Indigenous radio station in Manitoba celebrates 50 years
An Indigenous radio station is celebrating 50 years on the air in Manitoba.
NCI-FM (Native Communications Incorporated) has been broadcasting in the province since 1971.
On Friday, NCI-FM CEO David McLeod said when modern technology like radio and television started broadcasting in northern Manitoba, it was lacking Indigenous voices.
“There was no representation of who Indigenous people were,” McLeod said. “People saw that need and recognized it.”
NCI-FM started as a grassroots initiative in September 1971 to provide Indigenous language and cultural programming to northern Manitoba.
The non-profit public broadcaster now has 57 transmitters throughout the province and NCI-FM is the largest Indigenous radio network in Canada.
“At the end of the day, it’s not about the equipment,” McLeod said. “It’s about connecting with people.”
McLeod said he credits NCI’s success with its ability to share stories and issues through Indigenous voices.
“People can reflect, they can hear themselves,” he explained. “When it comes from our community, there’s a different grasp or understanding.”
NCI-FM celebrated its 50th anniversary at its Winnipeg-based station with the unveiling of a new mural and a live performance from Cree recording artist Ernest Monias.
- With files from APTN's Michelle Karlenzig
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Evacuation order issued for some Fort McMurray neighbourhoods as wildfire nears
Four Fort McMurray neighbourhoods were ordered to evacuate on Tuesday as a wildfire gets closer to the city.
Maximum payout for LifeLabs class-action drops from $150 estimate to $7.86
Canadian LifeLabs customers who filed an application for a class-action settlement began receiving their payments this week, though at a much lower amount than initially expected.
Sask. police seize 1.5M pieces of evidence, lay 60 more charges in child exploitation case
Saskatchewan RCMP have revealed that a historic sexual assault investigation has led to the discovery of alleged crimes against children dating back to 2005.
About 1,000 wildfires confirmed so far this year: Here's a quick look at the situation in Canada
Nearly 1,000 wildfires have burned across Canada so far this year. Here's an overview of the situation in Canada.
'Inappropriate' behaviour shuts down Dublin to New York City portal
Less than a week after two public sculptures featuring a livestream between Dublin, Ireland, and New York City debuted, 'inappropriate behaviour' in real-time interactions between people in the two cities has prompted a temporary shutdown.
American sought after 'So I raped you' Facebook message detained in France on 2021 warrant
An American accused of sexually assaulting a Pennsylvania college student in 2013 and later sending her a Facebook message that said, 'So I raped you,' has been detained in France after a three-year search.
Full List Are these Canada's best restaurants? Annual top 100 list revealed
The annual list of Canada's top restaurants in the country was just released and here are the places that made the 2024 cut.
Tavares scores in OT, rescues Canada from potential upset in 7-6 win over Austria
Captain John Tavares scored 15 seconds into overtime and saved his teammates some embarrassment as Canada held on for a 6-5 win over Austria on Tuesday at the world hockey championship.
BREAKING 'A remarkable time': After 8 years at Toronto Public Health, Dr. Eileen de Villa announces resignation
The doctor who led Toronto through the COVID-19 pandemic as the city’s top public health official is stepping down.