Questions and Answers

Answers to 10 common customer questions and concerns

Q. I want to find positive Aboriginal role models and stories for my children and my family, but the only thing I see on television is bad news and stereotypes.

A. APTN was created by, for and about Aboriginal Peoples, to share Aboriginal cultures, stories and values with all Canadians. APTN broadcasts many programs that provide positive and inspiring role models and stories to Aboriginal people, and particularly Aboriginal youth.

Q. Why should I watch APTN? Isn't it just for Aboriginal Peoples?

A. APTN has a broad range of programming that appeals to Canadians from all cultures and walks of life. APTN programming offers a rich, diverse cultural mixture that is unique on Canadian television.

Q. When I watch television I seem to see the same programs on many different channels.

A. Much of the APTN programming line-up is unique to APTN and can't be found anywhere else.

Q. Why is there so much violence in children's television? My kids are always watching violent cartoons.

A. APTN offers a line-up of kids' programs that is unique. Many share Aboriginal peoples' ideals of living in harmony with the world, having respect for all its creatures and embracing the differences between people.

Q. I love movies, but the movies I'm seeing on TV are the same ones I've seen many times before.

A. APTN has movies 5 nights a week including Made in Kanata movies on Mondays. Enjoy great blockbuster hits like JFK, Windtalkers, One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest and many more!

Q. It doesn't matter what news broadcast I watch, they all seem to cover the same stories and share the same opinions.

A. APTN National News is the first all Aboriginal news broadcast in the world. It presents coverage of Canada's top news stories from unique Aboriginal perspectives, giving our audience one-of-a-kind insight into the day's issues and events.

Q. Why do I have to have APTN in my basic cable package when I'm not Aboriginal and don't have any interest in their cultures?

A. Many cultures and viewpoints are represented in the basic cable package. Canada's indigenous Aboriginal cultures represent a major part of what makes our country what it is. With APTN in the basic cable line-up, Canadian viewers have more choice in the kind of television programming available to them.

Q. Why do Aboriginal Peoples need their own television network?

A. Many Canadians are interested in learning about Aboriginal culture and peoples, and studies conducted before APTN was launched showed that the majority of Canadians support an Aboriginal television network.

Q. Why do most television networks broadcast the same foreign dramas that I've seen many times before?

A. APTN carries a line-up of dramas from all over the world that reflect the viewpoints and cultures of the indigenous and Aboriginal Peoples of those countries, including New Zealand, Australia, and the United States. Many APTN dramas can't be found anywhere else.

Q. I know there are a lot of Aboriginal artists and singers and entertainers out there, but I hardly ever see them on television.

A. APTN celebrates the achievements of Aboriginal Peoples in sports, music, art, literature and many other fields. Many APTN programs feature Aboriginal artists, showcasing their talents for all Canadians.