‘Better reflect, appreciate and amplify’ is the goal of the three year plan. CBC/Radio-Canada, on behalf of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis, launched a new three-year strategy on Monday to enhance its employment and representation of Indigenous peoples. One of the plans is to create a new Indigenous office to supervise these initiatives.
The first national Indigenous strategy of the public broadcaster was introduced at the Canadian Museum for Human Rights in Winnipeg.
“Our goal is to more fully represent, value, and highlight the many Indigenous viewpoints within the public broadcaster,” Gitxsan journalist and new senior director of the strategy Robert Doane stated in a statement.
Building on CBC/Radio-Canada’s relationship with First Nations, Inuit, and Métis, which dates back to the introduction of CBC North’s radio service, is the aim, according to Doane.
“So although we’re launching our first-ever strategy today, we’re building on a legacy of decades of programs and services,” he continued.
Regarding the broadcaster’s financial commitment to the strategy and whether it was impacted by recent budget constraints, Doane would not say. Late last year, CBC/Radio-Canada announced that it will be reducing about 10% of its staff due to a possible $125 million budget deficit. The layoffs have started.
“What I can say is that we’re committed to better reflecting and serving First Nations, Inuit and Metis, no matter what challenges we’re facing,” he stated.
