OTTAWA, June 7, 2005 -- Minister of Industry and Member of Parliament (Vancouver Kingsway) David L. Emerson, on behalf of the Minister of Canadian Heritage and Minister responsible for Status of Women Liza Frulla, today announced $81,000 in funding for Northern Native Broadcasting, Terrace (NNBT). The funds will allow the organization to make upgrades to its satellite radio network."Since 1984, Northern Native Broadcasting, Terrace has provided original programming that showcases Aboriginal languages, cultures, and life in the North," said Minister Emerson. "I am pleased that our Government is investing in the station's capacity to reach both Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal audiences in an effort to increase dialogue.""We must give our cultural organizations the means to keep up with changes in modern technology," said Minister Frulla. "I am proud to support this radio station that focusses on the culture of the North, and showcases the participation of the region's citizens in our shared history."The funding will enable the NNBT to install new receiver satellite dishes at its 55 broadcast sites in British Columbia. Failure to upgrade the network to Cancom technology would have resulted in the NNBT being unable to broadcast its signal after November 30, 2005. Based in Terrace, British Columbia, the radio station produces 20 hours of programming in local Aboriginal languages every week. These broadcasts reach more than 60,000 listeners throughout the province.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 for Aboriginal representative organizations, Aboriginal women's groups, Aboriginal youth, and through the promotion of Aboriginal languages and culture.Funding announced today was provided for in the February 2005 federal Budget.Information:Jean-Philippe CôtéDirector of CommunicationsOffice of the Minister of Canadian Heritage and Minister responsible for Status of Women(819) 997-7788Christiane FoxPress SecretaryOffice of the Minister of Industry(613) 995-9001Myriam BrochuChief, Media RelationsCanadian Heritage(819) 997-9314
