b'RADIOMany Indigenous voices have played aof thought leadership and sharing ideas,the resilience and strength of Indigenous crucial role at NCI, including Chris Spence.particularly those that address the uniquecommunities and ensure that their stories Originally from Tootinaowaziibeengchallenges faced by Indigenous women.and perspectives are heard and valued.First Nation in Manitoba, Spence was aHer work in broadcasting and coaching prominent figure and well-known mediahas helped create a community of followersI dont believe radio is ever going away. personality in Indigenous radio in thewho connect with her on social media andOnline content will certainly grow as a 1990s. He started his career in Torontothrough her website. part of what we do, but sharing stories, at the Aboriginal Voices Radio Network,languages, culture and pertinent informa-which now operates as Voices Radio, andDumass show highlights how NCIstion will never go out of style or import-helped establish radio stations in the urbancontent helps listeners connect with othersance, McLeod concludes. Indigenous markets. He then went on to work forlike themselves, develop a sense of pride NCI, where he worked as producer andand find their own voices. By providingradio is a platform NCI began in 1971. Its on-air host. a platform for Indigenous voices, NCIfoundation is connecting to the community continues to empower the next genera-thats a generational bond Im certainly After he left NCI, Spence went on to helption of Indigenous leaders, contribute toprivileged to be a part of. establish radio stations in various First Nation communities. In 2011, he helped set up a radio station in Sandy Bay Ojibway First Nation, which still broadcasts today on the radio and on the internet. The station connects community with a weekly radio bingo, job postings and other news. Spence explains that the radio station is self-sufficient through proceeds made through their radio bingo. Spence also helped set up a radio station Bunibonibee Cree Nation, formerly known as Oxford HouseNishnawbe Aski Nation (NAN) territory and their respective 49 First NationsFirst Nation.Communities. The NAN Territory is part of Treaty No. 9 and the Ontario portions of Treaty No. 5, which has 7 Tribal Councils and four Independent First Nations Communities not While some rural and remote Indigenousaffiliated with any Tribal Council. On March 1, 1990, Nishnawbe-Aski Legal Services Corporation was created to address the shortcomings in the administration of justice communities had radio stations, they werewithin Nishnawbe Aski Nation, and to improve access to justice for members of NAN.often just repeating what the station in Winnipeg was playing. It was hard to getMANDATETo promote creative community-based justice systems and to deliver on a wide range of law people trained to run the radio stations,related services including legal, paralegal, public legal education, and law reform services to Spence explains. Nowadays, I see moremembers of Nishnawbe Aski Nation.people getting involved in radio. With social media, they have another place toMISSIONTo deliver the programs and services in a culturally appropriate manner sensitive to thebroadcast. Young people today bring theirunique values, customs, and traditions of NAN communities.cell phones and patch into the mixing stations and play their own music. Youth areVISIONTo respect and revitalize restorative justice forms of justice through Indigenous laws andembracing radio and having fun with it. Pimatisiwin (way of life)Another prominent voice at NCI is Jessica Dumas, a radio and podcast host at NCISERVICES & PROGRAMS HEAD OFFICESIOUX LOOKOUT OFFICE and owner of Jessica Dumas Coaching andLegal Aid678 City Road56 Front Street Fort William First Nation, Sioux Lookout, ON P8T 1A3 Training, where she coaches and trainsON P7J 1K3Phone: (807) 737-7981 speakers and facilitators. Her podcastCommunity Legal Workers Phone: (807) 622-1413 Toll Free: 1-800-465-5581 emerged from efforts to market her servicesPublic Legal Education Fax: (807) 737-7297online and has grown to include 156Gladue Program THUNDER BAY OFFICE Chapples BuildingTIMMINS OFFICE episodes. She was later invited to host herCommunity Release and101 North Syndicate Avenue19 Pine Street South, Suite 210 podcast content on NCI, an opportunityReintegration & IndigenousSuite 101Timmins, ON P4N 2K3 that allowed her to reach a broader audi- Bail VerificationThunder Bay, ON P7C 3V4Phone: (705) 268-1105 Restorative Justice Phone: (807) 622-1413Toll Free: 1-877-859-3887 ence and share her message of IndigenousRestorative Justice Toll Free: 1-800-465-5581Fax: (705) 268-0012entrepreneurship. She often invites otherPre-Charge Fax: (807) 622-3024By Lawwomen, particularly Indigenous entrepre- Community LearningKENORA OFFICE neurs, as featured guests on her show. TheHUB 308 Second Street South, Suite 14 Community YouthKenora, ON P9N 1G4 impact of her work is evident in the feed- Restorative Justice Toll Free: 1-800-465-5581back she receives from listeners, many ofCommunity Youth whom are women who appreciate hearingInterventionan Indigenous womans voice on the radio. Talking Together ProgramMy Journey Back HomeDumass coaching extends beyond herVictim Witness Liaisonpodcast and radio show. She also facilitates an Indigenous womens coaching program, certifying other Indigenous women aswww.nanlegal.on.ca | Office Hours: 9 am- 5pm Services available in Ojibway, Cree, & Oji Creecoaches. She believes in the importance Ontario Native Womens Association21'