Your Rideau Canal dreams just got a boost
Okay, so I just saw a memo — three levels of approval, *minimum* — that the CRTC is actively looking for Indigenous-led FM radio stations here in Ottawa and also in Toronto. And you know what? It’s about damn time. For a city that is literally built on unceded Algonquin Anishinaabeg territory, the fact we don't already have dedicated Indigenous voices on our airwaves is, frankly, an oversight of bureaucratic proportions. We have CBC, Radio-Canada, all the commercial stuff you could want, but a proper Indigenous-led station? *Non*.
This isn't just about 'checking a box,' either. Think about the stories, the music, the languages — Cree, Ojibwe, Inuktitut — that we are missing out on every single day. The real story is never on the Hill — it's always just off it, and right now, a huge part of our community's story isn't being told. Imagine driving down the Sir John A. Macdonald Parkway, looking across the river to the Gatineau Hills, and hearing programming that actually reflects the rich Indigenous cultures that have shaped this region for millennia.
### What This Means for Ottawa
* **Cultural Enrichment:** More than just news, this is about reclaiming and celebrating Indigenous languages and arts. This is a chance to genuinely learn about the people who were here first. * **Community Connection:** For Indigenous residents in Vanier, Centretown, or even across in Hull, this provides a vital connection point, a voice tailored to their experiences and needs. * **Media Diversity:** In a city that sometimes feels like it's run by the same handful of voices, this is a fresh perspective we desperately need. It's not just a radio station; it's a platform.
This isn't some abstract policy debate; this is about making our city, the one where we skate on the Canal in winter and argue about the best shawarma spot on Rideau Street, a more complete place. It's about bringing voices to the forefront that have been historically sidelined, and for that, *je dis oui*.
Simone Okafor-Bouchard, MiTL Sports Desk, Ottawa.
The crew on the Morning Wire show really dug into this, you should catch their take at mornings.live.