EDMONTON, Nov. 15, 2012 /CNW/ - Aboriginal communities in Northern Alberta will continue to benefit from local radio programming, thanks to support from the Government of Canada. Brent Rathgeber, Member of Parliament (Edmonton-St. Albert), today announced funding for the Aboriginal Multi-Media Society of Alberta (AMMSA) for the production and broadcast of radio programming. He made this announcement on behalf of the Honourable James Moore, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages.
The funding will support 168 hours of radio programming per week, of which 12.5 hours will be in Cree and 3 hours in other languages including Dene, Nakoda Sioux, and Michif. AMMSA will provide its listeners with a variety of radio programs and features, including Aboriginal and country music, community happenings, news, health, traditional teachings, and language learning.
"This year marks the start of the five-year countdown to Canada's 150th birthday in 2017," said Minister Moore. "Our Government is proud to invest in projects that contribute to our collective identity and define who we are as Canadians. On the road to 2017, let us continue to celebrate all of the things that make Canada the united, prosperous, and free country we are today."
"The Government recognizes the importance of Aboriginal languages and cultures and continues to support Aboriginal communities in their efforts to preserve and revitalize them," said Mr. Rathgeber. "With this support, AMMSA will continue to promote Aboriginal languages through culturally relevant radio programming, with important benefits for Northern Alberta communities today and for many generations to come."
"Since 1987, CFWE radio has been committed to the preservation and revitalization of Alberta's First Nations languages and culture," said Bert Crowfoot, Chief Executive Officer for AMMSA. "The Government of Canada, through its funding, has played a vital role in CFWE developing its unique voice with which to provide information, music, and entertainment to a diverse province-wide Aboriginal audience."
The Government of Canada has provided funding of $354,700 through the Aboriginal Peoples' Program of the Department of Canadian Heritage. The program helps strengthen Aboriginal cultural identity, encourages the full participation of Aboriginal peoples in Canadian society, and supports the preservation and revitalization of Aboriginal languages and cultures.
SOURCE: Canadian Heritage
Media only, please contact:
Sébastien Gariépy
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Office of the Minister of Canadian Heritage
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Media Relations
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(This news release is available on the Internet at www.canadianheritage.gc.ca under Newsroom.)
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