Niijii Radio Broadcasting

Niijii Radio is committed to providing Independent News for an Independent Nation that promotes social, environmental, and economic justice. Niijii Radio will represent a voice for those who are under-represented in media production and content, and to illuminate and analyze local and global issues that impact ecosystems, communities, and individuals. Our primary aim is to create culturally appropriate news and media content for the community that will create, excite, and make change happen for a sustainable and equitable society.

We have an amazing opportunity here at White Earth. In 2008, White Earth Land Recovery Project was notified by the Federal Communications Commission that Niijii Broadcasting had been awarded two construction licenses for community based radio stations. In October 2010, Niijii Radio was awarded a PTFP grant of $466,389. Niijii Radio still needs to match this grant by raising $155,464 through private and in-kind donations. This funding will cover the additional equipment to start broadcasting.

Coming soon, in Phase One of our initiative, Niijii Radio will be launching its website including an internet- based news service for White Earth. In Phase Two of the online initiative, Niijii Radio will start providing live streaming internet content as early as June 2011. Phase Three will be to launch a fully operational FCC licensed community based radio station to serve the White Earth Reservation, surrounding community, and nationally (livestream capability) by August of 2011.

Niijii Radio and Broadcasting Services hopes to create and maintain a local outlet for news and media with the production capability for web-based news and information featuring local events, history, and language from the White Earth Reservation to enhance and broaden the connection to community creating vital discourse and discussions.

Niijii Radio aims to promote community awareness and involvement in current local issues, education, public health, and cultural programs (such as Ojibwe language and Native life-ways) as well as provide local training programs for volunteers and youth to gain experience in Internet broadcasting, web design and information systems.

Over the past decade, the White Earth Tribal Community and the White Earth Land Recovery Project (WELRP) have approached the idea of creating an independent media program for the White Earth Reservation and surrounding region to allow for community based programming that provides valuable information and education to its listeners.

By creating avenues for healthy and civil discourse, an exchange of information will build community dialogue, knowledge, and understanding. Coverage will include issues such as local and national news and information, community events, community sports, language, and history. Content will be driven by listeners; from their own voice and through their own reflection.

A Radio Station for the People and by the People that Echoes the Voice of the White Earth Nation.