November 28, 2024
A letter to MediaPolicy from the CEO of the Aboriginal Peoples Television Network responds to remarks made by Richard Stursberg in his recent MediaPolicy post, “Welcome Mme.Bouchard, here’s some advice.“
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I am writing on behalf of APTN in response to Richard Stursberg’s recent column, “CBC: Welcome Mme. Bouchard, here’s some advice.” While we agree with several of Mr. Stursberg’s suggestions, we strongly disagree with his suggestion that CBC/Radio Canada should helm a documentary series on the Indigenous People’s History of Canada – similar to its successful Canada: A People’s History series.
For 25 years, APTN has been at the forefront of Indigenous media in Canada, dedicated to sharing our Peoples’ stories our way. As the first national Indigenous broadcaster in the world, APTN was created specifically to provide a platform for Indigenous voices, perspectives and languages —something no other network can claim as its primary mandate. Over the years, we have produced and aired countless groundbreaking series, documentaries and programs that authentically reflect the diversity and richness of Indigenous cultures, histories and contemporary realities.
The network’s involvement in series like 1491: The Untold Story of the Americas Before Columbus, Treaty Road, Secret History, Future History, Red Earth Uncovered, Wild Archaeology and First Contact/Premier Contact – among many other titles, showcases APTN’s ability to handle complex and sensitive topics with the nuance and respect they deserve.
We have also co-commissioned some of the most important Indigenous cultural/historical documentaries, including Singing Back the Buffalo, Wilfred Buck, nîpawistamâsowin: We Will Stand Up, Beautiful Scars of Tom Wilson and Coming Home. Such documentaries have been instrumental in educating the public and preserving Indigenous heritage.
The suggestion that only CBC can undertake this kind of storytelling undermines the work APTN has been doing with expertise and dedication for decades. It dismisses the contributions of Indigenous journalists, producers and creators who bring unmatched cultural understanding, lived experience and nuanced perspectives to the stories they tell. Furthermore, it perpetuates a harmful narrative that Indigenous voices require validation or mediation by non-Indigenous institutions to be heard or understood.
While no doubt well-intentioned, Mr. Stursberg’s recommendation overlooks APTN’s existence and its role in fostering and broadcasting Indigenous stories, and the need for strong and unwavering support of that role.
Sincerely,
Monika Ille, CEO APTN
MediaPolicy.ca 