The Aboriginal People’s Television Network is a national television Network in Canada whose focus is telling the stories of the First Nation, Metis, and Inuit people of Canada. This national Aboriginal network, which was the first of it’s kind, broadcasts a variety of programming that relates to the lives of Aboriginal Peoples. From dramas and cartoons to 
news and documentaries, APTN offers programming that relays the lifestyle of Aboriginal Peoples.(10)
History
In the years prior to APTN programming with Indigenous content was broadcast on a few networks, but during the most unfavorable hours. Furthermore, the Northern areas of Canada, which possess large indigenous populations, really lacked television content and coverage that was relevant to their lives.
In 1983 the Northern Broadcasting Policy and Northern Native Broadcast Access program gave Indigenous people the opportunity to have their own transponder that would distribute unique programming all over Northern Canada. This resulted in the creation of Television Northern Canada (TVNC), a TV network that was owned and operated by 13 Aboriginal organizations. Realizing the need for nationwide Aboriginal programming, TVNC submitted proposals to the Canadian Satellite Communications Corporations. Finally in 1999 APTN was launched, and within two years was viewed in over 8 million households across Canada via cable television, direct to home and wireless service. APTN is currently funded through subscription fees, contributions and advertising.(10)
Programming
Being that they are the only Indigenous network in Canada, APTN must offer a large variety in the way of their content. Unlike like many other networks that have the freedom to focus on specialized programming, APTN has to offer a little of everything to everyone in the Indigenous community. Their programming varies from children’s shows and documentaries to racy dramas, and live music concerts. APTN works to represent the enormous variety of Native communities all across Canada.(15)
APTN purchases its content from over 100 production companies all over Canada. APTN broadcasts programming with 56% offered in English, 16% in French and 28% in Aboriginal languages. A majority of the programming (75%) is produced in Canada. The remainder of the programming comes from international sources, usually from film acquisitions.(3)
In order for a show to be considered for purchase, the producer must be an Aboriginal person which is defined to include:
a) First Nations, Métis or Inuit person who resides in Canada; or
b) An Aboriginal production company, which is defined to include:
ii) A sole proprietorship, a limited company, a co-operative, a partnership, or a not-for-profit organization in which Aboriginal persons have at least fifty one (51%) percent ownership (13)
Demographic:
Although APTN appeals to all age groups, it attempts to target the 18-34 year old group the most. This is the fastest growing and media savvy demographic in the Indigenous community. Thus, much of APTN’s content is geared to their interests.(13)
Popular Shows in 2012
Blackstone– An HBO-esqe program, this hard hitting drama won various awards at the 2011 Gemini awards (APTN). Known for it’s controversial content, strong language and nudity, Blackstone continues to be one of the trademark programs at APTN. Blackstone Season 2 (11)
Fish out of water-A documentary series that follows a host to various indigenous communities through the U.S and Canada to experience to compare and contrast different lifestyles (14)
Caution: May Contain Nuts– An original sketch comedy series. Nominated for the 2011 Gemini awards for best comedy series.(12)
Variety/Music
APTN features music from many artists in the Indigenous community. One program called First Tracks, asks users vote on their favorite up and coming artists in the Canada, and APTN produces music videos for the winners. The artists chosen in 2011 were: Cris Derksen, Joey Stylez, Beatrice Love, Desiree Dorion, Dylan Thomas and Saali. Their videos are currently in production.(16)
APTN also hosts and broadcasts live concerts and variety shows, the most popular being the annual concerts held on Canada’s National Aboriginal Day. On June 23rd APTN will host a National Aboriginal Day Live. The day will be marked by music and festivities with two major concert venues, one in Winnipeg and the other at the First Nations University in Regina. This is the 6th year they’ve held these concerts, and in 2012 are expecting an all Star line up, with some of the biggest names in Aboriginal music and television. The Winnipeg event will be Co-Hosted by APTN personalities Don Kelly, (Fish out of Water); Candy Palmater, (The Candy Show); and Upload personality Chantelle. Co-hosts for the Regina event include Aboriginal DJ and actress Crystle Lightning and producer and actress Jennifer Podemski.(1)
APTN was also the only Canadian to broadcast the 2012 Arctic Games. The Arctic Games are a sports and cultural festival that incorporate both contemporary and Indigenous events like dog mushing, curling and snow shoeing. The festival also features many artists from aboriginal communities like Tutchone, Dene and Inuit. (16)
News
National
In 2011, APTN revamped the News portion of their programming, dedicating an entire hour a day of news broadcasting. The News covers stories all throughout Canada, particularly those concerning Aboriginal peoples. (15)
APTN announced that beginning on May 7th, 2012 APTN’s award winning news reporter Cheryl McKenzie will be be joining APTN news anchor Michael Hutchinson as host and anchor on APTN National News.(3)
APTN News Cheryl McKenzie
On January 23 APTN National News covered of the opening ceremony of the Crown – First Nations Gathering. It was the first meeting for Prime Minister Stephen Harper and the collective First Nation leadership that discussed the relationship between the First Nation community and the Federal government.(9)
International
APTN is a founding member of World Indigenous Television Broadcasters Network (WITBN), an organization dedicated to unifying aboriginal broadcasters world wide for the purpose of preserving Indigenous languages and cultures. Other members of WITBN include representatives from New Zealand, Australia, Ireland, Scotland, Norway and Hawaii. (2) APTN is in the works of creating network with the other members of WITBN, where news is exchanged and broadcast internationally. (15)
Interactive Future
Digital Drum
Realizing the need to change with the times, APTN has started to venture away from traditional linear broadcast model and into the realm of interactive media. In 2012 APTN will launch their new multimedia platform known as Digital Drum. Already in it’s soft launch, Digital Drum is an online experience, where users will be able to meet and interact with others in various Indigenous communities. Digital drum will also provide a platform for users to upload and share some self generated content. (15) Digital Drum site.
Although APTN is only funded for television programming, they plan on earmarking a portion of their budget to bring Digital Drum to fruition. (15)
Awards 2011/2012
Programming
The 2011 Gemini Awards
Best Actress in a Continuing Dramatic Role-Michelle Thrush (Blackstone)
Best Achievement in Main Title Design-Robb Thompson, Darren Bierman, Shelley Cornies and Steve Seeley (Blackstone)
Best Host of a Variety Show or Series– Adam Beach and Evan Adams (The 18th Annual National Aboriginal Achievement Awards)
Best Photography of Performing Arts Program or Series- Kelly Jones (The 18th Annual National Aboriginal Achievement Awards) (17)
2012 KIDSCREEN Awards
Best One‐Off, Special or TV Movie Award-Dark Thunder Productions (Wapos Bay: Long Goodbye) (7)
News
2012 World Indigenous Journalism Awards
World Indigenous Journalist Honor– Rob Smith (“Journey Home”)
World Indigenous Journalist Special Recognition-Jorge Barrera, Ken Jackson, Paul Barnsley and Mark Blackburn (“Water Exploitation – Bruce Carson”)(8)
Corporate Restructuring
On January 4, 2012 Vera Houle was appointed as APTN’s new Director of Community Relations. Houle will work as a liaison between the Network and stake holders. She will support strategies and initiatives that will benefit Aboriginal communities. (6)
On January 13, 2012, APTN announced that Monika Ille would be their new Director of programming. Ille, a graduate of Université du Québec à Montréal has over 20 years in the broadcasting and film. She had once worked for the Société Radio‐Canada and then went on to work for The National Film Board (NFB).(4)
On March 8, 2012, Lisa Squire accepted the position of Director of Marketing. Squire’s focus will be the development of APTN’s showcasing of Aboriginal People and their stories.(5)
Senior Management
Jean LaRose -Chief Executive Officer
Sky Bridges -Chief Operating Officer
Wilf Blondé -(Acting) Chief Financial Officer
Vera Houle -Director of Community Relations
Monika Ille -Director of Programming
Wayne McKenzie -Director of Operations
Aimee Powell -Director of Sales & Business Development
Lisa Squire -Director of Marketing
John Stott -Director of Human Resources
Lea Todd -Director of Creative Services and Scheduling (16)
APTN Headquarters
Sources:
(1)Aboriginal day live and celebration. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.aboriginaldaylive.com/2012/02/aboriginaldaylive/
(2)About witbn. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.witbn.org/index.php/about/witbn
(3)Announcing new host and producer for aptn national news. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.aptn.ca/corporate/Media_Releases/media-releases-2012-04-23
(4)Aptn appoints director of programming. (2012, January 13). Retrieved from http://www.aptn.ca/corporate/media-releases.php
(5)Aptn appoints lisa squire as new director of marketing. (2012, March 8). Retrieved from http://www.aptn.ca/corporate/media-releases.php
(6)Aptn appoints vera houle as new director of community relations. (2012, January 04). Retrieved from http://www.aptn.ca/corporate/media-releases.php
(7)Aptn congratulates 2012 kidscreen award winners aptn. (2012, February 12). Retrieved from http://www.aptn.ca/corporate/media-releases.ph
(8)Aptn news and current affairs team receives canadian journalism award download pdf. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.aptn.ca/corporate/Media_Releases/media-releases-2012-05-1
(9)Aptn national news to cover the crown – first nations gathering. (2012, January 17). Retrieved from http://crownfirstnationgathering.com/
(10)Baltruschat, D. (2004). Television and canada’s aboriginal communities. Canadian Journal of Communication, 29, 47-59
(11)Blackstone. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://aptn.ca/pages/blackstone/
(12)Caution:may contain nuts. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://aptn.ca/pages/cautionmaycontainnuts/
(13)Eligibility & rating criteria for development & licensing. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.aptn.ca/corporate/pro
(14)Fish out of water. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://aptn.ca/pages/fishoutofwater/
(15)McKenzie, W. (2012, April 27). Interview by W Estrada-Goeman [Personal Interview]. Aptn’s wayne mckenzie.
(16)Recent media releases (2012). Retrieved from http://www.aptn.ca/corporate/media-releases.php
(17)26th annual gemini awards culminate with star-studded broadcast gala . (2011, September 7). Retrieved from www.geminiawards.ca