AMMSA offers stability and diversification

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A well deserved "Happy Birthday" to the supporters, readers, staff and members of the board of AMMSA. It's a first of many to come, we strongly believe.

This past year has featured the usual problems one encounters in giving birth to a new organization. I am happy to report that staff and board members confronted the start-up difficulties, as well as those of maintenance and development, with honesty and competence.

The main activity of AMMSA, for the past twelve months, was centered on the development of a newspaper, or print media. Planning for the launching of the electronics media, or radio and TV programs, been simultaneously with the setting-up of the newspaper. However, our initial requests for funding were turned down. Currently, we have a submission before the Northern Native Broadcast Program, of the Secretary of State. We understand that our proposal is being favorably regarded. Once monies are accorded, AMMSA will then set in place the necessary systems and personnel to service Alberta's northern areas. We are very optimistic, and fully anticipate being able to establish a network of community communication groups across the area we serve. A year from now, we should be celebrating further significant media-related achievements.

I would like to make two final observations. One is that AMMSA remains committed to its mandate to respond to the communication needs of the Native peoples of central and northern Alberta, and to reflect, as accurately as possible, the historical, cultural, and political aspirations and endeavors of the Native communities and Native organizations in the central and northern areas which we serve and support. To those ends, AMMSA will give a greater energy and provide a stronger, and more diversified professional competence than before.

Finally, given the emergent development of communications systems among minority populations around the world, and given the recent UNESCO directed establishment of the McLuhan Teleglobe Canada Award as world-wide recognition of significant minority achievement in the field of media development and communication, and, finally, given the confidence that AMMSA senses in itself, I hereby urge all involved with AMMSA, staff, board members, the growing numbers of friends and supporters, to consider that the bestowing of such an award on AMMSA, ultimately, is clearly possible and completely desirable, and that it behooves us to aspire to the highest. Think about it!