(Winnipeg) Canada’s public broadcaster is promising to increase its Indigenous staff and promote Indigenous languages in its content, as part of a radical new strategy.
CBC/Radio-Canada’s first national Indigenous strategy was launched Monday during an event at the Canadian Museum for Human Rights.
This is part of a three-year plan by Radio-Canada to serve and reflect First Nations, Inuit and Métis communities.
CBC/Radio-Canada spoke with hundreds of people across the country, including Indigenous staff and members of the public, to develop the strategy.
It outlines four areas of engagement, including exploring CBC/Radio-Canada’s own history of covering Indigenous news.
CBC/Radio-Canada also plans to create an Indigenous desk headed by Robert Doane, a Gitxsan journalist and Indigenous advisor to the broadcaster.
“I am very pleased to mark the unveiling of this first-ever national Indigenous strategy,” said Mr. Doane in a press release. It is not just a simple text: it resonates the promise of a continuous and mutual commitment between the public broadcaster and indigenous peoples. »
The office will be responsible for overseeing the implementation of the strategy as well as consulting with nations and indigenous groups.
Catherine Tait, president and CEO of the broadcaster, said the strategy provides a framework to highlight the voices of Indigenous communities and its employees.
“This is a moment of immense pride for all of us at the public broadcaster, and I sincerely hope that it will pave the way for strengthening relationships as we walk together,” Tait said.
An annual report will be published, with input from staff and viewers, to track CBC/Radio-Canada’s progress.