b'RADIOBroadcasting INDIGENOUS VOICES By Ashley AlbertRadio broadcasting: a strong foundation to community connection for Indigenous peoplesS ince the early 1970s, Native Communications Inc.Jessica Dumas is the host of Speaking Up with Jessica Dumas on NCI FM.(NCI) has been a vital source of news, culture and entertainment for Indigenous communities in Manitoba and beyond. Also known as NCI FM, the radio station is a non-profit Indigenous service organiza-tion that provides a platform for Indigenous artists to share their music, stories and experiences. By centering Indigenous voices, NCI provides a lifeline for Indigenous communities to preserve their language, culture and history.Over 50 years have passed since NCIs initial grassroots committee was formed, and the organization continues to provide radio programming in Indigenous languages with cultural content, now reaching 98 per cent of Manitoba through 59 FM transmitters. As the first and only Indigenous radio network of its kind in Manitoba, NCI plays a crucial role in amplifying the voices of Indigenous people and fostering a sense of belonging and pride among Indigenous listeners. NCIs foundation is rooted within Indigenous languages, begin-ning with Cree and Anishinaabemowin, says David McLeod, CEO of NCI. Our languages represent unique worldviews, embedded knowledge in a words makeup, which often connects to cultural values, traditional knowledge and, at times, spiritual teachings. The impact of NCI extends beyond cultural preservationit also plays a role in fostering community cohesion and solidarity. Indigenous listeners can tune in to hear stories and experiences that resonate with their own lives, creating a sense of shared identity and mutual support.We mustnt take our accessibility to radio for granted, McLeod says. There still remain regions within the world [where] Indigenous people are prohibited from accessing radio to voice their views and languages on air. I believe that having a voice that connects to a people over time actually becomes part of the culture itself.20 Spring/Summer 2025'