Western Nunavut gets new Inuit-language cable TV channel

Subscribers to the co-op association’s cable television in Cambridge Bay, seen here, and in Taloyoak now receive Inuit-language programming on Channel 51. (FILE PHOTO)

Now if you live in Cambridge Bay or Taloyoak, you’ll notice a new television channel you get cable television service.

On April 24 you’ll also be able to tune in to former CBC-North broadcaster John Main’s call-in radio show, Qanuq Ippit?, which will be online from 8 p.m. to 10 p.m. at online at Isuma TV, one of the partners in the new cable television channel.

The show’s topic: education, as Nunavut observes Education Week in the territory.

Many people who live in the two Kitikmeot communities have already discovered the new cable channel, which the Kitikmeot Inuit Association officially announced was up and running on April 23.

You can find the channel at Channel 51 on your local cable television line-up.

Channel 51 will offer broadcasts in Inuinnaqtun and Inuktitut “to maintain, enhance, revitalize, strengthen and promote the declining languages in the communities,” the KIA said.

The KIA has also set up Facebook page for Channel 51 where people can comment and give feedback.

Members of the public can also donate footage for this channel, and or request footage be replayed.

“With the helping hand and hard work of the staff at KIA, Isuma TV and ACL [Arctic Co-operatives Ltd], all this was made possible,” the KIA said.