TERRACE, September 10, 2004 -- Minister of State (Northern Development) and Member of Parliament (Western Arctic) Ethel Blondin-Andrew, on behalf of Minister of Canadian Heritage Liza Frulla, today announced $326,855 in funding for Northern Native Broadcasting, Terrace (NNBT)."Aboriginal people need organizations like Northern Native Broadcasting, Terrace to preserve and enhance their languages and culture," said Minister of State Blondin-Andrew. "All Canadians benefit from the presence of a vibrant and living northern culture in Canada.""The Aboriginal language broadcast services provided by Northern Native Broadcasting, Terrace is the only service of its kind," said Minister Frulla. "I am proud to support this organization that has responded to the cultural, linguistic and information needs of Aboriginal people with radio programming since 1984."NNBT broadcasts 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and reaches more than 60 000 Aboriginal people in British Columbia. It combines technology and tradition to provide communications services that reflect the Aboriginal cultures of Northern British Columbia. It also promotes communication between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal residents in the area. Government funding announced today will help defray the costs of producing 20 hours of weekly radio programming in a local Indigenous language.Financial assistance is provided by the Department of Canadian Heritage through its Northern Native Broadcast Access Program. The Department encourages participation in and contribution to Canadian society through support to Aboriginal representative organizations, Aboriginal women's groups, Aboriginal youth, and through the promotion of Aboriginal languages and cultural diversity.Funding was provided for in the March 2004 federal budget.Information:Donald Boulanger Press Secretary Office of the Minister of Canadian Heritage (819) 997-7788Pierre CollinDirector of CommunicationsOffice of Ethel Blondin-Andrew(613) 992-4587Myriam BrochuChief, Media RelationsCanadian Heritage(819) 997-9314
