APTN Celebrates 10 Year Anniversary Programming Highlights / APTN Posted by RAD on Aug 11, 2009 - 05:00 PM On September 1, 2009, APTN will celebrate the 10-year anniversary of the launch of the first national Aboriginal television network in the world with programming by, for and about Aboriginal Peoples to share with all Canadians and viewers around the world. To commemorate this occasion, APTN will air a 90-minute special: Milestones, Memories and Moving Forward. The show, starring Lorne Cardinal, will chronicle the journey of where APTN began and how the network continues to grow and evolve today. Milestones, Memories and Moving Forward, APTN 10th Anniversary Special will premiere Tuesday, September 1, 2009 at 9:00 PM (MT on APTN West, ET on APTN East, CT on APTN North, ET on APTN HD). On September 1, 1999, Aboriginal Peoples Television Network officially hit the airwaves, evolving from what was then known as Television Northern Canada (TVNC). Since that time, the network has steadfastly adhered to its mission to “Share Our Peoples' journey, celebrate our cultures, inspire our children and honour the wisdom of our Elders”. In the process APTN has achieved our goal of accurately and positively reflecting Aboriginal Peoples of Canada. As an Aboriginal network, APTN is mandated to broadcast content that includes programming by and from First Nations, Inuit and Métis Peoples in Canada, as well as indigenous programming from around the world. Through its efforts to develop Aboriginal talent, the network has contributed significantly to the growth and overall increased capacity of the Aboriginal production community across the country. APTN producers very skillfully provide unique and relevant programming that doesn’t just meet, but exceeds industry standards while staying true to the network’s mandate to share the stories of Our Peoples. APTN currently broadcasts across Canada through three ever-distinct regional feeds and an HD channel. Broadcasting in at least 15 different Aboriginal languages, APTN now offers the broadest slate of programming for Aboriginal Peoples and Canadian audiences it has ever achieved. The network’s on-air schedule continually provides a unique and highly accessible window to Aboriginal traditions, languages, arts, music, sports, history and the news affecting our communities. APTN programming has been celebrated internationally through numerous award recognitions. Shows such as the children’s favourite, Wapos Bay, the youth targeted, renegadepress.com and the made-for-television movie, One Dead Indian, have been recognized for programming excellence with Canadian Gemini Awards. The network has also committed to the production and broadcast of ‘live’ special programming. In 2007, 2008 and 2009, APTN produced and broadcasted Aboriginal Day Live specials in observance of Aboriginal Solidarity Day, featuring high-profile Aboriginal talent from across the nation as well as the “Aboriginal Peoples Choice Music Awards” show. “This day truly is a milestone in Canadian television,” said Jean LaRose, APTN Chief Executive Officer. “It is a day to celebrate the achievements and quality programming this network has become recognized for. This historic moment wouldn’t be possible without the support of our dedicated viewers from all over the country who feel a connection to not only the significance of what APTN has accomplished, but also to the importance of its role in providing a voice for Aboriginal Peoples.” This article is from CHANNEL CANADA   http://irc.channelcanada.com/ The URL for this story is:   http://irc.channelcanada.com/modules.php?op=modload&name=News&file=article&sid=3294