Radio show called 'Peace Pipe' begins broadcasting

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Students spotlight Native people and issues on university airways

A new Native radio program, operated by a group at the University of Alberta, is intended to make listeners more aware of the issues and people who shape the Native community today.

"There's a lot of people that don't know about the great things that are being done by Native people today," says one of the program's founders, Lewis Cardinal.

The half-hour program is called Peace Pipe and began broadcasting to the Edmonton area Jan. 19. By spotlighting prominent figures like entertainers and politicians, Cardinal explains they want to show its listeners the "diversity of Aboriginal people."

The program is a segment of a U of A radio station called CJSR, operated by the students' union. Although the four members of the group have training and experience in the media field, CJSR has offered to give them additional training. Joining Cardinal in the group is Richard Ward, Joey Cox and Albert Crier.

"The first few shows will be pre-recorded until we work out the kinks," explains Cardinal, who says the program will be broadcast live once they master the controls. To give the show a more lively feel, he adds that more than one disc jockey will be on the air at all times. Broadcasts will include national and local news reports as well as traditional and contemporary music.

Cardinal says they hope the program will appeal to all ages and create role models for youth. He adds they are currently trying to secure funds to expand programming and employ a full-time staff.

Peace Pipe can be heard every Tuesday morning at 8:20 a.m. on 88.5 FM.