Deborah Charles examines the tall, white and red transmitter standing above the Missinipi Broadcasting Corporation (MBC) headquarters in La Ronge. As the CEO of the Saskatchewan radio network, she reflects on the significance of the corporation in her life.
Having been with MBC for 35 of its 40 years in operation, with close to 25 years as its CEO, Charles recalls the organization’s history dating back to 1983. That year, the federal government initiated a program to provide funding to northern Canadian entities interested in establishing TV and radio stations to broadcast in Indigenous languages.
During that time, Northern Saskatchewan had approximately 10 small, low-powered radio stations, where broadcasters presented content in Cree, Michif, Dene, and English. The provincial government also decided to disband the Department of Northern Saskatchewan, leading to the cessation of Northern News, a service that catered news, events, and messages to residents in the province’s north.
In August 1983, a small group convened in Ile-a-la-Crosse with the aim of enhancing Indigenous programming in northern Saskatchewan. This gathering laid the foundation for what would eventually evolve into MBC, fueled by financial support from the federal program.
MBC’s inaugural broadcast took place on February 4, 1985, originating from its flagship station CJLR-FM in La Ronge. Over the years, MBC transitioned from a local broadcast to a regional and national platform, playing a pivotal role in the establishment of the Aboriginal Peoples’ Television Network.
One of the founding members, Tom Roberts, who had a notable career as the host of CBC Radio’s “Keewatin Country” for 27 years, was the first voice heard on MBC in 1985. Roberts reminisces about his involvement in designing MBC’s original logo and naming the network “Missinipi,” which translates to “big water” in Cree, symbolizing the connection of various Indigenous communities along the Churchill River.
Tammy Cook-Searson, now the chief of the Lac La Ronge Indian Band, fondly recalls her time as a summer student at MBC in the early 1990s. She conducted interviews with elders, including her grandfather, which shaped her future leadership endeavors.
Since its inception, MBC has facilitated the launch of several radio stations across northern Saskatchewan, with many affiliating themselves with the network. The reach of MBC expanded to southern and central Saskatchewan as well, serving as a crucial information dissemination tool for communities.
Despite facing financial challenges, with a significant decline in annual funding from $1.5 million to approximately $300,000, MBC sustains its operations through advertising revenue and bingo broadcasts. The network’s CEO, Deborah Charles, authored a book in 2018 documenting MBC’s history, station affiliations, and contributions from individuals over the years.
Looking ahead, Charles remains optimistic about MBC’s future, emphasizing the strong network, community, and family bonds fostered over the years. The connections established by MBC are seen as a cornerstone for its continued success, ensuring its role in serving and uniting communities across Saskatchewan for years to come.