In honour of its 25th anniversary, APTN celebrates an incredible achievement on its mission to preserve and share Indigenous culture with the launch of North Americaâs first-ever national Indigenous language channel, APTN Languages this September.
This marks a significant milestone in APTNâs mission to enhance services and content for viewers by protecting and revitalizing Indigenous languages. Preservation of language is listed as a crucial element in Canadaâs Truth and Reconciliation Report. Of the 70 Indigenous languages spoken in Canada, 40 of these languages have 500 or fewer speakers, many of which are over 70 years old.
âThis is a key moment in the history of Indigenous Peoples, and APTN has a fundamental role to play in protecting and revitalizing our languages,â said Monika Ille, APTN CEO. âWe can think of no better way to celebrate our 25th anniversary than by using our platform to ensure the next generation will have access and exposure to their native dialects so we might preserve their histories and celebrate their cultures and traditions.â
To celebrate, APTN and the CN Tower are marrying a celebration of language and taste with an elevated Indigenous dining experience in the towerâs 360 Restaurant. This September, when diners order from Chef David Wolfmanâs Indigenous menu, theyâll have the opportunity to learn a few traditional phrases in different Indigenous languages through APTN and the CN Towerâs interactive menu.
âThe CN Tower is honoured to be a partner with APTN and to celebrate Indigenous languages across Canada,â said Peter George, Chief Operating Officer of the CN Tower. âOur menu, our collaboration in 360 Restaurant with Chef David Wolfman, and our ongoing collaboration with the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation, on whose treaty territory the CN Tower stands reflect our commitment to advancing reconciliation and providing opportunities to learn about and celebrate Indigenous peoples and cultures.â
This September, audiences can tune into APTN Languages to see programming in 12+ Indigenous languages including Cree, Inuktitut, Ojbwe, MiâKmaq, Syilx and more. Viewers will see familiar APTN favourites like Bearsâ Lair, Skindigenous, Chuck and the First Peoplesâ Kitchen and others.
For advertising opportunites please contact mrwill@mrwillwong.com