Strategy includes focus on enhancing Indigenous representation across organization
CBC/Radio-Canada is introducing a National Indigenous Strategy, “Strengthening Relations, Walking Together,” alongside the establishment of a dedicated Indigenous office within the public broadcaster.
The three-year initiative embodies the broadcaster’s commitment to collaborating with First Nations, Inuit, and Métis communities, aiming to better represent and serve them, says the organization.
It includes a focus on enhancing Indigenous representation across all organizational levels.
“This strategy provides an important framework to measure our commitment to amplifying the voices of Indigenous creators and communities, as well as our own employees and leaders at CBC/Radio-Canada,” said Catherine Tait, president and CEO of CBC/Radio-Canada. “While the public broadcaster cannot right the wrongs of the past, this strategy provides us a roadmap for greater learning, collaboration and understanding for the future.”
4 key areas to National Indigenous Strategy
The strategy outlines a framework to actively engage in four key areas:
Narratives: The broadcaster pledges to integrate principles outlined by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission into its storytelling and content development processes. This commitment includes promoting the use of Indigenous languages and supporting efforts of First Nations, Inuit and Métis to revitalize and maintain them. A revitalized news and content strategy will emphasize this endeavour.
People: CBC/Radio-Canada aims to enhance Indigenous representation across all organizational levels by ensuring equitable access to employment opportunities, leadership roles, and professional development opportunities. Notably, initiatives, such as Pathways, will be revitalized to foster the journalistic skills of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis storytellers.
Relationships: The broadcaster will foster stronger ties with Indigenous Peoples by increasing the participation of Indigenous-owned vendors in its procurement processes, thus contributing to economic reconciliation. Furthermore, CBC/Radio-Canada pledges to deepen collaborations with Indigenous creators and key organizations like APTN and the Indigenous Screen Office.
Truth and reconciliation: Taking concrete steps towards reconciliation, CBC/Radio-Canada commits to a journey of understanding, including a historical review and comprehensive analysis of representations within its archives affecting Indigenous communities. This initiative, conducted by a third party, will prioritize Indigenous voices and experiences, offering recommendations for more respectful and accurate portrayals.
“I’m thrilled to see the launch of this first-ever National Indigenous Strategy. It’s the culmination of years of work and engagement with First Nations, Inuit and Métis from coast to coast to coast. And it’s more than words on a page — it’s a vibrant promise of ongoing, two-way engagement with Indigenous Peoples. It’s an invitation and an opportunity for everyone, both Indigenous and non-Indigenous, to join us on this journey,” said Robert Doane, senior director of the National Indigenous Strategy at CBC/Radio-Canada.
The new Indigenous Office, which will be led by Doane, will oversee and implement the National Indigenous Strategy. According to the press release, this office will serve as a resource for internal and external stakeholders, offering insights into Indigenous cultures, customs, and languages.
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