APTN to host "Aboriginal Day Live" on June 21 at Winnipeg event
APTN press release ...
APTN To Host National Aboriginal Solidarity Day Celebration
Aboriginal Day Live, the first annual Aboriginal Solidarity Day celebration hosted by Aboriginal Peoples Television Network (APTN), will broadcast live across the nation from the network’s Winnipeg headquarters June 21st, 2007. Aboriginal Day Live will begin at 1 pm ET (12 pm CST Manitoba, 11 am CST Saskatchewan, 11 am MT, 10 am PT) and will repeat at 7 pm ET/PT.
Ray St. Germain, Native Communications Incorporated (NCI) radio personality, and APTN National News: Daytime host Cheryl McKenzie will emcee the hour-long concert featuring high-profile Canadian Aboriginal talent, including “Fiddle Master” Donny Parenteau, the Asham Stompers, champion hoop dancer Lisa Odjig, Juno award winner Leela Gilday, Nunavut’s own Lucy Idlout, Aboriginal Peoples Choice Music Award nominees Dead Indians and the internationally renowned band CWeed.
The celebration is open to the public. A special children’s tent will be set up introducing the new APTN Kids on-air host, with free giveaways for the younger attendees.
“APTN is proud to showcase some of the finest Aboriginal talent in the country for all to enjoy on this very special day,” says Jean LaRose, APTN Chief Executive Officer. “As Canada’s only national Aboriginal broadcaster, it is our honour and privilege to host Aboriginal Day Live, through which we join the nation in celebrating the uniqueness and diversity of our Peoples.”
Aboriginal Solidarity Day was first called for in 1982 by the National Indian Brotherhood (Assembly of First Nations). The date of June 21st was chosen due to the cultural significance of the summer solstice, the first day of summer and longest day of the year. National Aboriginal Day, now in its 11th year, was designated by the federal government in 1996 as a special day for all Canadians to celebrate the unique heritage, cultures and contributions of First Nations, Inuit and Métis people in Canada.
After the live broadcast, APTN will air encore presentations of the 2006 Aboriginal Peoples Choice Music Awards, the 2007 National Aboriginal Achievement Awards and back-to-back broadcasts of the Hillerman Trilogy, starring critically acclaimed actor Adam Beach.
About APTN:
September 1, 2006 marked the seven-year anniversary of the launch of the first national Aboriginal television network in the world with programming by, for and about Aboriginal Peoples to share with all Canadians and viewers around the world. APTN is available in over 10 million Canadian households and commercial establishments with cable, direct-to-home satellite (DTH), telco-delivered and fixed wireless television service providers.
APTN does not receive government funding for operations but generates revenue through subscriber fees, advertising sales and strategic partnerships. APTN broadcasts programming with 56% offered in English, 16% in French and 28% in Aboriginal languages. For program schedule or for more information, please contact APTN at (204) 947-9331 or toll-free at 1-888-278-8862, or visit the website at www.aptn.ca.