In 2018, one of my very first official station visits as the new President and CEO of CBC/Radio-Canada was to Iqaluit, Nunavut. Many Inuit told me just how much CBC North is a lifeline in their communities. And I’ve heard it many times since — CBC/Radio-Canada is vital to many First Nations, Inuit and Métis communities from coast to coast to coast.
We have a long history of serving Indigenous Peoples. In 1958, CBC/Radio-Canada established its Northern service, and we became the first national broadcaster in Canada to put Inuktitut- and Na-Dene-speaking hosts on the air. I celebrate the trailblazing Indigenous journalists at CBC/Radio-Canada, such as Brian Maracle and Bernelda Wheeler, for their work hosting CBC Radio’s Our Native Land. Today, CBC North offers news in eight Indigenous languages — its Cree unit recently celebrated its 50-year anniversary! — and our digital platforms CBC Indigenous, ICI Grand Nord and Espaces autochtones celebrate the richness of Indigenous life in Canada.
But I have also heard clearly that there are questions about whether the public broadcaster could have done better, and can do better.
With the launch of this National Indigenous Strategy, we’re committing to better relationships; to advancing Truth and Reconciliation; to exploring our past and working towards a stronger future where the diversity, cultures, stories, languages, perspectives and leadership of First Nations, Inuit and Métis are integral to the public broadcaster.
Hundreds of people contributed to the development of this Strategy. We heard from a broad range of Indigenous Peoples and allies, including more than 130 CBC/Radio-Canada staff, and members of the public who attended more than 20 engagement sessions across the country. Their input was crucial. So was the leadership of Robert Doane, Nahka Bertrand and CBC/Radio-Canada’s entire National Indigenous Strategy Working Group, who worked tirelessly on this strategy. Thank you.
As this Strategy comes to life at the public broadcaster, we will continue listening, engaging and strengthening relationships to ensure we respectfully incorporate Indigenous needs and truths in all we do. We are determined to address the past and build a future that we can all be proud of, together.
Catherine Tait
President and CEO
CBC/Radio-Canada