Radio show encourages revitalization of Indigenous languages

Indigenous Echoes, with hosts Kimberly Baines and Jesse Scott-Bradley, is a new radio show which celebrates and encourages the revitalization of Indigenous languages. Season One will begin broadcasting next month on CHLY 101.7 FM in Nanaimo.

Episodes in the show explore the relationship between language and culture, and what happens when an individual feels close ties to their culture but does not know that culture's language.

One goal of the project was to enhance interdepartmental collaboration at Vancouver Island University. Students from two different disciplines were involved. Kimberly Baines developed content for the show in part using knowledge and connections from Indigenous/Xwulmuxw Studies courses. Jesse Scott-Bradley leveraged research and production skills from Media Studies courses to take full advantage of the audio medium. A conversational approach means the show deliberately includes many personal perspectives.

Indigenous Echoes' initial run of episodes will air Fridays at 2 pm on CHLY 101.7 FM in Nanaimo and will stream simultaneously at CHLY Radio. Listen to the trailer: 

Below are episode dates including special guests.

• March 1 - Patrick Aleck, Uncle Randy Fred
• March 8 - Kimberly Baines, Auntie Stella Johnson
• March 15 - Georgina Martin, Fred Speck
• March 22 - Thea Harris, Rae Anne Claxton

Season two of Indigenous Echoes is currently in pre-production.

This project was made possible by the VIU Campus Student Employment Work-Op program, and the support of CHLY staff.

For more information please contact Robin Davies (Robin.Davies@viu.ca) or the Radio Malaspina Board of Directors (secretary@chly.ca).

*artwork pictured by Kimberly Baines