On Screen Manitoba

APTN is pleased to announce that two of its news productions have been nominated for a 2012 World Indigenous Television Broadcasters Network Journalism Awards. The WITBN Indigenous Journalism Awards seeks to recognize and reward the best examples of professional journalism in Indigenous television.

The awards look to the portrayal of an Indigenous perspective on stories of local, national or international impact.

The two news stories up for an award from APTN shed light on two very different facets of life for Aboriginal Peoples in Canada.

In “Journey Home,” viewers are there when the Nisga’a people return to their home territory, some for the first time. Reporter Rob Smith takes us to the rugged and remote homeland of the Nisga’a in Northern British Columbia, a place many have not seen since they were young children. “Journey Home” tells the stories of Nisga’a community members who were removed from their families and sent to residential schools or were placed into foster care in the south, where they learned to speak English and forgot their Nisga’a language and culture. The story shows how the community struggled to remain strong even while they were ripped away from their homes and their culture. It’s a story that gives hope to other Indigenous communities who have faced the same realities due to colonization and displacement from traditional territories.

APTN’s story “Water Exploitation – Bruce Carson” explores how some people stand to benefit from the difficulties that First Nations People face. While unsafe drinking water is common on Canada’s reserves, “Water Exploitation” takes an investigative look into Bruce Carson affairs. Developed by Jorge Barrera, Ken Jackson, Paul Barnsley, and Mark Blackburn at APTN, this story explores how Bruce Carson attempted to use his connections within the Prime Minister’s office to help secure lucrative water filtration contracts in First Nations communities.

“Water Exploitation” uncovers some scandalous facts about Bruce Carson and his love affair with an Ottawa escort who stood to benefit from the insider dealings.

APTN congratulates its producers, reporters, and researchers involved in bringing these important stories to light. The WITBN awards ceremony is being held on March 29, 2012, in Kautokeino, Sapmi, Norway. One winner will receive $2000 (US) and a commemorative plaque/trophy. Three honourable mentions will receive $800 (US) and a commemorative plaque/trophy.