Aboriginal people make waves in broadcasting

Page 24

Television is a powerful medium that can challenge and empower people by telling stories they can relate to. As executive producer of the Sharing Circle, Lisa Meeches has not only educated Canadians with her half-hour show about Aboriginal people, but she has stepped up to encourage other Native people to enter the broadcasting sector.

With the increase in mentorship programs and industry upgrading courses, Meeches predicts a solid future for Aboriginal people interested in entering the field.

"We should have an amazing group of representatives actively contributing to television and film in even greater ways than we've achieved already over the next few years," she said.

The Manitoba Indian Cultural Education Centre recognizes that as the Aboriginal population increases, so should their presence in the broadcasting industry. The centre launched the Aboriginal Broadcast Training Initiative (ABTI) in 1997 to open the door for future industry workers both in front of and behind the camera.

The program is designed to educate those interested in broadcasting who might not otherwise have an opportunity to explore the field.

"Not many people think they could work in the industry," said Carol Beaulieu, program co-ordinator for ABTI. "It seems so foreign . . . untouchable for a lot of individuals.''

The effort to entice more Aboriginal people into the field of broadcasting has not been a quick or easy process. The ABTI opened to encourage those interested in the field to learn practical and hands-on training in an intensive course. The program is taught and supported by Aboriginal people who work in the competitive industry.

Beaulieu says this type of program provides people with the edge they need to break into the industry.

"People in the industry need to be aware these individuals are here," she said. "You don't have to accept them with open arms, but at least give them a chance."

Doors began opening and opportunities were given with the launch of APTN in the fall of 1999. Based in Winnipeg and aired nationally to more than eight million homes through cable and wireless services, APTN provides many Aboriginal producers, writers, and media professionals with employment.

"I think what APTN is doing is commendable," said Meeches. "I am very happy to have my programming on their airwaves, but in the end, it's important to me that I reach more than the Aboriginal community with our stories."

Meeches has been able to carry her talent and skills to the mainstream market.

"I had to work hard and prove that I was up to the challenge,"she explained, "but when you have a group of people that are as supportive of your work as the Craig family (A-Channel) was to mine, it's hard to view even the hardest of tasks as a challenge."

Meeches continues to break barriers for others in the broadcasting field by producing Aboriginal programs, such as the children's show Tipi Tales, that pay tribute to her traditional roots.

"Without representation on mainstream television, how do other communities in Canada learn about us?" she queried. "I don't think the goal for Aboriginal programming is just to reach Aboriginals . . . there can never be enough Aboriginal programming on television to educate and inspire Canadians as a whole.''

Meeches said its a process when people try to effect social change. "A-channel has always made sure that there was representation of Aboriginal people, and it's exciting to see networks like Global and CTV working to catch up."

Meeches believes there isn't a shortage of Aboriginal people working in the industry, rather there's a need for proper training.

"There is no quick fix for the development of senior creative contributors and crew members," she said.