Aboriginal Peoples Television Network

Sami of Norway

The reindeer herding culture and language of Norway’s Sami people still thrives in the far north despite past government policies of assimilation. From a Sami language theatre company and a children’s radio program to a band taking a contemporary twist on the Sami musical tradition of yoiking, today’s Sami are incorporating their culture and language into their daily lives.

Hawaii

The once banned Hawaiian language is now the only indigenous language officially recognized by any state in the United States. This recognition paved the way for a complete education in the Hawaiian language. From early childhood education to post-graduate studies, Hawaiians may choose to complete their full education in the Hawaiian language.

Words In the Air

Traditional storytelling finds a new voice on the airwaves thanks to indigenous broadcasters in New Zealand, Australia and Canada. Bilingual young directors, producers and presenters who speak their languages are working and thriving in all three countries that have their own indigenous broadcasting systems.

Bolivia

Bolivia’s Aymara youth are showing new pride in their culture by creating and singing songs in their own language. From the country’s first Aymara president, Evo Morles, to it’s first Aymara Chancellor, the voice of the Aymara people is being heard around the country.

Dancing With Language

In the early days of talkies, film was used to capture the culture and languages of indigenous peoples who were thought to be on the brink of extinction. Not anymore. Today indigenous filmmakers, actors and directors, are using the medium to tell their own stories, in their own way, in their own languages.