Radio techniques demystified for northern communities

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Residents of three remote northern communities had the opportunity to witness a live radio broadcast almost in their own backyards recently.

Disc jockeys from the Native Perspective radio broadcasting network travelled to Assumption, For Vermilion and Wabasca in early January, to "demystify" radio and give residents a chance to be DJ's.

By broadcasting live from each of these communities, Native Perspective DJ (and radio director) Ray Fox showed residents that working in the DJ's booth is not as difficult as many people think. After each of the broadcasts, which went out live to the rest of the province, members of the community were given the opportunity to put on the headphones and try their hand at spinning a few records.

An Assumption resident who occupied the spot behind the DJ's booth, Alexis Mercredi, said, "To be honest at first I thought 'Oh my God, look at all of those buttons!' But, it's not hard at all." Although the broadcast did not air on any radio stations, Mercredi "really enjoyed it."

Residents from Assumption, Fort Vermilion and Wabasca have all displayed interest in starting and operating their own community radio stations. And, if all goes as planned, they may soon be able to tune into their own station for the latest news and weather reports.

Through the Aboriginal Multi-Media Society of Alberta (AMMSA), the Native Perspective has offered to help these communities establish radio stations but, first the community must respond and show its support for the project, explained AMMSA general manager Bert Crowfoot, during an interview from Assumption.

"The opportunity is there if the community wants it, but the work has to be done by them," stressed Crowfoot, noting that studio radio equipment has been made available through Secretary of State funding.

Crowfoot noted they have already helped set up a community radio station at Lac La Biche, establishing the pilot project last year in August. And, station CFWE has continued to operate because of the efforts of volunteers from the community, he added.

The communities that the Native Perspective visited are at different stages of development and are each trying to establish community radio by using different methods. At Assumption, the radio station will be funded and operated by the Dene Tha' band on the reserve. On the other hand, the different ethnic groups at Fort Vermilion want to make the radio station a community project. "They have a lot of willing people who are putting time and effort into it," said Crowfoot, who was impressed with For Vermilion resident's show of enthusiasm and interest after a live broadcast aired from the community.

And, the Metis and Treaty community of Wabasca pulled together and formed a group for the project called ht Wabasca Broadcasting Society. Society president Ray Yellowknee said, "We're pretty committed to getting a station here."

Yellowknee says the community could benefit from radio because it "has a lot of information about the history of Wabasca. It would help make people here aware of what this place and their Elders were like years ago."

Crowfoot concluded, "there are many different reasons for wanting a radio station. But, what it all boils down to is the community involvement. If they're willing to put the energy into it, we're here to help them."