Aboriginal Peoples Television Network (APTN)

Celebrating 25 years of showcasing the stories and voices of Indigenous Peoples, APTN has been a key player in the Canadian media landscape, providing viewers across the country with unprecedented access to Indigenous content.

This milestone also brings exciting news with the launch of APTN Languages, a channel dedicated to Indigenous language programming. This achievement represents the culmination of 25 years of innovative work in Indigenous media.

APTN’s mission, "to share our Peoples’ journey, celebrate our cultures, inspire our children and honour the wisdom of our Elders," is at the heart of its operations, making it an important advocate for cultural representation and education through media.

As a prominent member of the Canadian film and television industry, APTN is a substantial voice for Indigenous Peoples, broadcasting to nearly 10 million households across the country. This broad audience highlights the network's crucial role in bringing Indigenous stories and perspectives to the forefront, thereby enriching the Canadian media industry with a wide variety of Indigenous cultures and experiences. The network's storytelling, both engaging and educational, plays an essential role in building bridges between Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities.

APTN's dedication to its mission and the portrayal of Indigenous Peoples has been consistently recognized, as evidenced by its status as one of Canada's Top 100 Employers since 2013. This accolade underscores the network's commitment to a supportive work environment and industry best practices. APTN's diverse programming in English, French and various Indigenous languages not only entertains, but also preserves these languages and fosters Indigenous storytelling traditions for future generations.

The network has achieved numerous milestones over 25 years, including being an official broadcaster of the Vancouver 2010 Olympic Winter Games, a testament to its influential status in broadcasting. In 2017, APTN played a key role in establishing the Indigenous Screen Office, showcasing its support for Indigenous film and television production. The network’s broadcast of the first-ever NHL game in Plains Cree in 2019 was another historic achievement, highlighting APTN's innovative approach to sports programming and language education. Additionally, the launch of APTN lumi, the network’s Indigenous-focused streaming service, has expanded APTN's digital reach and accessibility.

APTN's role as a founding member of the World Indigenous Broadcasters Network has enabled it to acquire and share a range of international Indigenous programs from countries like New Zealand, Australia and Thailand. This global engagement signifies APTN's commitment to presenting diverse Indigenous stories on-screen and its eagerness to acquire more international Indigenous content.

APTN’s role in the Canadian media industry is integral. It provides an essential platform for Indigenous narratives, revitalizes Indigenous languages and celebrates the rich diversity of Indigenous cultures. Through APTN’s varied programming, international collaborations and steadfast commitment to its mission, the network continues to be an influential representative of Indigenous Peoples in the media.