In
Canada, the portrayal and representation of the First Nations people in the
media is predominantly negative and focused upon the social problems of
alcoholism, illiteracy and lack of education. Although these are important
issues to be addressed, it should not be the only depiction of First Nations. There
is a general disregard for the First Nations people especially as the media
continuously puts them as the villain against the government. For example, in
the protest against the Enbridge Northern Gateway Pipeline Project which would
run through First Nations land and have potential environmental effects (Audette,
2012). Furthermore, the representation of the First Nations people is show from
the perspective of the non-indigenous due to media companies being predominately
controlled by white people. This caused the emergence of the first Aboriginal television
network channel in Canada called Aboriginal Peoples Television Network (APTN). The
purpose of the network is to promote First nations people and let them have a voice
and representation in the media sphere. However, the network does not receive much
exposure beyond the Aboriginal communities and indigenous people needed to
expand into the mainstream media in order to have themselves represented
positively. In January 2012, Arctic Air,
a Canadian television series that revolves around a family-owned airline
company in Yellowknife, has a predominantly First Nations and Inuit cast and allows
for the representation of First Nations people to be shown in a positive way. Also,
the lead actor Adam Beach raises awareness about the issues of the First
Nations people and serves as a positive role model for the First Nations.
Source:
Audette, Trish. 2012. First Nations members
bring B.C. pipeline protest to the steps of Alberta legislature [online]. Vancouver Sun.
Aboriginal
Peoples Television Network (APTN): http://www.aptn.ca/
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