Features

By Janelle Lagassé, APTN Communications Coordinator

As you enjoy the last days of summer, get ready for some exciting changes this fall with APTN! 

Expanding Nationwide Access 

This September, APTN is set to captivate audiences nationwide with a groundbreaking lineup of Indigenous and French-language programming, now available across the entire country. For the first time ever, viewers from coast to coast to coast can experience the richness of our diverse content on APTN, APTN lumi and our new channel APTN Languages. This new channel supports APTN’s mission to help preserve and revitalize Indigenous languages across Canada, which is especially important during a time when so many of our languages are at risk of disappearing.   

Celebrating 25 Years 

In celebration of its 25th anniversary in September, APTN’s Indigenous language programming, traditionally confined to the North; will now be available nationwide through our new channel APTN Languages. This expansion ensures that viewers across the country can immerse themselves in the rich traditions and vibrant cultures of Indigenous communities. Additionally, French-language programming, which was previously exclusive to Eastern Canada, can now be viewed by all audiences across Canada on APTN, broadening the reach of our unique and compelling content. 

Diverse Viewing Options 

This new approach guarantees that viewers can enjoy our diverse programming in their preferred format, whether through traditional TV on both APTN and APTN Languages or digital streaming via APTN lumi. APTN Languages will focus on regional language blocks across time zones on weekdays and have a greater emphasis on children’s programming on weekends. It will provide at least 100 hours of Indigenous-language content each broadcast week, with programming offered in over a dozen Indigenous languages. 

Special Events 

To mark the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation (NDTR), APTN will feature exclusive documentaries, heartfelt discussions, and performances that honor the enduring spirit and stories of Indigenous peoples. In addition, the annual Remembering the Children commemorative event will be broadcast live from Ottawa on Parliament Hill on September 30.

• APTN premiere date: Sept. 30, 3 p.m. ET (English), 6 p.m. ET (French) 

• APTN Languages premiere date: Sept. 30, 3 p.m. ET (Plains Cree) 

• APTN lumi premiere date: Oct. 2 (English)
  
  

In other exciting news, we are thrilled to announce the premiere of Star Wars (Anangong Miigaading), A New Hope in Anishinaabemowin on APTN and APTN Languages and streaming on Disney+. This monumental event will take place on Sunday, October 13. Through the collaboration between the University of Manitoba and Disney/Lucas Films, the Dakota Ojibway Tribal Council, and APTN, this iconic story has been brought to life in a way that honors and celebrates Indigenous culture. Get ready to experience the Force like never before, as the galaxy far, far away comes closer to home!

• APTN premiere date: Oct. 13, 8 p.m. ET (Anishinaabemowin) 

• APTN Languages premiere date: Oct. 13, 8 p.m. ET (Anishinaabemowin) 

Fall Programming 

APTN’s fall slate will roll out from the beginning of September to the end of October, featuring a mix of new and returning programs. Each week promises fresh content that will engage and enlighten viewers. Want to know what to look forward to?

Secret History Women Warriors – Season 2  

The second installment in the SECRET HISTORY series shines a light on seldom heard historical indigenous female narratives from across North American circa the late 1600’s to the early 1900’s. Each half-hour episode tells the story of one remarkable Indigenous woman by drawing a through-line of information via speaker testimony from historians, tribal elders and/or direct descendants. 

• APTN premiere date: Sept. 4 (English)    

• APTN lumi premiere date: Sep. 5 (English)

Chuck and the First Peoples Kitchen – Season 4  

Eager to discover the culinary traditions of the First Peoples, chef Chuck Hughes goes on tour to visit the country’s multiple Indigenous Communities. It is through intimate conversations that he learns the legendary knowledge shared by the mentors who cross his path. Hunting, fishing, trapping and harvesting, all means are good to cook a feast and to start a conversation about different aspects of the community. Whether they are modernized or traditional. 

• APTN premiere date: Sept. 3 (English) and Sept. 6 (French) 

• APTN lumi premiere date: Aug. 27 (English) and Aug. 30 (French)  

Wild Rose Vets – Season 1   

Wild Rose Vets opens the world of veterinary medicine by following the busy daily lives of three Indigenous veterinarians at unique clinics across three provinces. The series follows Dr. Allison Hay (Forest Grove Veterinary Clinic, Saskatoon, SK), Dr. Cori Stephen (Nechako Valley Animal Health), and Dr. Emma Jackson (Alberta Animal Rescue Crew Society, Calgary, AB). Each clinic is different by offering a wide range of new stories featuring new owners, new pets, different animals, and services. 

• APTN premiere date: Sept. 2 (English) 

• APTN Languages premiere date: Sept. 4 (Cree) 

• APTN lumi: Sep. 3 (English) and Sept. 5 (Cree)
  

In addition to these highlights, a few more series worth watching this fall include Horse Warriors (Season 1), Deadman’s Curse (Season 1) and Friday Night Thunder (Season 4). These series promise to bring more exciting and compelling stories to the APTN lineup, ensuring there’s something for everyone to enjoy. 

As we celebrate 25 years of storytelling, APTN is proud to offer an exciting new season that showcases the rich cultures and stories of Indigenous communities. With expanded reach and diverse content, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Don’t miss out on our groundbreaking lineup this fall – join us on APTN, APTN Languages and APTN lumi and be part of the APTN community!