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Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
Windspeaker.com
Uvagut TV, Canada’s first Inuktut television station, has had its application for mandatory distribution approved by the Canada Radio and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC).
Uvagut TV is operated by Nunavut Independent Television (NITV).
The CRTC approval means Uvagut TV will expand its availability to viewers across Canada, starting on Jan. 20, 2025, to include more than 10 million cable subscribers.
“We want to show our country, our home, what we do and why we are here,” said Zacharias Kunuk, founder of NITV. “Our stories, we have stars that have names, the land has Inuktitut names, the rivers have names. We will record and pass them on to our great, great grandchildren.”
Uvagut TV launched in January of 2021, broadcasting original Inuit-created Inuktut content on Shaw, Arctic Co-op and other local cable networks.
The station showcases Inuit-created feature films, documentaries, current affairs, children’s shows and live broadcasts.
Building on its current success, the approval of expansion will allow producers to offer more Inuit language content and programming.
“This is a historic moment for all Inuit,” said Lucy Tulugarjuk, NITV’s executive director. “We believe Uvagut TV is so important to help preserve our language, culture and heritage. As our Elders pass away one by one, we are fighting against time to keep our culture, our beliefs, and language alive for our children and grandchildren.”
The lengthy process of applying for the expansion began three years ago.
Tulugarjuk explained how she and her team dedicated a lot of time and effort into the process.
“It’s been a long process for years - three years of submissions,” she said.
But the outcome is pivotal for NITV and Uvagut TV as the team is now working towards the expanded programming.
“It’s already got seven new productions coming in 2025,” said Kunuk, adding the new programming will include additional children’s shows, animations and community documentaries.
This will add to the extensive list of programs featuring local artists, storytellers, craftspeople, musicians, politicians and Elders.
“It’s quite diverse,” said Tulugarjuk. “It will benefit both Inuit and all Canadians. We will be able to hear our own language and our culture wherever we live in Canada. And, if you’re non-Inuit and don’t know much about Inuit, you’ll have a chance to learn more.”
Uvagut TV also partners with organizations to provide broadcasting of current events, arts festivals, environmental hearings, regional tournaments and special events of national importance.
Each day there will be a total of five hours of current affairs from local teams, five hours of children’s programming, and no less than 80 per cent of the programming will be in Inuktut.
Included in the 2025 new lineup is the following programming.
Inuit Makers (Co-directed by Carol Kunnuk & Gabriela Gamez): a 13-part TV documentary series showcasing Inuit talents including sewing, carving, fishing, engine repairs and tattooing.
GO NORTH!: a 6 x 60-minute documentary series (Director: Kim O’Bomsawin) showcasing and celebrating the ingenious and adventurous ways Canada’s northernmost Indigenous people as they travel across the vast and ever-changing landscape they call their home.
Arnaapik: a six-part documentary series confronting the endemic and tragic world of violence against Inuit women and children. (Directors: Lucy Tulugarjuk, Miali Buscemi, and Maia Iotzova).
Mangittatuarjuk: a 20-minute animated short introducing viewers to a dangerous being that is said to have haunted the Arctic, preying on unsuspecting children. (Directors: Louise Flaherty and Neil Christopher).
Tundra Friends S1: a 13-episode children’s show hosted by Susan Aglukark who explores their community and games and also navigates life issues. (Directors: Thomas Anugti Johnston and Aviaq Johnston).
Tuktu: a 13-part children’s show featuring five loveable Arctic animal friends learning about friendship and traditional Inuit values in an entertaining and educational way. (Director: Nadia Sammurtok).
Wrong Husband: the new feature film from award-winning producer/director Zacharias Kunuk.
“For me, Uvagut TV is really a dream come true,” Tulugarjuk said. “We’re so grateful for the support of so many organizations and individuals during this process, including the CRTC commissioners for their decision. We look forward to working with our Inuit communities to create this station, sharing creative work from Inuit that can be enjoyed by Canadians nationwide.”
In addition to the extended programming, NITV executives said there will be increased job opportunities. They have already begun training workshops that will carry into early 2025.
NITV launched a five-week producer training workshop on Nov. 6, funded by the Canadian Media Fund for Inuit and northern residents. A total of 25 participants will learn the fundamentals of broadcasting through the leadership of Tulugarjuk and NITV producer Nataq Ungalaq.
“Our age group will share the knowledge that was taught to us to the younger generations so we continue to grow and support one another,” Tulugarjuk said.
Uvagut TV officials are also open to suggestions and ask individuals if they have ideas or content in various genres and different programs to reach out to their team. The NITV will start accepting those submissions in early 2025.
NITV will also be opening up a video contest across Inuit Nunangat for short films (2-5 minutes) which can be shot on a cell phone. The theme will be Home. Contest officials are keen to see how the term home is interpreted.
Prizes will be awarded for several categories and winning videos will be broadcast during Uvagut TV’s opening week, starting Jan. 20.
For updates and additional information visit http://www.uvagut.tv/