The original CFNU was born in the SIFC trailer, outside College West at the University of Regina, in 1994. Today it is a modern podcast lab and streaming radio studio at First Nations University of Canada.
The CFNU radio station project was led by INCA students, including Nelson Bird, with help from INCA instructor Shannon Avison.
“We got a carrier current license that took our audio signal and sent it along the wiring of our SIFC trailer,” explained Avison. “It was pretty primitive, especially by today’s standards; but, it got our broadcasts out to the world…the world of the SIFC trailer and anyone parked nearby.” Fast forward 40 years and CFNU is streaming to a global audience. Using Internet technology, listeners worldwide can enjoy CFNU at www.cfnuradio.ca. “We’ve totally expanded our reach,” laughed Avison. “FNUniv provided two small rooms for studio space and production and we started recruiting students.” CFNU went “on the air” in Spring 2023. The inaugural broadcast was a four-hour live broadcast from the FNUniv Spring Powwow.
In 2024, CFNU will celebrate a year on the air with another live broadcast from the FNUniv Spring Powwow on Saturday, April 20 from 12 noon to 4 pm.
“We’re way better prepared,” said Will Yuzicapi, who has been training and mentoring INCA students for the last year, funded by a grant from Inspirit Foundation.
“Last year, there were just four of us hauling gear and setting up,” said Lindell Haywahe, Inspirit trainee and now CFNU producer. “It was so stressful, but we pulled it off.”
The crew will expand for the 2024 Powwow broadcast.
Shannon is an Associate Professor of Indigenous Communication Arts (INCA) at the First Nations University of Canada. She completed the original INCA certificate program in 1988 and became a lecturer in the program in 1989. Since then she has created many projects with her students, including the original CFNU in 1994. She is thrilled that CFNU has been reborn and excited to expand the programming and training opportunities available through www.cfnuradio.ca
I am a residential school survivor and third generation attendee. I lived on the rez. After high school graduation, I wandered around, academically until 2 kids and a lifetime later--I finally graduated with a BA in English and a INCA Certificate in 2014. I was a computer resource facilitator/ social media manager for a non-profit then turned Nakota Times Editor for Cega Kin Nakota Oyate. Then I walked the plank on band office politics and was picked up lost at sea by Pikiswewin and CFNU! Can you imagine-- Just over a year ago I learned the software, learned how to have a conversation! Now, I am mentoring other students’ journeys in broadcasting. Looking forward to the next part of this journey!
My name is Brittany Poitras, and I am from Peepeekisis First Nation. I am in my third year of an Indigenous Studies degree, while also working towards a degree in Indigenous Communication Arts. I enjoy participating in various roles around the University of Regina, First Nations University of Canada, and the overall community. Some of the roles I have around the University are the Vice President of the FNUniv Regina’s Students Association and a CFNU radio host of Campus Tea with Brittany AS well as co-host of All Request Fridays. I like to spend my time having good conversations, laughing, and being surrounded by family and friends.
Hą́ midáguyabi, Amanda Leader emą́giyabi. Céǧa k'ína edá namákoda. Hello my relations, they call me Amanda Leader. I am Nakoda from Carry the Kettle. My studies are majoring in Psychology and minoring in Indigenous Fine Art at FNUniv. I got involved with the CFNU radio by giving updates about the FNUnivSA-Regina as a council member and never left. The safe space created for students in the INCA and IFA departments has been life changing for me, and I highly encourage students to get involved!
Nelson Bird is professional journalist who spent 26 years at CTV Saskatchewan News as a reporter, anchor, producer, cameraperson, and assignment editor. He is also the longest serving host and producer of the weekly CTV SK news segment “Indigenous Circle” . Nelson left CTV in July 2024 and is now at the First Nations University Indigenous Communications Arts (INCA) program where he is a teacher and mentor, passing on his experience and knowledge to young and upcoming journalists. Nelson is a mix of Cree, Saulteaux, and Metis, and was born in Balcarres SK and raised on Peepeekisis Cree Nation. He is a graduate of University of Regina / First Nations University with a degree in Journalism and Indigenous Studies as well as a diploma in Indian Communication Arts. Nelson has won numerous regional, national and international awards for his work from professional organizations such as the Canadian Association of Journalists, the Radio Television Digital News Association (RTDNA) of Canada and the U.S.-based Native American Journalists Association. In July 2023, Nelson was awarded a lifetime achievement award from the RTNDA. He’s also been recognized by First Nations organizations and given awards of excellence for his achievements. Nelson is passionate about storytelling and is very proud of his Indigenous culture. He covers issues relating to diversity, but has a special knowledge and interest in covering Indigenous issues. He also emcees and delivers keynote speeches at schools, universities and other events. Nelson lives in Regina with his wife Judy and their pets. In his spare time, Nelson is a jack-of-all-trades and does everything from plumbing to carpentry.
Andrea Bellerose is currently a student in the INCA program. She is also a Radio/Podcast Trainee/Associate Producer with the First Nations University of Canada’s Journalism Program.She has written for Eagle Feather News. She lives in Regina with her dog Millie.
Tansi, Wapikwaniy Kiywapiskat nitsikason! Hello, My name is Blooms More Than a Flower Blooms, but my English name is Regan Agecoutay. I am a proud Paskwawiyiniwak (Plains Cree) from Big River First Nation. I am a helper, a mother, a daughter, an aunty, and so much more. I am currently a student at the First Nations University majoring in Indigenous Social Work. I am passionate about healing, growth, and empowerment, whether that be towards myself or other people, I love it! In previous years I have taken an interest in communications and media, so when I found out about the INCA crash course I applied immediately. Throughout the week my spark for journalism ignited again and I really enjoyed learning and developing new skills and useful knowledge. I've learned that the voices that we hear everyday whether that be with our families, work, in media etc., they are all impactful. What matters is how we choose to use our voices because there is so much power behind it. I would encourage everyone to use their voices in a positive way. Hiy Hiy!
My name is Calin Benjamin. I come from Prince Albert Saskatchewan, my mother’s reservation is Buffalo River Dene nation. Rock and roll music has always been a driving force in my life and I enjoy listening to it and going to rock shows and concerts in my free time. Some of rock bands that I enjoy listening to are AC/DC, The Rolling Stones and Taking Back Sunday. I feel rock music has changed my life for the better and has provided me outlets to express any emotion I feel and even made me a more aware person with how I go about things in my daily life. With this love for Rock music that I have, I also developed natural a curiosity of radio. This curiosity of radio has brought me to attend radio and broadcasting training at the First Nations University. This training has been eye opening. The people have been welcoming and I look forward to using my new talents at the pow wow in the coming week.
tânīsi, Alyse Custer nitsithikason, ekwa nistanaw-nikotwasik nitatopiponan nehiyaw iskwew tanite opawisicanihk ochi nitha. Hello, my name is Alyse Custer, and I am a twenty-six-year-old Cree woman from The Narrows of Fear. opawiscanihk is the direct Cree translation for the reserve of Pelican Narrows — Pelican Narrows is located in Northern Saskatchewan, Canada near the Manitoba border. This reserve is a small Woodland Cree community that is fluent in the TH dialect. – We are also known as the nīhithawak (the Rock Cree people). I am currently completing my Bachelors of Indigenous Social Work, a four-year program that is offered at the First Nations University of Canada in Saskatoon, Sask.
My name is Jahnlin Deneyou, or “Jonnie” for short. I am 21 years old and ever since I was a kid I've been around a news room because my mother Kerry Benjoe is a journalist. Journalism is something I'm very familiar with and I quite enjoy the work that goes into creating news for the public. I'm also passionate about art, though, as I've also been drawing since I was a kid and continue to do so now, I hope to monetize and make a living through my art one day. I love drawing things from cartoons to people but for now I'm alright with just posting my work on social media. Being in this crash course, which my mother recommended for me, is an experience I will always remember. Not only has it helped my interview capabilities but I've also met people I would have never met if I weren't here, I'm grateful to be a part of this crash course and I'm excited for the FNUniv Spring Powwow. I also love to play video games on my XBOX when I'm not drawing or doing anything else.
Hello, my name is Jessica Francis from Kahkewistahaw First Nation in Treaty 4 territory, I’m studying at Saskatchewan Polytechnic and I heard about INCA from my older sister Jennifer Francis who works at CBC Indigenous. She shared the INCA crash course with me and I thought this would get me out of my comfort zone due to my being shy, so I joined because I like to learn new things and I wanted to see where this opportunity takes me and how far it will take me down the road. When I started I was very timid but since I started I have come out more I became more confident with interviews and much more and I recommend taking the INCA program to learn and to come out of your comfort zone.
Hello, my name is Jorja Gordon, a 19-year-old from Pasqua First Nation. I am interested in art because I love the way that people can express themselves with artwork such as music, painting, sculpture and cinema. I’ve also been interested in the works of mental health, and would like to help those who need it, especially with Indigenous people. Mental health is a big issue in the world of today and there’s so much information and stories that need to be heard, which brings me to INCA. I’ve applied to the INCA course for the reason of wanting to learn about the behind scenes of a broadcast and communications. An Indigenous broadcast spiked my interest, so being here is to open my experiences and choices in life and help me with communicating with my people. Thanks to INCA for allowing me to experience this journey, I’ve learned so much knowledge about broadcasting, journalism and interviewing. Being here has brought me confidence in myself and it feels like being at a family dinner with the people here, they’re all funny and outgoing. I’ll surely miss all of this and hope to do it again in the future
My name is Desiraye Noname, a proud member of the Piapot First Nation and current student of the First Nations University of Canada. My passion lies in graphic arts, media, photography, and film. As an artist with a knack for drawing, I find joy in expressing myself through various mediums. My journey into journalism and broadcasting began during my involvement in film productions, commercials, and photoshoots in Regina. I am driven by a desire to represent and amplify Indigenous voices in the media, whether that be onscreen or behind the camera. Joining the pre-INCA course is the first step towards my dream of contributing to television, media, and shaping a more inclusive narrative for my community and culture.
Anin. Hello my name is Louisa Myran from muscowpetung First Nation saulteaux nation, all the way in Treaty 4. I have roots in Long Plains First Nation. I am an aspiring entrepreneur. I am attending Sask Polytech for a Diploma in Business Administration. I love working with youth, as I believe that they are our future. I have a passion for speaking about Indigenous economic reconciliation. Economic reconciliation can provide cultural connections and it brings together the community. Providing cultural learning is an important part for me. Curiosity played a big part in pursuing the INCA program. I learned a lot about journalism and communications with this crash course. Being surrounded by other Indigenous people made the atmosphere a lot more comfortable and welcoming.
I am Caleb Terry Pratt. I am a Saulteaux First Nations from Muscowpetung First Nations. I currently reside in Regina, Saskatchewan, this is my home in the Treaty Four Territory. I currently do work for the File Hills Qu'appelle Tribal Council Urban Office, with the Lands, Resource, Environment, and Stewardship Youth Advisory Council. "FHQTC LRES Youth Advisory Council" for short. I came upon the Crash Course for CFNU Radio - The Stream, from a Facebook link sent to me. I'm usually known to be very outgoing and like to talk to people, in other words "not shy". I've decided to get into the radio/streaming world with the INCA crash course this April. I encourage everyone to try something new, get yourself out there and get Educated! This crash course is fun and gives such a great insight to the world of media and communications! For six days it was very fun and engaging. Everyone I met was very great, fun, and pleasant to work with! Thank you CFNU The Stream for having me!
My name is Shyla Myran. I am Saulteaux and Ojibwe from Muscowpetung First Nation found in Treaty 4 Territory. I am in my last stretch of getting my Bachelors in Visual Arts from the University of Regina. With my degree I want to create art that represents me and where I am from. My art isn't only for my community and family but for others who are curious about the Indigenous experience and to share my story. A big achievement of mine is to have an opportunity to have my art displayed alongside some of the famous Indigenous artists found in Canada and ultimately around the world.
Hello there, I am Chenille Smoke but prefer to be called Nelly. I am from the Fishing Lake First Nation, but now living in Regina, improving my marks for my schooling at Adult Campus. I found the INCA crash course on my Facebook feed. This course piqued my interest and I chose to improve my communication skills including my technology skills. Not just that, I came to this course to actually understand the depth of human nature and everything that comes with it whether it includes a huge audience or just yourself, even if it does show you something negative there is always a positive in every choice you make. My interests are actually accurate to this course, I really enjoy stories that include audio, video, graphics and video effects because knowing all these you will tend to look at journalism and broadcasting in a more different way. Knowing how big of a responsibility journalism and broadcasting is, it is a life skill everyone should get, just for some more knowledge for their system.
My name is Taliah Swiftwolf. I’m from Moosomin First Nation. I live in North Battleford, Saskatchewan. I am 19 years old, raised by my kokum and my late moshom and I have 4 siblings. I am still currently in high school doing my grade 12. I love to play soccer and dance powwow (jingle dress). I started dancing at the early age of 2 years old. Growing up I've learned how to pick sweetgrass, berries, make bannock, bead and speak a bit of my Cree language. My future goal is to join Bold Eagle Military to become a police officer. My reason for coming to the crash program is to help work on my communication skills and learn new things about the media. This program was recommended by my dad. I'm glad I came because this could help me with my future career, making new friendships and more.
Tansi, my name is Joey Blackstar. I am a Plains Cree from Moosomin First Nation. My purpose for coming here is to get out of my comfort zone and hopefully give back to the community by giving them a voice. I am a first year INCA student and I have been taking INCA classes since the beginning of 2023. I found out about this course after I graduated my Adult 12 in North Battleford in ‘22. I had some help from my mom online for almost anything that had taken my interest that considered reading & writing before the fall semester. Now that I’ve got an understanding and an idea of how the media works, it just may make this a long term career.
Randi LaRocque is a Métis woman from the Qu’Appelle Valley with familial ties in Lebret, Saskatchewan. Currently Randi calls the south-central region of the province her home. She is a third-year film student out of First Nations University of Canada, where she also found the INCA program. Randi found love in journalism and media during her time in the INCA program, as it allowed her to do something new. Randi decided to do this crash course because it is something that interests her and was suggested. Randi enjoys learning something new and the 6-day crash course was a perfect opportunity to do so.
Hą́ midáguyabi, Amanda Leader emą́giyabi. Céǧa k'ína edá namákoda. Hello my relations, they call me Amanda Leader. I am Nakoda from Carry the Kettle. My studies are majoring in Psychology and minoring in Indigenous Fine Art at FNUniv. I got involved with the CFNU radio by giving updates about the FNUnivSA-Regina as a council member and never left. The safe space created for students in the INCA and IFA departments has been life changing for me, and I highly encourage students to get involved!
Belinda Nelson is a proud member of the Ahtahkakoop Cree Nation. Her pursuit of knowledge led her to the First Nations University of Canada, in 1999, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts in Indigenous Studies and worked towards an Indigenous Communication Arts certificate. In 2003, she returned to her community, where her proudest achievement was the establishment of CKRE 104.9 FM, a community radio station that serves as a voice for her people. Beyond her professional accomplishments, Belinda is a devoted mother to four wonderful children and a kokum to eight beautiful grandchildren. These family ties are a source of joy and inspiration in her life. Feeling the need for a career change and a renewed sense of purpose, Belinda returned to university in 2023, to complete the INCA dilpoma and has decided to pursue the newly created B.A in Indigenous Journalism and Communication Arts from FNUniv.
My name is Hannah Scott and I am a third-year student at the First Nations University of Canada and University of Regina. My family is from Regina, Saskatchewan, where I currently call home. I was a pre-journalism student when starting my university career, but fell in love with the INCA program offered by the FNUniv. I am thrilled to be one of the first students joining the brand-new Indigenous Journalism and Communication Arts bachelor's degree, starting this fall. I am working as a volunteer mentor for the INCA Crash Course and have loved coming in every day to see a group of people so eager to learn and experience the magic that media and radio can make. I hope the program will continue into future years for more people to join the world of Indigenous media.
My name is Michael Shorting-Bear. I am pursuing degrees in Indigenous Social Work and Indigenous Public and Business Administration through the First Nations University of Canada (FNUniv). I am registered to Long Plain First Nation on Treaty One in Manitoba. I am actively involved with the FNUniv community, a student of nearly 6 years, and work on occasion for the FNUniv in many different areas. I previously sat on the University of Regina Students’ Union (URSU) as a board director and on the FNUniv Students’ Association in many different roles. I am an honorary Indigenous Communication Arts (INCA) student, taking courses and participating in the INCA Summer Institute in 2022. In my free time, I spend time with my family, I love biking and photography.
My name is Brittany Poitras, and I am from Peepeekisis First Nation. I am in my third year of an Indigenous Studies degree, while also working towards a degree in Indigenous Communication Arts. I enjoy participating in various roles around the University of Regina, First Nations University of Canada, and the overall community. Some of the roles I have around the University are the Vice President of the FNUniv Regina’s Students Association and a CFNU radio host of Campus Tea with Brittany AS well as co-host of All Request Fridays. I like to spend my time having good conversations, laughing, and being surrounded by family and friends.
Drawing on their combined years of experience in broadcasting and media production, Will Yuzicapi and Lindell Haywehe gave the next generation of journalists a flying head start for their future media careers. You can hear Will and Lindell on CFNU Radio's "Wanà with Will and Lindell."
Sonia Radwanski is from Whitehorse, Yukon. She is the web designer and social media coordinator for the CFNU Radio Team. Sonia started her journey as a graphic designer in 2020 during covid, taking Graphic Communications online through Sask Polytech. From there, she took off on an experimental path in marketing, website development & design, photography and videography. Through trial and error, Sonia has found her passion for helping others share their stories and express themselves through many creative multimedias. She is always looking for a learning opportunity in her work and hopes to continue collaborating with other young artists looking to learn and grow together in the future.
Jaida Beaudin and Brittany Boschman are the brilliant minds and energy behind the Crash Course in Indigenous Journalism and Broadcasting. Jaida and Brittany both completed the INCA 200 Summer Institute in 2018. Jaida went on to graduate with a BA in Political Science. Today she works at the Health and Social Development Secretariat, Federation of Sovereign Indigenous Nations, working with Nations to implement regulations for drinkable water on First Nations. Brittany completed her Indigenous Studies degree, as well as the INCA diploma program. Today she works alongside Indigenous partners, utilizing her knowledge in video production, graphic design, and social media management. They have found the skills they learned from INCA so important to their careers that they decided to give back, finding the funding and donating their time to organize the course.
Shannon Avison, Assistant Professor
Sarah Onyango, Campbell Stevenson, Amanda Leader
