Beach's independent APTN

Adam Beach is a man on a missionBeach has nothing against the Aboriginal Peoples Television Network. Bottom line and deep down, Adam Beach is a really nice guy who isn't really into fighting against anybody, or even competing with others. But Adam sees what is happening around him and he believes deep in his heart and mind that he knows what needs to be done, and he is going to do it.

"APTN is fine, but they are regulated by government," says Beach. "We have got to tell our own stories, and share our experiences, and learn from each other, and support each other and work together independently, that's it that's all."Just like Spielberg:"Right now, the federal government has appointed a judge to head up a Truth and Reconciliation Commission. They will spend $60 million trying to get our people to tell the stories of their experiences in Indian residential schools."

"I am not in competition with the government, but I am going to go out and hear those stories and share them with everybody who wants to hear and to heal and to reconcile," said Beach. "It's like Steven Spielberg going out to gather the stories of Jewish people who suffered through the Holocaust (World War II). Spielberg did that for his people and I would like to do that with mine."Tackling major issues:Adam also has plans to deal directly with some of the major issues which impact on First Nations communities. Of major concern is the disproportionate rate of suicide amongst young people. As part of Adam's participation in Vision Quest, he starred in a live theatrical presentation (interacting with pre-produced video) called "Kejeet", which was written by Adam's father Chris Beach, and deals with suicide prevention.

"We cannot allow our parents to lose their precious children and we cannot allow our children to grow up without their parents," Beach exclaimed in a videotaped introduction to his live performance.Helping with horses:Beach is also developing a healing and treatment program for youth that will connect kids with horses, and through the nurturing and care and bonding between human and animal, the youth can begin the journey that starts by understanding why the youth are hurting, and builds from there to heal the hurt.

"The program is called "stepping stone", and we have a financier interested in developing 40 ranches, which will reach out to a lot of our native youth," said Beach.With funding from gaming:Adam Beach has some very ambitious plans, but when asked if he can "compete" with the massive resources of government and other influences, which may not be as relevant or effective as his self-determined approach, he would only say:

"There is a $30 billion dollar Indian gaming industry in the United States. They are very concerned and supportive of what we are trying to do. I am not worried about financing the television and recording productions I would like to see, and the healing programs that we want to develop."Comment:  For more on the subject, see All About Adam Beach.