Canadian radio broadcasters unite to amplify Indigenous voices

TORONTO — On June 30th, the last day of National Indigenous History Month, more than 400 radio stations from broadcasters across Canada, including the big chains Bell Media, Corus Entertainment, Rogers Sports & Media and Stingray Radio, and others, will join together for a full day of programming dedicated to amplifying and elevating Indigenous voices.

Bell Media shared the news today (which is National Indigenous Peoples Day) in a press release, saying “A Day To Listen” on Wednesday, June 30 will be devoted to sharing stories from Indigenous leaders, residential school survivors, elders, musicians and teachers throughout the day from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. (local time).

The special day of programming is being presented in partnership with the Gord Downie & Chanie Wenjack Fund (DWF), and Canadians are invited to visit DownieWenjack.ca throughout the day to learn more about DWF’s programming, including the Legacy Schools program, which provides educators with free resources to teach about the true history of residential schools. Donations will be accepted via text or by visiting local radio station websites.

The collaboration follows the public revelation that the remains of 215 children were buried at the site of the former Kamloops Indian Residential School.

“With more than 400 radio stations participating, spanning different markets, regions and formats, A Day to Listen aims to leverage the power of radio to enact real change and begin to set a course for a better future,” reads Bell Media’s press release.

“Many Canadians were shocked to learn of the remains of 215 children buried in Kamloops and now growing numbers at other residential school sites, something Indigenous communities have known — and shared — for years,” said Sarah Midanik, president and CEO of the Gord Downie & Chanie Wenjack Fund, in the release. “We hope that A Day to Listen, and the ongoing work that we do at DWF, begins a new chapter in our reconciliation journey so that no Canadian is ever shocked again by the horrors inflicted upon Indigenous Peoples.”

For more, including a radio promo voiced by Indigenous performing artist and broadcaster Christa Couture from First Peoples Radio’s ELMNT FM in Toronto, please click here.

The other broadcasters taking part are:

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