[FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE]
The National Campus and Community Radio Association (NCRA/ANREC) Supports the Development of a national Indigenous Radio Association in Canada
November 6 2023—Ottawa The National Campus and Community Radio Association (NCRA/ANREC), a not-for-profit organization that supports volunteer-based, non-profit radio stations in Canada, has unanimously approved a motion to support the development of an independent national Indigenous radio association. This decision highlights the NCRA/ANREC’s commitment to empowering Indigenous voices and the growth of Indigenous radio stations across the country through meaningful consultations. The NCRA/ANREC recognizes that there is no association to provide support to and advocate on behalf of Indigenous stations in Canada and understands it is not the place for the NCRA/ANREC to do so, but the organization is committing to support others that look to unite the Indigenous sector.
The motion, passed unanimously by the NCRA/ANREC’s board of directors on May 30th, authorizes the organization, including its staff, board members, and volunteers, to collaborate with its 12 Indigenous member stations, non-member stations and identified members/leaders of Indigenous communities in Canada. This comes as a response to the consultations put forth by the Government of Canada’s Minister of Heritage, as well as the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission update to the Broadcasting Act consultations.
As a leader for campus and community radio in Canada with a network of 126 member stations, the NCRA/ANREC provides advice and support to individual radio stations. It works to strengthen not-for-profit radio by sharing information and developing sector programs and education. Recognizing the importance of supporting Indigenous radio stations, the NCRA/ANREC is committed to amplifying Indigenous voices and helping Indigenous communities create their own broadcasting association.
By ensuring the Indigenous radio association development reflects the diverse needs, aspirations, and cultural protocols of Indigenous broadcasters, the NCRA/ANREC aims to support Indigenous broadcasters to create Indigenous media platforms that promote dialogue, cultural expression, and community empowerment.
The NCRA/ANREC is looking for organizations or individuals to work with. Those interested in learning more about our intentions or participating in consultations running at some point between November 20 and December 6, 2023 are asked to contact the NCRA/ANREC Executive Director (barry@ncra.ca). Through this collaborative effort, NCRA/ANREC aims to support the development of sustainable Indigenous media platforms that promote dialogue, cultural expression, and community empowerment.
For more information:
Barry Rooke, Executive Director – NCRA/ANREC barry@ncra.ca
Mark Kilfoil, President – NCRA/ANREC mark@ncra.ca
About the NCRA/ANREC:
The National Campus and Community Radio Association/L’Association nationale des radios étudiantes et communautaires (“NCRA/ANREC”) is a not-for-profit national association working to recognize, support, and encourage volunteer-based, non-profit, public-access campus, community and native radio broadcasters in Canada. We provide advice and advocacy for individual campus and community (“c/c”) stations and conduct lobbying and policy development initiatives with a view to advancing the role and increasing the effectiveness of our sector. Our goals are to ensure stability and support for individual stations and to promote the long-term growth and effectiveness of the sector. The NCRA/ANREC currently has 126 member stations, including 12 independent, indigenous member radio stations.
November 21, 2023
Hello, Members and interested parties
As per the call for participation to collaborate on an independent Indigenous Radio Association, the NCRA/ANREC welcomes everyone to join us on Friday, December 1st at 2 pm Eastern (3 pm Atlantic, 11 am Pacific) via Zoom.
A recording of the meeting will be made, along with transcription and a summary, shared with those who register (if you cannot attend the time)
Agenda:
- Welcome
- About the NCRA/ANREC and its members
- Introductions from participants
- Round-table open discussion on the development of an Indigenous Radio Association
- Possible discussion of how to improve engagement and representation at the NCRA/ANREC.
- Determination of next steps and another meeting
Note that if anyone is interested in chairing this meeting, please reach out to barry@ncra.ca
The goal of the meeting is to introduce each other and have an open discussion on the interest of building a new national association and how individuals and groups can continue to the opportunity. If no chair comes forward, the NCRA/ANREC Executive Director, Barry Rooke, will chair the meeting.
Please share widely.
Barry Rooke NCRA/ANREC Executive Director
