Require Indigenous radio stations to play more Indigenous artists
The Issue
Growing up in a vibrant community with rich cultural traditions, I have always had a deep appreciation for Indigenous music, which serves as a vital connection to my roots, my culture, and my identity. Living in a town where the primary radio station options are an Indigenous station and the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC), the music that graces our airwaves has proven essential in fostering a connection with our heritage. Yet, there is a glaring absence of a crucial element: Indigenous artists in high rotation, sharing their stories through song every day.
In 2020, the Canadian music industry reported that Indigenous artists made up fewer than 1% of total airplay. This statistic is not just a number but a demonstration of the constant battles Indigenous musicians face to have their voices heard. Our culture, rich with storytelling, spirituality, and history, finds its expression through music, and yet it is often muted by the very platforms meant to celebrate it.
The Canadian Radio-Television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) must take immediate action to change this narrative. By requiring that all Indigenous (First Nations, Inuit, and Métis) radio stations licensed by the CRTC play at least 50% Indigenous artists in their programming, we can provide a platform for our talented musicians to share their art and connect with listeners across our nation.
Comparable measures have been successfully implemented in other sectors; for example, the CRTC's Canadian content requirements. Such a step for Indigenous music would not only align with these precedents but also serve as a powerful tool for cultural preservation and promotion, ensuring Indigenous voices are amplified, not overshadowed.
I urge the CRTC to consider this proposal which is intended to enrich our communities and provide fair representation. Indigenous artists deserve a chance to not just exist on the periphery but to occupy the spaces they are entitled to. Join me in this effort to ensure every broadcast resonates with the rich and diverse sounds of Indigenous experiences.
Please sign this petition and help bring Indigenous artists to the forefront of Canadian airwaves. Your signature can make a difference in preserving and promoting the vibrant tapestry of Indigenous culture.
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The Issue
Growing up in a vibrant community with rich cultural traditions, I have always had a deep appreciation for Indigenous music, which serves as a vital connection to my roots, my culture, and my identity. Living in a town where the primary radio station options are an Indigenous station and the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC), the music that graces our airwaves has proven essential in fostering a connection with our heritage. Yet, there is a glaring absence of a crucial element: Indigenous artists in high rotation, sharing their stories through song every day.
In 2020, the Canadian music industry reported that Indigenous artists made up fewer than 1% of total airplay. This statistic is not just a number but a demonstration of the constant battles Indigenous musicians face to have their voices heard. Our culture, rich with storytelling, spirituality, and history, finds its expression through music, and yet it is often muted by the very platforms meant to celebrate it.
The Canadian Radio-Television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) must take immediate action to change this narrative. By requiring that all Indigenous (First Nations, Inuit, and Métis) radio stations licensed by the CRTC play at least 50% Indigenous artists in their programming, we can provide a platform for our talented musicians to share their art and connect with listeners across our nation.
Comparable measures have been successfully implemented in other sectors; for example, the CRTC's Canadian content requirements. Such a step for Indigenous music would not only align with these precedents but also serve as a powerful tool for cultural preservation and promotion, ensuring Indigenous voices are amplified, not overshadowed.
I urge the CRTC to consider this proposal which is intended to enrich our communities and provide fair representation. Indigenous artists deserve a chance to not just exist on the periphery but to occupy the spaces they are entitled to. Join me in this effort to ensure every broadcast resonates with the rich and diverse sounds of Indigenous experiences.
Please sign this petition and help bring Indigenous artists to the forefront of Canadian airwaves. Your signature can make a difference in preserving and promoting the vibrant tapestry of Indigenous culture.
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Petition created on December 18, 2025