Feds provide more than $17M to audiovisual groups in northern Indigenous communities

Canadian Identity Minister Marc Miller announced the federal government will distribute $17.2 million across 23 Indigenous production and broadcasting organizations over two years. The funding will be allocated under the Northern Aboriginal Broadcasting stream of Ottawa’s Indigenous Languages Program. “Hearing and seeing a community’s stories and values reflected on screen, online or over the airwaves are vital in passing on cultures through the generations,” said Miller (Ville-Marie—Le Sud-Ouest—Île-des-Sœurs, Que.) in a statement. “Today we celebrate their success in connecting communities, encouraging dialogue, and promoting the vitality of Indigenous languages.” The recipients set to receive the most funding include the Nunavik-based group Taqramiut Nipingat in northern Quebec ($2.8 million over two years), Inuit Broadcasting Corporation ($2.6 million over two years) in Nunavut, as well as the Wawatay Communications Society located in Sioux Lookout, Ont. ($1.1 million over two years). Meanwhile, the Inuit TV Network is slated to receive $1 million in funding over the next two years, while the Native Communications Society of the N.W.T., which operates the CKLB 101.9 FM radio station in Yellowknife, will get $872,262 over the same period. Miller, who made the announcement during a visit to the N.W.T. capital, described the territory’s native communications society, which broadcasts news, weather, and other radio programming in multiple Dene languages, as “an example of Indigenous excellence.” “Multi-year program funding provides the Native Communications Society of the Northwest Territories with the financial stability needed to sustain its operations and the security to continue broadcasting to more than 33 communities,” read a statement from Rob Ouelette, the organization’s CEO. “This support plays a vital role in preserving and promoting the Indigenous cultures and languages of the First Nations, Inuit, and Métis peoples of the Northwest Territories.” To qualify for funding, Indigenous groups must broadcast communications north of the Hamelin Line, which denotes the 55th parallel, cutting off organizations based in the southern parts of most provinces. Organizations in seven provinces (all but New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, and P.E.I.), as well as all three territories, were selected under the program. The full list of funding recipients is as follows: — Aboriginal Multi-Media Society of Alberta (CFWE-FM) — Edmonton, Alta.: $641,481 over two years — ALKW Media Society (Nuxalk Radio 91.1 FM) — Bella Coola, B.C.: $380,254 over two years — Green Lake Communications Inc. (CHGL Radio) — Green Lake, Sask.: $190,620 over two years — Ile a la Crosse Communication Society Inc. (CILX Michif Radio) — Ile a la Crosse, Sask.: $428,800 over two years — Inuit Broadcasting Corporation — Iqaluit, Nunavut: $2,573,846 over two years — Inuit TV Network — Iqaluit, Nunavut: $1,038,532 over two years — Inuvialuit Communications Society — Inuvik, N.W.T.: $380,820 over two years — James Bay Cree Communications Society — Mistissini, Que.: $970,974 over two years — Minahik Achimowin Inc. (CFNK Radio 89.9 FM) — Pinehouse, Sask.: $642,757 over two years — Missinipi Broadcasting Corporation (MBC Radio) — La Ronge and Prince Albert, Sask.: $618,914 over two years — Mistassini Lake Telecommunications Association (CINI-FM) — Mistissini, Que.: $180,000 over two years — Native Communications Inc. (NCI FM Radio) — Winnipeg, Man.: $483,649 over two years — Native Communications Society of the N.W.T. (CKLB 101.9 FM) — Yellowknife, N.W.T.: $872,262 over two years — Northern Native Broadcasting (CFNR Radio and Television) — Terrace, B.C.: $400,000 over two years — Northern Native Broadcasting Yukon (CHON-FM) — Whitehorse, Yukon: $774,312 over two years — Nunavut Independent Television Network (Uvagut TV) — Igloolik, Nunavut: $300,000 for one year — Okâlakatiget Society (Radio 99.9 FM) — Nain, N.L.: $486,058 over two years — Sipisishk Communications Inc. (CIPI Radio 96.5 FM) — Beauval, Sask.: $200,000 over two years — Société de Communication Atikamekw-Montagnais Inc. — Wendake, Que.: $767,330 over two years — Taqramiut Nipingat Inc. — Salluit, Que.: $2,810,312 over two years — Tlegohli Got’ine Government Incorporated — Norman Wells, N.W.T.: $714,014 over two years — Tŝilhqot’in National Government (Tŝilhqot’in Radio, 104.5 FM) — Williams Lake, B.C.: $300,000 over two years — Wawatay Communications Society — Sioux Lookout, Ont.: $1,067,236 over two years news@thewirereport.ca

Feds provide more than $17M to audiovisual groups in northern Indigenous communities

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By Wire Report Staff
|March 20, 2026

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Feds provide more than $17M to audiovisual groups in northern Indigenous communities

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