Currently available on TV online is the network called APTN or the Aboriginal Peoples Television Network. It is a Canadian television corporation that has many sectors, one of those being the childrens' dedicated segment called APTN Kids. I only recently discovered this treasure trove of original Aboriginal themed programming for youth when I asked a co-worker about resources that he would recommend. He immediately directed me to APTN's website which has a listing of all the available TV shows for children. If you dig a little further by clicking on links listed near the top of the website, you are actually able to watch full episodes online for free. The shows range from cartoons about a young Aboriginal princess named Bizou, to an animated series about Matthew Carver, a 16 year old Algonquin boy who's destined to become a super-hero Kagagi (APTN, 2015).
This collection of awesome and entertaining shows for children and teens is a fabulous resource to be able to recommend to youth and their families at the library. When I looked into the Producers and those in charge of selecting content, I was impressed. Over 75% of those employed by the network have Aboriginal ancestry (APTN, 2005). Also, the content is overwhelmingly Canadian in nature with numerous Indigenous languages represented in the shows. The best part about this resource is that it comes from an Aboriginal perspective but it is intended to be viewed and enjoyed by all types of people. The network's producers state that the aims of the shows are to reflect and embrace Aboriginal people's heritage and pride, along with sharing their stories on a local and international level (ATPN, 2005). I think this website provides easy access to a wealth of educational opportunties and entertainment that highlights Aboriginal people in a positive, fun, and realistic way.
References:
APTN. (2015). APTN Kids. Available online http://aptn.ca/kids/
APTN. (2005). Factsheet. Available online http://aptn.ca/corporate/facts.php
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