The Aboriginal Peoples Television Network (APTN) has made an application to the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) proposing to cut its current number of channels in order to launch a new one focused almost entirely on content in Indigenous languages.

APTN currently broadcasts four feeds, each with its own programming schedule: APTN North, APTN East, APTN West and APTN HD.

In an application to the CRTC made June 22 and posted publicly on Friday (June 30), APTN proposed simplifying those to two channels: APTN, which would broadcast a single programming schedule across Canada in English and French; and APTN Languages, which would broadcast primarily in Indigenous languages.

APTN says that APTN Languages — currently a working title for the network — would broadcast at least 20 hours of content in Indigenous languages daily and 100 hours weekly, though a proposed example of a typical broadcast week showed how that number could reach as high as 157.5 hours weekly. Programming would feature a minimum of 15 Indigenous languages, though APTN’s example showed a broadcast week with as many as 17.

Using APTN North as an example, APTN says it currently broadcasts roughly 60 hours of Indigenous language content per broadcast week.

All languages would get an increase in current airtime. APTN is expecting double-digit increases in what are currently its largest language blocks, such as Inuktut and Cree, while also giving significantly more time to languages that have relatively little representation, such as Michif, Siouan, Halkomelem and Tutchone.

As is APTN’s current policy, content in Indigenous languages would be presented with English or French subtitles when possible. This, the proposal said, would create learning experiences for Indigenous languages, as well as allow for shared viewing in households made up of both speakers and non-speakers.

Any English- or French-language content on APTN Languages would be limited to APTN’s news and information programming.

The proposal also emphasized that the consolidated APTN channel would still meet its existing conditions of licence, which include the exhibition requirement of 75% Canadian content, and 80% of programming produced by indie Canadian companies. APTN’s current broadcast licence is scheduled to expire on Aug. 31.

“All Indigenous languages in Canada are facing challenges and many are at risk of extinction,” wrote APTN CEO Monika Ille in a letter accompanying the application. “This is happening at a time when interest and engagement in Indigenous-language revitalization is growing. This is a key moment in the history of Indigenous Peoples to protect and revitalize our languages. APTN, and the broadcasting system, have a fundamental role to play.”

She continued: “This is an important time for the Canadian broadcasting system and for Indigenous Peoples’ reflection and role in that system. It is critical that APTN move forward and continue to serve the needs and interests of Indigenous Peoples and build bridges with Canadians. We are convinced that an increased focus on Indigenous languages through APTN Languages, together with our English and French programming on APTN, is the best way for APTN to fulfill its mandate at this time.”

APTN is also proposing that the current mandatory order that ensures the network is distributed through all basic services be amended to include both APTN and APTN Languages. It is also asking that its wholesale fee be increased to $0.38 per subscriber monthly from the current $0.35.

With files from Kelly Townsend

Photo by Viv Lynch