour as well as a viewing of a opportunities; it was recognized they arise. live news broadcast and control throughout the year for its As the network introduces new room. APTN provided snacks, dedication to employees: equipment or systems, our a pizza lunch, participation • Canada’s Top Employer trainers regularly visit the remote certificates and thank you gifts. for Young People for the bureaus. This will ensure the News • The Employee Engagement second time. Department employees are current Committee (EEC) continues in the operation of equipment • Canada’s Top 100 Employers for to foster a culture of engaged and are utilizing the prescribed the sixth consecutive year. employees collaboratively. workflow and techniques for The committee worked • Manitoba’s Top Employers for optimal efficiency. with employees and senior the 10th consecutive year. management to implement

APTN Communiqué 2018 LEVERAGING LEARNING secondary educational • Extensive Internship Program APTN is proud to play an important institutions to identify suitable and Work Experience Program role in supporting the career Indigenous students to enroll placed six students throughout development of Indigenous in the network’s program. the network and allowed them to students. The network helps Students who complete the acquire valuable work experience. students of vocational schools and Work Experience Program • Out of the six internships post-secondary institutions with are eligible to apply for a paid and work experiences, two internships and practical work internship position. students have now received experience that will introduce • Partnership with the Canadian a permanent contract as them to the real world of TV Association of Journalists (CAJ) Reporter/Correspondents, and broadcasting. Highlights include: successfully placed one journalist one student has received a to complete an Indigenous full-time temporary contract • APTN’s Work Experience Investigative Journalism as a Graphic Artist. Program is aimed at working Fellowship with the collaboratively with educators APTN team. in high school and post- Investigates

TOP EMPLOYER AWARDS for Canada’s Top 100 Employers, Canada’s Top Employers for Young People, and Manitoba’s Top 25 Employers

% 66 OF EMPLOYEES have Indigenous ancestry

18 / 19 2017-2018 INTERNSHIPS | WORK EXPERIENCES | FELLOWSHIP

Institution Program Department # of Students

Red River College Digital Media Design Operations/News 2

Assiniboine Community College Interactive Media Arts News 1

Northern Alberta Institute Internship Practicum News 1 of Technology

Louis Riel School Division Broadcast Media (Work Practicum) Operations/Master Control 1

APTN/CAJ Fellowship Program Fellowship News/Investigates 1

REWARDING COMMUNITY time employment in a television or objectives and goals. Recognition APTN is committed to the film-making career. also prepares the organization’s development of Indigenous media potential future leaders, retaining professionals across Canada. Our EMPLOYEE RECOGNITION APTN’s workforce. This fiscal year, Scholarship Program is intended Employees receive recognition APTN presented six employees to provide support to First Nation, for their commitments and with 5-year gifts, eight employees Inuit, and Métis students in the accomplishments that contribute with 10-year gifts and four course of studies leading to full- to the organization’s business employees with 15-year gifts.

APTN Communiqué 2018 APTN’S DIVERSITY UPFRONT As of May 28, 2018, 66% of employees are of Indigenous ancestry.

31% 29% 27%

First Nations – Status First Nations – Non-Status Métis Inuit Visible Minority 5% 4% 4% Non-Indigenous Ancestry 1% Undeclared

100%

70% 68% 63% 59%

50% 50%

41%

30%

APTN’S GENDER COMPARISON As of May 28, 2018, 53% of employees are female and

Indigenous Directors Directors Female Male Directors Indigenous Managers Managers Female Male Managers Indigenous Non-Managerial Non-Managerial Female Male Non-Managerial 47% are male.

20 / 21 understanding our audience

APTN understands the unique differences within its audiences and acknowledges the vast diversity that occurs among Indigenous Peoples in Canada.

APTN Communiqué 2018 22 / 23 spotlight on success found that approximately 50% initiatives. Its primary purpose is 2017–2018 Accomplishments of the 18+ Indigenous population to gather an inventory of opinions continues to tune in on a regular about the network’s programs and FOCUSED ON MEDIA basis. The survey also provides initiatives and consider the views of CONSUMPTION quantitative data that allow the people APTN serves. It is imperative to fuel timely and the network to understand the REACHING OUR AUDIENCE relevant research to our internal proportion of our communities Our position as a network, the stakeholders as APTN embarks who are using internet-based messaging we send to our upon exciting new initiatives to services to consume media. audiences and the conversations ensure the network’s success. CURRENCY DATA DOWNFALLS we have with them are all part of This fiscal year, a key focus was to The network has always faced the marketing excitement. Here understand media consumption limited access to industry measured are some of the fun projects this behaviours of our communities, data that adequately represents fiscal year: which have their unique viewing its audiences. APTN uses Numeris and content needs apart from data as its currency. However, Stay Original the rest of Canada. Numeris ratings for APTN channels This campaign began as a brand image piece and ended up APTN undertook a large-scale reveal an incomplete picture of becoming a wider conversation national study that examined the its diverse audiences; only 14% of around what Indigenous identity is consumption behaviours within our population reside within the all about. The video was developed the over-the-top (OTT) market. sample areas and there have been to convey the message “Stand up, The network uncovered that a some recent significant changes stay proud, stay original.” large proportion of its non-viewing in the audience size it typically audience is very interested in draws each season. An analysis Our Peoples are the original exploring the opportunity to conducted by Numeris could not Canadians, but being original embrace Indigenous content in conclude that all the data shift doesn’t mean living in the past. the OTT market. Furthermore, represented true market behaviour. Indigenous cultures have many rich APTN’s loyal viewers are interested APTN has remained doubtful this and beautiful traditions, and the in consuming content from the system can adequately measure network wants our communities network via an OTT system as well. its performance, and the network to be free to honour those continues to explore other methods traditions in their authentic ways. The network continued to to support its data requirements. This campaign shines a spotlight deploy its national tracking on originality and celebrates the survey across the Indigenous APTN INSIDERS stories, art, music, dance and population in Canada over three APTN has created an online new traditions that it inspires. waves to better understand panel of core viewers – the APTN The video was shared with our actual market penetration and Insiders. Since 2010, this panel has national audience in September key perceptual data from its participated in ongoing surveys 2017. The message was inspiring primary audience. Again, APTN about APTN programs and

APTN Communiqué 2018 and showed everyday Indigenous Now is the time to hold our heads how they interact with media and Peoples being themselves – not high, speak with pride and stay the connection to culture provided cultural markers. original. The site does not ask by APTN. “Which term do you use to identify Stay Original Interactive yourself? Check all that apply.” It’s The ad ran in tandem with The next evolution of the Stay an exploration of what matters the changes to the network’s Original campaign launched in most to an Indigenous person and kids’ interstitials in the Fall June 2018 – just in time for National what defines them. This campaign and continued throughout the Indigenous History Month – as provides them with the space to broadcast year. With a strong an online interactive experience: openly claim their identity, in their focus on celebrating languages, stayoriginal.ca. The conversation own words. Only an individual the interstitial content showcased continued the thread of what can say who they are – and APTN children from various communities it means to be Indigenous. For celebrates that. teaching audiences how to say centuries, our communities have words in Indigenous languages. been given labels, but we wanted APTN Kids The network also revamped its to hear the individual personal A campaign was developed to APTN Kids promos using the voices identity statements of our Peoples. target Indigenous parents with of kids from our communities children that would consume adding a real sense that this APTN Kids preschool content. content is by, for and about the The concept was a sweet look at little ones APTN wants to inspire. life with children in this age group,

Reached an audience of

MORE THAN 1.2 MILLION at Indigenous Day Live through MORE multi-platform delivery THAN 50 live streams from APTN National News across Canada on Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls inquiries

24 / 25 digital drum

Connective Expression Digital Drum is a place for cultural evolution. It is a unique and authentic form of storytelling, showcasing our next generation of Indigenous musicians.

APTN Communiqué 2018 This musical media platform The platform has continued to showcases innovative expand its reach, bolstering its Indigenous talent and reputation by building relationships reaches within our emerging with influencers, connecting communities to bring them with community programs and attending key industry events. closer to the music. From a content strategy This unique in-house created perspective, Digital Drum continues marketing tool helps APTN to focus on artist discovery and grow its continually emerging exceptional storytelling through youth audience. With the multiple production streams. organization’s ongoing In addition to DD Spotlight, DD commitment to reach that Xposed and the DD Blog (all audience, Digital Drum ongoing), Digital Drum released provides a unique opportunity the second season of DD Studio to engage with Indigenous Sessions and the second season of youth, in a digital space. the DD Podcast “Beyond The Mic.” Moving forward, there are plans spotlight on success to package various streams for 2017–2018 Accomplishments APTN’s linear and on-demand streaming platforms. The Digital DIGITAL CONTENT FOR THE Drum team knows from analytics INDIGENOUS YOUTH AUDIENCE that this presence in the Indigenous Always keeping its finger on the music scene is resonating with the pulse of Canada’s Indigenous youth audience and achieving its music scene, Digital Drum provided vision. This vision will be a mirror live social media coverage and for Indigenous youth and a window produced original content from on diversity that will connect the some of the top award shows, audience, both Indigenous and concerts and music festivals across non-Indigenous, to Indigenous the country (The JUNO Awards, music. Digital Drum delivers the , inspirational stories, interviews, Indigenous Day Live and more). coverage, and musical content that speaks to self-expression, perseverance, pride and identity from the artists’ perspectives.

26 / 27 advertising

APTN Communiqué 2018 APTN is a Canadian national television network sharing our Peoples’ stories for all Canadians. Our roots run deep in communities across the country and create meaningful connections with our audiences.

28 / 29 Revenue generation through Additionally, the impact of Peoples over 18 who receive APTN advertising continues to competitive digital advertising in their home are tuning in on a be a significant hurdle platforms has made it regular basis. for APTN. National increasingly difficult to generate advertisers, which comprise TV advertising revenue. Digital spotlight on success advertising is growing at the 2017–2018 Accomplishments the majority of available expense of all media, including revenue, utilize Numeris traditional television. The network continues to data to calculate audience commission quality television numbers. Maintaining a Below are some recent data on programs comparable to other balance between increased advertising revenue by media national networks. With marketing advertising revenue while in Canada. budgets at a tiny proportion of ensuring APTN remains true other broadcasters, publicizing Based on our internal survey of to its mandate continues to these programs to a national Indigenous Peoples in Canada, be a challenge. audience (Indigenous and we know that 72% of Indigenous non‑Indigenous) is a challenge.

Advertising Revenue by Media $ Net CDN – Millions

6000

5000

4000

3000

2000

1000

0 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016

Television Newspaper Radio Internet General Magazines Out-of-home

Source: thinktv Sept. 2017: 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 2018 GENERAL CANADIAN AUDIENCE ONLINE AUDIENCE – APTN.CA • Leverage Data – Offer the latest • 1.9 million total weekly reach* • 250,000+ monthly users data as it pertains to primetime Age 2+ programming, for both • 500,000+ monthly page views established programs, as well • 1 million Canadian adults reached as those newly acquired. each week during primetime* SALES STRATEGIES Age 18+ APTN must continue cultivating • Increase Awareness – Promote sources of revenue from advertising APTN’s new commercial • 1.8 million Canadian adults to maintain the network’s growth. availability of non-standard reached each week in run of The digital landscape is highly formats among advertisers, schedule* Age 18+ competitive for all television including snipes and lower thirds. broadcasters. Capturing marketers’ *Statistics based on weekly cumulative • APTN.ca Featured Advertising – reach for Fall 2017 quarter one ratings. attention, gaining their interest Big box ads, leaderboard and and investments are arduous, video pre-roll. YOUNG AND LOYAL AUDIENCE as the options available to them • Available in over 11 million are numerous. • Utilize New Audience Tracking households across Canada. Tools – Employ website 5% are Indigenous and 95% In continued efforts to diversify audience demographic data are non‑Indigenous. its sources of revenue, APTN will to assist in selling aptn.ca for continue to: • 44% of Canada’s 1.7 million online advertising. Indigenous Peoples are under • Stay Current – Update APTN’s • Focus on Continuous the age of 25. 39% are ages 25‑54. highlight reel, media kit, and Engagement – Share information • 72% of Indigenous Peoples website regularly to keep clients with media buyers and industry age 18+ watch APTN on a and advertisers aware of the personnel through presentations, regular basis. network’s programming. Also, bulletins and events about highlight APTN’s role, successes Indigenous Peoples and and strength in the Canadian their cultures. broadcasting landscape.

Advertising on APTN is currently restricted to national advertisers. This fiscal year, APTN continued its partnerships with many of its long-standing clients. Here are the new advertisers for linear television and aptn.ca:

• Fort McKay First Nations • Canadian Environmental • Shop4Charity Assessment Agency • Canadian Mortgage and • Thunder Bay Art Gallery Housing Corporation • United Nations • University of Regina • TJX Canada – Winners • Northern Alberta Institute • Women Building Futures of Technology • Coady International Institute • Rice Point • Elite Singles 30 / 31 setting the technological pace

APTN faces its challenges head-on and continues to adapt to digital spaces. The development of a digital transformation strategy will continue as the network builds its multi‑platform approach for the organization.

APTN Communiqué 2018 APTN has adopted Avid’s DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION MediaCentral | UX platform. PROJECT From a single interface APTN APTN is in the midst of a complex, journalists, technicians and multi-faceted and multi-phased producers can gather material, digital transformation project. edit, create and distribute content in real-time from almost The six core projects currently anywhere using a wide variety of underway will help the network broadcast and consumer devices. achieve the following: MediaCentral enables the APTN • Increase collaboration, news team to create and deliver interoperability and expertise content with very short turnaround sharing between the times. The modular nature of this departments, work units solution allows the network to add and stakeholders; apps and services as APTN’s needs grow and look to deliver content • Utilize common tools and to new digital platforms. implementation of the latest technology; NEW WEATHER • Reduce duplication of effort and PRESENTATION SYSTEM increase automation to reduce This fiscal year, a newly costs and increase output; developed weather presentation and forecasting module were • Remove silos in system implemented to provide meaningful architecture, standards, weather forecast information to workflow and data; spotlight on success viewers of the nightly newscast • Invest in training and 2017–2018 Accomplishments edition of APTN National News. development of digital The new weather platform also competencies and expertise UPGRADE OF APTN NATIONAL provides up-to-the-minute weather across the organization; NEWS PRODUCTION information to our viewers in the • Set the stage to integrate new INFRASTRUCTURE far North during the overnight and emerging technology The network diligently manages hours on aptn n. Throughout the seamlessly and efficiently. to keep our news production broadcast day, APTN schedules infrastructure on pace with the weather forecast interstitials on rapid technological changes that aptn hd, aptn e and aptn w to have become the norm in the provide viewers with current and entertainment industry. short-term forecast information.

32 / 33 uncovering the stories that others won’t

APTN Communiqué 2018 APTN National News brings viewers an in-depth look at the stories impacting Indigenous Peoples across Canada and the world.

34 / 35 APTN National News • The second segment entitled APTN Investigates ran a special coverage includes political Twitter Mom profiled a woman episode titled The Three Children and social conversations who risked her freedom by Taken Away. On October 6, the which are ignored, under- going public with her story. Her Government of Canada announced reported or misunderstood three children were taken into a settlement for survivors of the care following her son’s physical 60s Scoop. The story had a look at by mainstream news media. abuse by her former partner. the $800 million agreement and spotlight on success She desperately turned to social its history. Is it another verification media, hoping to regain custody for reconciliation or an acceptance 2017–2018 Accomplishments of her children. She is being of a historically flawed system that SPECIAL NEWS PROGRAMMING threatened with fines and a continues to fail today? Reporters in bureaus across the three-year prison term. Here are some highlights from country focused on special news • The third segment examined APTN National News: programming and events coverage how the system failed Karina to provide a regional representation Sue Turtle, a 15-year-old girl who • Media were permitted to cover of all nations. had a history of harming herself. the First Nations Child & Family If protocols were followed, she Caring Society Inquiry in Ottawa, Child Welfare was an ongoing would have been placed on Ontario. They were authorized theme in our coverage. APTN a suicide watch and not left a one-day cross-examination National News explored the issues unsupervised in a foster home. of Canada’s witness: the which cause a high number of She videotaped her death by Government of Canada. Indigenous children to enter the suicide. The foster agency has • APTN National News aired system, the lack of prevention declined to tell the parents why daily coverage of the trials for services and the quality of care the child was not under a 24- the murders of Colten Boushie Indigenous children receive within hour watch. the system. and Tina Fontaine. APTN News APTN InFocus aired three shows also broke the story of RCMP Perspectives On was a three-part on the subject of child welfare: officers who publicly posted series that touched on three very the first one examined the federal that Colten Boushie “got what hard topics. government’s responsibility to he deserved.” That lead to an equally fund services for children RCMP investigation into racism • The first segment onHelena in care; the second one examined in its ranks. Wood chronicled a family the 60s Scoop and the third one suffering domestic violence and explored the consequences of alcohol abuse. This reportage children who age out of the foster narrated a mother’s journey to system and are left floundering. sobriety and reunification with her children.

APTN Communiqué 2018 • Two APTN News reporters • The 2018 Arctic Winter Games travelled along the proposed were held at both Hay River and Kinder Morgan pipeline from Fort Smith, NWT. In addition BC to AB, to expose the truth to the results, camera crews about First Nations support captured the spirit and and opposition to the pipeline. emotion of the game and They discovered a broad range filed stories daily. of opinions. Some supporters were deeply enthusiastic while Here are some highlights of APTN others felt forced to agree. Nation to Nation: A few opponents felt they • Broadcast live and on location could accept the proposal if at the Assembly of First Nations they were offered more control. Special Assembly, where federal However, other opponents of the legislation and Treaty rights were pipeline indicated that they were key topics; concerned about the quality of the water. • On the road special from on pipelines; • APTN News live-streamed all the Missing and Murdered Indigenous • Season finale, a mini- Women and Girls (MMIWG) documentary on children who inquiries. More than 50 were ended up in the child welfare held in towns, reserves and cities system. This episode traced the across Canada. APTN News connection between child welfare covered Quebec’s parallel Public and suicide. The Honourable Jane Inquiry Commission on relations Philpott Minister of Indigenous between Indigenous Peoples Services was on set to view the and certain public services. documentary with Host Todd Lamirande. Minister Philpott then answered questions about reforming the system.

36 / 37 APTN INVESTIGATES National Inquiry into MMIWG Canadian Association of Journalist • The Justice for Colten Boushie with its undetermined future. Awards 2018 – Open Broadcast rallies. APTN Investigates APTN Investigates travelled Feature Nomination examined the verdict that to the hearings in , • APTN Investigates for Truth or shocked the nation and revealed Northwest Territories; Winnipeg, Reconciliation? had a second look deep divisions in the justice Manitoba and Thunder Bay, at the compensation process set system for Indigenous Peoples. Ontario to speak with survivors, up for residential school survivors families and advocates. and revealed that most of the • The Standing Rock coverage. compensation money bypassed APTN Investigates contemplated MULTI-PLATFORM survivors, concluding that justice this story one year later. PROGRAMMING was not served. The Standing Rock Sioux Tribe • APTN produced a series of received roughly $11 million vignettes for aptnnews.ca, which Daily Excellence Award in donations. celebrated Indigenous heroes • APTN National News for • The Reckoning at St Anne’s. and historical figures throughout investigative work linking the APTN Investigates determined National Indigenous History deaths of three First Nations that many survivors of the Month. Releasing one per day, girls who were in care at Ontario St. Anne’s Indian Residential the series went viral on social group homes. School accused the federal media and resulted in thousands government of suppressing of shares. JHR Human Rights evidence of widespread abuse, Reporting Award • APTN National News app was including the use of an electric • APTN Investigates for Against launched for iPhone and Android. chair on children. their Will, revealed how Indigenous women were • The AWARDS AND RECOGNITION Racism in the Ranks sterilized without their consent investigative news story. Canadian Screen Awards 2018 in . APTN Investigates exposed the – for Broadcast Journalism racist Facebook posts by RCMP JHR/CAJ Emerging Indigenous • APTN Executive Director of members. Subsequently, a former Journalist Award News and Current Affairs, for Mohawk police officer took the • APTN National News’ Willow exceptional contribution to initiative in calling for public Fiddler for a portfolio of work Canadian Television journalism. accountability on how the RCMP including renewed investigations handles racism. into child deaths in Thunder Best News or Information Segment Bay, ON. Series on youth who • The MMIWG: After the stories • APTN Investigates for Against leave their family’s remote are told. APTN Investigates Their Will, a story about the communities to attend high summarized the conclusion sterilization of Indigenous women school in Thunder Bay, and the of the first phase of the at a hospital.

APTN Communiqué 2018 murder of Barbara Kentner along and workshops to discuss news partnership with the Canadian with her support and service stories development in Thunder Commission for UNESCO to a to other emerging journalists Bay, Ontario. This included journalist or media organization garnered her this honour. reporting on Child Welfare, How that has done the most for media to VJ, Journalist Rights and the freedom in the preceding year. #CAJ18 #MeToo Movement. The award led to positive press • APTN National News initiated a reports in , • APTN National News sponsored new award: the Reconciliation Toronto Star, iPolitics, and on a panel educating journalists Prize. The award recognizes work CBC News: The National, CBC on legal cases threatening to by a non-Indigenous journalist(s) Radio, and others. restrict media freedom. The who has opened the door for panel included American Indian • Justin Brake also received PEN reconciliation, by creating better reporter Jenni Monet and Canada’s 2018 Ken Filkow award, understanding of our Peoples APTN’s own Justin Brake, both given annually to an individual and place in history at the same of whom are facing charges or institution in Canada who time recognizing that mainstream of trespassing for speaking to has demonstrated courage institutions have a responsibility protestors. Ms. Monet’s charges and integrity in the interest of to contribute to reconciliation. relate to Standing Rock; Justin freedom of expression. In its first year, the award was Brake’s charges are connected presented to CBC Radio, The to Muskrat Falls. Charges against HELPING TO DEVELOP Current, for I want to understand. Ms. Monet were dismissed in JOURNALISM AND SUPPORTING This was a story about an Ottawa court on June 1st. The panel also INDIGENOUS JOURNALISTS police officer who connected included Vice’s Ben Makuch who Supporting Indigenous Journalism with the Indigenous community is fighting a production order • Video Journalist and to overcome his racism. to turn over all his notes and Western Executive Producer The winners were presented recordings to the RCMP. participated as trainers in plaques, a cash prize and APTN a course aimed at teaching representatives wrapped the Press Freedom Awards television storytelling to three winners in star blankets. • APTN National News Reporter Indigenous students at the INCA What a proud moment to see Justin Brake, who joined APTN Summer Institute in Journalism Indigenous culture welcomed earlier this year, was honoured on in Regina, SK. Twenty-four and highlighted as part of the World Press Freedom Day with Indigenous students who have award ceremony! the 20th annual Press Freedom already earned a Bachelor • At the CAJ, APTN reporters Award. The award is presented of Journalism were trained. participated as experts along by the Canadian Committee Feedback from students was with some of the best Canadian for World Press Freedom in very positive. talent in the business on panels

38 / 39 • APTN Investigates and CAJ the court in similar cases involving REPRESENTATION ON announced its second joint Indigenous Peoples. There are INDUSTRY BOARDS fellowship at the annual national further rights to be considered in • APTN’s Executive Director News gala. The winner, an emerging the context of reconciliation and and Current Affairs attended Indigenous Journalist, will the United Nations Declaration Board of Governor meetings complete a documentary on the Rights of Indigenous for the Canadian Association of this year. Peoples (UNDRIP). A decision is Journalists and the Canadian still pending. Journalists for Free Expression. • Completed a four-week project with JHR Journalists for Human • APTN’s Executive Director News APTN is part of an eight-member Rights training for 15 youth as and Current Affairs was elected media coalition in an ongoing citizen journalists in Hollow Water president of the Canadian media intervention regarding First Nation, MB. There are plans Association of Journalists for Vice Media and the RCMP and to expand the project in MB and a two-year term. a production order issued to in BC. journalist Ben Makuch. He was • APTN’s Eastern Executive • APTN’s Executive Director ordered by the Crown to hand over Producer of News was of News and Current Affairs all documentation of his story on elected to the Board of the spent two weeks working with Farah Shirdon, who left Canada to Canadian Committee for World journalists in South Sudan join the Islamic State in Iraq and Press Freedom. in August, 2018, and she Syria (ISIS). This case is proving to presented on the subject of be another important case in the OTHER GOVERNMENT / Reporting on Reconciliation at freedom of the press. It has moved COMMUNITY WORK a two-day conference of South to the Supreme Court of Canada, • APTN’s Reporter and Sudan Journalists. and a decision is still pending. Video Journalist participated in a panel of Indigenous Journalism MEDIA INTERVENTIONS PARTNERSHIPS at Concordia University. The AND COLLABORATIONS • Partnership with Discourse Media panel was part of a series APTN was an intervener supporting and the Huffington Post to cover entitled Truth and Democracy, Justin Brake’s case before proven the Kinder Morgan Pipeline. by the Concordia Centre for to his employment at APTN. The Broadcasting and Journalism. • Exploring a partnership with Newfoundland Supreme Court Global TV and APTN Investigates. • APTN’s Ottawa reporter has reserved judgment in his case. participated in a panel of success in • Media partner with the Royal APTN National News’ Journalists for Human Rights this circumstance would confirm Saskatchewan Museum as it at Carleton University. the constitutional rights of media in celebrated 2018 Indigenous these cases and this may persuade History Month and Reconciliation.

APTN Communiqué 2018 • APTN Executive Director News and how to support new and Current Affairs journalism business models in underserved communities. • Presented to the Senate Open Caucus in February 2018 • Supported long-time partners regarding threats to traditional at Journalist for Human journalism in Canada, Rights at Geoff Regan, P.C., especially gaps in reporting in M.P., Speaker of the House of underserved communities. Commons and the Honourable Jim Munson, Senator special • Presented at Public Policy reception discussing JHR’s Forum in April 2018 regarding work for press freedom in threats to traditional Canada and abroad. journalism, the government set aside in the federal budget

9 JOURNALISM AWARDS including the Gordon Sinclair Award for Broadcast Journalism – Presented to a Canadian Broadcast Journalist for their exceptional body of work in television journalism, and best news or information segment category at the 2018 Canadian Screen Awards

9 INDUSTRY AWARDS for top programming commissioned by the network

40 / 41 conditions of licence

On September 1, 2018, the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) renewed APTN’s mandatory carriage licence for a five‑year term (September 1, 2018 to August 31, 2023).

APTN Communiqué 2018 42 / 43 The network is pleased to APTN is a member in good 4. The licensee shall caption 100% report APTN met all the standing with the Canadian of the English and French- mandated conditions, for Broadcast Standards Council language programs broadcast a specialty channel, in the (CBSC), and network over the broadcast day, 2017‑2018 fiscal year. employees have continued consistent with the approach to donate their time as set out in A new policy with APTN CONDITIONS OF LICENCE CBSC’s Panel Adjudicators respect to closed captioning, STATUS REPORT, BROADCAST when selected. Broadcasting Public Notice CRTC YEAR: SEPTEMBER 1, 2017 – 2007-54, 17 May 2007. AUGUST 31, 2018 2. The licensee shall adhere to the Condition of Licence 1 [CRTC Broadcast Code for Advertising APTN captioned 100% of 2013-383] The licensee shall adhere to Children, as amended from its English and French- to the conditions of licence for time to time and approved by language content, as well all speciality Category A services the Commission. language programming is set out in Appendix I to Standard open captioned (subtitled in conditions of license, expectations, APTN continues to abide English or French) to ensure and encouragements for speciality by the Broadcast Code for all audiences have access and pay television category A Advertising to Children and airs to programming. services, broadcasting regulatory commercial-free programming policy CRTC 2011-443, 27 July 2011, in its children’s block. 5. Consistent with Accessibility as amended from time to time. of telecommunications 3. The licensee shall adhere to the and broadcasting services, Specialty Channel Conditions Violence Code, as amended Broadcasting and Telecom of Licence from time to time and approved Regulatory Policy CRTC by the Commission. However, 2009-430, 21 July 2009, 1. The licensee shall adhere to the the application of the foregoing as subsequently amended Equitable Portrayal Code, as condition of licence will be by the Commission, [3] the amended from time to time and suspended if the licensee is licensee shall: approved by the Commission. a member in good standing However, the application of the of the Canadian Broadcast • ensure that advertising, foregoing condition of licence Standards Council. sponsorship messages and will be suspended if the licensee promos in the English and is a member in good standing APTN is a member in good French languages are closed of the Canadian Broadcast standing with the CBSC, and captioned by no later than the Standards Council. network employees have fourth year of the licence term; continued to donate their time • adhere to the quality standards as CBSC’s Panel Adjudicators on closed captioning when selected. developed by television

APTN Communiqué 2018 industry working groups, channels (aptn e, aptn w, aptn displayed on the screen during as amended from time to n and aptn hd). One bank information programs. time and approved by the shows what is on-air, and the Commission; and other shows what viewers Audio description was see at home. The network has provided via a narrator or • implement a monitoring a back-up caption encoder voice-over for all APTN system to ensure that, for any in the event of equipment information programs, signal that is closed captioned, failure during live captioned including news programming. the correct signal is captioned, programming. the captioning is included 7. If the service devotes 50% or in its broadcast signal and Post-Playback: To ensure the more of its program schedule this captioning reaches the caption information is passing to programming drawn from distributor of that signal in its through its infrastructure in program categories 7 Drama original form. “Original form” unaltered form, APTN regularly and comedy or 2(b) Long- means, at a minimum, that the monitors its captioning from form documentary, set out captioning provided by the a variety of sources including in item 6 of Schedule I to the licensee reaches the distributor satellite, cable and internet unaltered, whether it is passed Specialty Service Regulations, protocol television providers. 1990 (the Regulations), and/or through in analog or in digital, to children’s programming, the including in high-definition. Live Monitoring: Every licensee shall provide described month, two live programs video for a minimum of four APTN continued to caption all are randomly chosen for hours per broadcast week, in-house content in advance review of closed-captioned of which two hours must be of the required fourth year monitoring. The network broadcast in described video of the licence term and also compares what is captioned for the first time on the service. all advertising content is with what is spoken, and an The minimum four hours of closed‑captioned. accuracy rate is calculated described video programming using the formula determined APTN continued to adhere to broadcast during each broadcast by the Commission. the quality standards on all week may be drawn from the closed captioning developed following program categories, 6. The licensee shall provide by the industry working group. set out in item 6 of Schedule I audio description for all the To ensure this COL is met, to the Regulations: 2(b) Long- key elements of Canadian various monitoring methods form documentary; 7 Drama information programs, including are in place. They include: and comedy; 9 Variety; 11(a) news programming. For this General entertainment and condition of licence, “audio Playback: APTN monitors human interest; and 11(b) Reality description” refers to announcers during playback using multiple television, and/or may be reading aloud the key textual banks of monitors for all four programming targeting children. and graphic information that is

44 / 45 APTN provided 2,246 hours the program does not exceed 9. The licensee is authorized to of Described Video (DV) the maximum number of make available for distribution content, including repeats. minutes that would otherwise both a standard definition and Of those 2,246 hours, 104 be allowed per clock hour. a high definition version of its hours were new this fiscal service, provided that not less year. This averages out to c) In addition to the twelve than 95% of the video and more than 43 hours of DV per (12) minutes of advertising audio components of the high- week, including two hours of material referred to in definition and standard definition new content. subparagraph a), the licensee versions of the service are the may broadcast partisan same, exclusive of commercial APTN continues to meet this political advertising during messages and of any part of the COL and closely monitors DV an election period. service carried on a subsidiary content to ensure there are signal. Further, all of the d) The licensee shall not new DV hours each week. programming making up the 5% broadcast any paid allowance shall be provided in advertising material other than 8. In regard to the broadcast of high-definition. advertising material: paid national advertising. APTN abides by the 5% a) Except as otherwise For the purposes of this variation rule. In fact, all the provided in subparagraphs condition of licence: content shown on aptn hd was b) and c), the licensee shall The expression “clock hour” available on our SD service not broadcast more than shall have the same meaning except for 1.7%. 12 minutes of advertising as that set out in the Television material during each Broadcasting Regulations, Condition of Licence 2 [CRTC clock hour. 1987. The expression “paid 2013-383] The licensee shall b) Where a program occupies national advertising” shall mean provide a high-quality, general- time in two or more advertising material as defined interest television service consecutive clock hours, under the Specialty Services offering a broad range of the licensee may exceed the Regulations, 1990 and that is programming that reflects maximum number of minutes purchased at a national rate and the diverse perspectives of of advertising material allowed receives national distribution on Indigenous Peoples, their lives in those clock hours if the the service. and their cultures. The service average number of minutes of will provide a positive window on advertising material allowed in APTN did not exceed the Indigenous life for all Canadians, the clock hours occupied by 12 minutes per hour of whether living in northern or paid advertising. southern Canada. The schedule

APTN Communiqué 2018 will include programming in English, French and various Indigenous languages.

APTN has continued to uphold this COL as a national Indigenous television network with programming by, for and % about Indigenous Peoples to MORE share with all Canadians. This THAN is evident in APTN’s mandate 86 to reflect the issues and points Canadian programming content of view of Indigenous Peoples, and to act as a bridge to the broader Canadian society.

Condition of Licence 3 [CRTC 2013-383] The licensee shall devote at least 75% of the broadcast year and at least 75% of the evening broadcast period to the broadcast of Canadian programs.

Measuring Canadian Content Results from the most recently completed broadcast year are shown in the table on the next page. APTN exceeded the CRTC’s Canadian content expectations that came into effect September 1, 2013, both over the broadcast day and broadcast evening on all services.

46 / 47 Canadian Content Results: Sept. 1, 2017 to Aug. 31, 2018 Yearly Regulatory Expectations

86.87%, aptn e Broadcast Day 84.09%, aptn hd (Monday – Sunday, 75% 85.21%, aptn w 6 a.m. – 12 a.m.) 86.96%, aptn n

79.72%, aptn e Broadcast Evening 77.92%, aptn hd (Monday – Sunday, 75% 76.47%, aptn w 6 p.m. – 12 a.m.) 78.93%, aptn n

Condition of Licence 4 [CRTC Language Total Hours Language Total Hours 2013-383] The Licensee shall broadcast a minimum of 35 hours Algonquin 14.5 Kwak’wala 10 of programming in Indigenous Atikamekw 25 Maliseet 14.5 languages each broadcast week. Blackfoot 6 Méchif 73

In this fiscal year, APTN Chipewyan 6 Mi’kmaq 36 broadcast an average of 51 Coast Salish 52.5 Mohawk 113 hours of programming in Indigenous languages each Cree 609.5 Ojibway 103.5 broadcast week, based on Dakota 35.5 Oji-Cree 17 aptn n. That amounts to 2,667 hours annually in 24 different Dene 94.5 Salteaux 5 Indigenous languages. It is Halkomelem 17 Stl’atl’imx 78.5 also important to note that the Innu 34 Sylix 52 hours of Indigenous-languages programming fluctuate each Inuktitut 1248.5 Tahaltan 5 season as a result of inventory Inuvialuktun 13.5 Tsilhoqot’in 3 levels. The following statistics illustrate the total annual hours Total 2,667 of programming in the various Indigenous languages offered this broadcast year.

APTN Communiqué 2018 Condition of Licence 5 [CRTC Regarding advertising material, more than the minimum 2013-383] The licensee APTN continues to abide by requirement. It should be shall broadcast a minimum the 12 minutes of advertising noted that each season the of 20 hours of French- per hour condition. category levels fluctuate based language programming each on broadcast schedules and broadcast year. Condition of Licence 7 [CRTC available inventory, but never 2013-383] The licensee shall drops below the required APTN broadcast an average of broadcast at a minimum, an eight hours. 22 hours of French-language average of 8 hours of Canadian programming per week in this programs between 7 p.m. Condition of Licence 8 [CRTC fiscal year for a total of 1,144 and 11 p.m. in each broadcast 2013-383] At least 80% of hours. The average hours are week that are drawn from the all Canadian programming based on the content aired on following program categories broadcast on the service, other aptn e – the channel reaching set out in Item 6 of Schedule I than news (program category the highest French population to the Specialty Services 1), current affairs (program in Canada. French-language Regulations, 1990: 2(b) Long- categories 2(a) and 3) sports content includes promotional, form documentary, 7 Drama (program category 6) (see interstitial and public and comedy, 8(a) Music and Item 6 of Schedule I to the service announcements. dance, 9 Variety and 11(a) General Specialty Services Regulations, entertainment and human 1990), shall be produced Condition of Licence 6 [CRTC interest, or that are Canadian by independent production 2013-383] In addition to the 12 regional Productions. companies not related to the minutes of advertising material licensee. An “independent permitted by subparagraph a: For the purpose of this condition production company” is defined to condition of licence 8 set of licence, “regional” productions as a Canadian company that is out in Standard Conditions shall have the meaning set out carrying on business in Canada of licence, expectations and in Group-based licence renewals with a Canadian business encouragements for specialty for English language television address, that is owned and and pay television Category A groups – Introductory decision, controlled by Canadians, whose services, broadcasting policy Broadcasting Decision CRTC business is in the production of CRTC 2011-443, 27 July 2011, 2011-441, 27 July 2011. film, videotape or live programs as amended from time to time, for distribution, and in which the licensee may broadcast APTN’s weekly broadcast the licensee and any company infomercials (program category average of Canadian programs related to the licensee owns or 14 set out in item 6 of Schedule I from categories 2b, 7, 8a, 9, controls, directly or indirectly in to the Specialty Services and 11a between 7 p.m. and the aggregate, less than 30% of Regulations, 1990). 11 p.m. in this fiscal year was the equity. 13.1 hours; this is five hours

48 / 49 In this fiscal year, 94.9% was 5 and 6 above, as well as the • Weekly and annual amount the percentage average of requirements relating to the of French-language independently produced closed captioning of English programs broadcast: Canadian programming and French language programs (excluding news and current during the previous broadcast 22 hours per week (based affairs) broadcast on APTN. year. This report shall include on aptn e and broadcast day the following information: reporting hours – Monday – Condition of Licence 9 [CRTC Sunday, 6 a.m. – 12 a.m.) A total 2013-383] The licensee shall have • Weekly amount (time) of 1,144 hours is broadcast an adequate number of members of programming in annually based upon a on its Board of Directors, Indigenous languages: 24‑hour period. to represent northern and • Weekly and annual amount southern Canada, and at least of French-language • Annual amount of one member who is selected programs broadcast; English-language by the Indigenous broadcasting programming broadcast: • Annual amount of English- societies that make up the language programming Northern Native Broadcast 6,916 hours broadcast; and Access Program. • Annual amount of • Annual amount of closed APTN is governed by closed captioning of the captioning of the French- a 12-member volunteer French-language and language and the English- Indigenous Board of Directors the English-language language programming with representation from programming broadcast. broadcast. (Annual amount all regions of Canada. of hours based on a 24-hour Three members represent APTN continues to file monthly reporting period.) each quadrant: Northwest, logs to the Commission, as well Northeast, Southwest as the annual report. French: 100% or 1,144 hours and Southeast. English: 100% or 6,916 hours Below are the fiscal year 2017‑2018 statistics: Condition of Licence 10 Condition of Licence 11 [CRTC [CRTC 2013-383] The licensee 2013-383] The licensee shall file, • Weekly amount (time) shall file, by no later than 30 by no later than 30 November in of programming in November in each year, a report each year, a report relating to its Indigenous languages: signed by a senior officer of independent production activity the corporation attesting that that shall include: 51 hours (based on aptn n) APTN has met the requirements set out in conditions of licence

APTN Communiqué 2018 • the name of the production for Further, the terms “broadcast which APTN has entered into a year” and “evening broadcast new production commitment; period” shall have the same meanings as those set out in • the name of the the Television Broadcasting production company; Regulations, 1987. • whether it is “related”; • “Paid national advertising” shall • the region of production; mean advertising material as • the length of production defined under theTelevision (episodes and program Broadcasting Regulations, running time); and 1987, and that is purchased at a national rate and receives • the budget of production national distribution on (to be filed in confidence the service. with the Commission). • The term “broadcast week” To view APTN’s Independent shall have the same meaning Production Activity (Original as that set out in the Radio Productions) for this fiscal Regulations, 1990. year, with the exemption of the production budget that APTN abided by the Category will be filed in confidence with A service regulations under the Commission, please refer Condition of Licence 12. to Appendix A: Independent Production Activity (Original Production) 2017–2018.

Condition of Licence 12 [CRTC 2013-383] The broadcasting undertaking licenced hereby is designated as a Category A % service. For the purposes of these conditions of licence: 94 Canadian programming broadcast • All time periods shall be was independently produced calculated according to Eastern Standard Time.

50 / 51 programming

APTN Communiqué 2018 programming

What’s On APTN connects with its audience through genuine, inspiring and engaging entertainment through multiple platforms. Here is a sample list of series from the 2017-2018 broadcast season.

52 / 53 September fall to November

APTN Communiqué 2018 LES MOHAWKS : BÂTISSEURS DE LÉGENDES batisseursdelegendes.com

Launched: September 4, 2017 (World Premiere – French) NATIVE PLANET, SEASON II 24: LIVE ANOTHER DAY, 13 x 30-minute episodes SEASON I Documentary Series nativeplanet.tv

Celebrate the steely determination Launched: Launched: of “the best ironworkers on the September 6, 2017 September 6, 2017 planet!” The show highlights (World Premiere – English) (APTN Premiere – English) the reality of one of the most 13 x 30-minute episodes 12 x 60-minute episodes dangerous jobs on the planet. May 7, 2018 Drama Series (World Premiere – Cree) 6 x 60-minute episodes Hearing rumours of an imminent OUR PEOPLE, OUR LAND, Documentary Series attack against President Heller; SEASON II a federal fugitive, Jack Bauer, Experience the passion and resurfaces and is apprehended by aptn.ca/ourpeopleourland connection Indigenous Peoples the CIA and forcibly recruited into Launched: have with Mother Earth – and their joining their investigation. September 4, 2017 will to defend it. (World Premiere – Inuktitut) 13 x 30-minute episodes Documentary Series

From the stark beauty of the mountain ranges to ancient Inuit hunting, resting and living grounds, Nunavik (the place where we live) is a vast Northern region of Québec.

54 / 55 NATIONS AT WAR TRIBAL POLICE FILES

nationsatwar.tv tribalpolicefiles.com

Launched: Launched: September 6, 2017 September 8, 2017 (World Premiere – English) (World Premiere – Stl’atl’imx) May 8, 2018 13 x 30-minute episodes TAKEN, SEASON II (World Premiere – Coast Salish) Documentary Series 13 x 30-minute episodes takentheseries.com Documentary Series Takes a journey into the action- packed and often dangerous world Launched: From the Viking invasion of of Stl’atl’imx Police officers as they September 8, 2017 Newfoundland to the desperate last put their lives on the line to keep (World Premiere – English) stand of a Métis nation fighting for their communities safe, healthy January 9, 2018 recognition, Nations at War takes a and proud. (World Premiere – Cree) dramatic look at the deadly battles 13 x 30-minute episodes that shaped this continent. Documentary Series

True crime documentary series confronting head-on the national epidemic of Canada’s missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls. Presented by APTN and CBC.

APTN Communiqué 2018 LONGMIRE, SEASON IV 1491: THE UNTOLD STORY MOHAWK GIRLS, SEASON V OF THE AMERICAS aptn.ca/longmire mohawkgirls.com BEFORE COLUMBUS

Launched: 1491.ca Launched: September 15, 2017 November 14, 2017 (Canadian Premiere – English) Launched: (World Premiere – English) 10 x 60-minute episodes November 8, 2017 6 x 60-minute episodes Drama Series (World Premiere – English) Dramedy Series 8 x 60-minute episodes Sheriff Walt Longmire and his Documentary Series Four twenty-something Mohawk deputies are in the midst of women are trying to find their place facing some troubling events. The origins and history of ancient in the world. But in a small world The mysterious White Warrior who Indigenous societies in North, where you or your friends have tormented Branch is dead, Walt’s Central and South America are dated everyone on the rez, or the best friend Henry Standing Bear is interpreted by leading Indigenous hot new guy turns out to be your a free man. Longmire’s right-hand scholars and cultural leaders in the cousin, it ain’t that simple. deputy Victoria “Vic” Moretti is fields of archaeology, art history, newly divorced. ethnology, genetics, geology and linguistics.

56 / 57 January APTN Communiqué 2018 winter to April QANURLI?, SEASON VI HELL ON WHEELS, SENTIER SEASON III-V qanurli.ca sentier-la-serie.com aptn.ca/hellonwheels Launched: Launched: January 8, 2018 Launched: January 15, 2018 (World Premiere, Inuktitut) January 26, 2018 – Season 3 (World Premiere – French) 13 x 30-minute episodes (APTN Premiere – English) 13 x 30-minute episodes Comedy Series 10 x 60-minute episodes Documentary Series April 6, 2018 – Seasons 4 and 5 Inuk and Nipangi are two hilarious (APTN Premiere – English) Traces the path of young aspiring dudes both realizing their 27 x 60-minute episodes police officers. Through their dreams in the successful launch Drama Series often difficult training, discover of UqausivuTV. Now comes a the problems they will face before whole new set of hilariously Fresh is the horrific memories of they can become police officers in weird challenges. the death of former Confederate various Indigenous communities. soldier Cullen Bohannon’s wife, killed at the hands of the Union ORIGNAL & MARMELADE, QANUQ ISUMAVIT 2018 soldiers, an act that sets Bohannon SEASON II on a course of revenge. aptn.ca/orignaletmarmelade Launched: January 16, 2018 Launched: (World Premiere – Inuktitut) January 8, 2018 13 x 90-minute episodes (World Premiere – French) Live Call-in Show 13 x 30-minute episodes Documentary Series Live Inuktitut call-in show from the Arctic, enabling the audience to Join two very different hunter/ discuss current issues and events. chefs – one Canadian Cree and one Brit/European. Both explore the contrasting cultures and traditions in the way we access, cook and present our food.

58 / 59 MOOSEMEAT & MARMALADE, SKINDIGENOUS NORTH OF 60 SEASON III skindigenous.tv aptn.ca/northof60 aptn.ca/moosemeatandmarmalade Launched: Launched: Launched: February 13, 2018 February 19, 2018 January 18, 2018 (World Premiere – Dene) 90 x 60-minute episodes (World Premiere – English) February 20, 2018 Drama Series 13 x 30-minute episodes (World Premiere – English) Documentary Series 13 x 30-minute episodes One of the first shows that Documentary Series represented Indigenous Peoples Brings together Bush Cook, Art in a real way. Day-to-day life was Napoleon, and classically trained For millennia, humans have been highlighted along with issues British Chef, Dan Hayes to explore marking their bodies with images that mattered most including and compare Indigenous and and symbols giving visible form to cultural preservation. European culture and cuisine. what they hold sacred. Indigenous artists around the world continue to practice this ancient art using their HIT THE ICE, SEASON VI techniques and traditions. hittheice.tv

Launched: February 7, 2018 (World Premiere – English) 13 x 30-minute episodes Children & Youth Series

See dreams come true as the best young Indigenous hockey players from across Canada come together for a two-week NHL-like training camp.

APTN Communiqué 2018 RED EARTH UNCOVERED CAUTION MAY CONTAIN NUTS, HARD ROCK MEDICAL, SEASON IV SEASON IV redearth.tv cautiontv.com hardrockmedical.com Launched: February 14, 2018 Launched: Launched: (World Premiere – Cree) March 7, 2018 April 3, 2018 February 21, 2018 (World Premiere – English) (APTN Premiere – English) (World Premiere – English) 13 x 30-minute episodes 9 x 30-minute episodes 13 x 30-minute episodes Comedy Series Dramedy Series Documentary Series A fast-paced and unique brand of The realities of being a medical Archaeological discoveries and Canadian Indigenous humour. From student deep in the heart of the ancient myths uncover how Indigenous culture and Canadian Canadian Shield are much different Indigenous Peoples play a role culture, to pop culture and multi- than one would expect. Eight in historical events and legends. culture, the Nuts tackle anything. students, who come from all walks of life will need a lot more than medical books to survive. CLEVERMAN aptn.ca/cleverman

Launched: February 21, 2018 (World Premiere – English) 6 x 60-minute episodes Drama Series

An ancient species of super- humans from the Aboriginal Dreaming known as the Hairypeople battle for survival in a world that persecutes and exploits them with the ultimate goal of wiping them from the Earth.

60 / 61 March APTN Communiqué 2018 spring to May SANS RÉSERVE MÉCHANT TRIP, SEASON II DENE: A JOURNEY, SEASON II sansreserve.ca mechanttrip.com deneajourney.com

Launched: Launched: Launched: May 7, 2018 May 7, 2018 May 9, 2018 (World Premiere – French) (World Premiere – French) (World Premiere – Dene) 18 x 30-minute episodes 13 x 30-minute episodes 6 x 60-minute episodes Talk Show Series Children & Youth Series Documentary Series

Portrays Indigenous and This action-packed youth series Trek with Indigenous urbanites on non-Indigenous personalities pairs youth with artists, taking a journey to connect with their who have a social, political them behind the scenes on culture, discovering themselves and cultural commitment to wild adventures. along the way. Indigenous Peoples.

62 / 63 June to APTN Communiqué 2018 summer August INDIGENOUS DAY LIVE 2017 QUEEN OF THE OIL PATCH 2018 INDSPIRE AWARDS indigenousdaylive.ca aptn.ca/queenoftheoilpatch

Launched: Launched: Launched: June 23, 2018 June 5, 2018 June 24, 2018 (World Premiere – English) (World Premiere – English) (Network Premiere – English) 1 x 5-hour Live Event 8 x 30-minute episodes 1 x 90-minute episode Music & Variety Live Show Documentary Series Award Show

The country unites for the nation’s Massey is Two-Spirited – and at Indspire presents a celebration largest event in recognition of night, it’s Iceis who often hits the of Canada’s Indigenous National Indigenous Peoples Day. town. It’s going to be a wild and accomplishments, honouring 13 One great gathering, captured in fantabulous ride as Massey and remarkable Indigenous Canadians a special 5-hour live broadcast, Iceis experience the reality of being who have achieved outstanding featuring talented Indigenous in the oil sands. success in their respective fields. musicians and entertainers from across Turtle Island.

64 / 65 indigenous day live

APTN Communiqué 2018 INDIGENOUS DAY LIVE has been delighting audiences since 2007. This event features some of the biggest names in Indigenous music and television, including JUNO Award winners and on‑the-rise artists.

66 / 67 The 12th edition of Indigenous IDL 2018 fused musical, and Day Live (IDL) brought dance genres, languages, styles, Canadians together to and interdisciplinary arts from acknowledge Indigenous across Turtle Island. This merged Peoples’ accomplishments, on stage to paint an exciting experience of contemporary through cultural activities and Indigenous expression. live music while contributing to the nationwide movement Over 30 acts across three stages! of reconciliation. The highlights included: Kardinal Offishall with Que Rock, Walk Off spotlight on success the Earth with Walking Wolf and 2017–2018 Accomplishments Angela Gladue, Shawnee and Ria Mae, Lido Pimienta, Sister Says, ONE GREAT GATHERING William Prince, Tom Wilson, Brooke This year, IDL was hosted in three Simpson with Julian Taylor Band, cities across Canada, including Logan Staats, Kelly Fraser with Winnipeg, Toronto, and Ottawa, Buffy Handel & Dancers and Oh making it the largest celebration of My Darling with Kadanse. National Indigenous Peoples Day. The live multi-platform concert broadcast was available to all Canadians and beyond via APTN, radio waves and online. Viewer statistics reached more than 186,000 through the TV broadcast, with 6,778 online viewers, eight radio networks broadcasting to 1 million potential listeners for the total combined reach of over 1.2 million across all platforms.

APTN Communiqué 2018 Making its debut in a park outside APTN City Year headquarters in downtown Winnipeg in 2007, Indigenous Day Live continues to expand its Winnipeg 2007-2018 grassroots reach across the country. Yellowknife 2008, 2017 2009 Here are the cities that have hosted Ottawa 2010, 2017, 2018 Indigenous Day Live. Regina 2012 2013 Halifax 2014, 2017 2015, 2017 Vancouver 2017 Toronto 2017, 2018 Montréal 2017

Whitehorse Iqaluit

Yellowknife

Edmonton

Vancouver Regina Halifax Winnipeg Montréal Ottawa

Toronto

68 / 69 339 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