APTN's workforce reflects audience

Aboriginal network blazing trail in diversity

Hiring visible minorities primary goal

By Kathryn BoothbyAPTN is the first and only national aboriginal broadcaster in the world. English, French and aboriginal-language programming is shared with viewers across Canada and around the globe.

Diversity is a part of the very fabric of the organization: Sixty-nine per cent of employees are self-identified as having aboriginal ancestry such as First Nations, Metis, and Inuit. Visible minorities, non-aboriginal people, and people with disabilities are also represented.

"One of the things we do well is to support diversity and culture within our workforce," says Stott. That includes awareness and training in the workplace and support for those who want to pursue traditional activities such as vision quests and smudge ceremonies.

"We also ensure that the workforce is reflective of our audience. To do that, we must connect with the community," he says. "That means understanding where job applicants might be, taking extra steps to engage them, making communication easy, and breaking down obstacles to their entry."Comment:  For more on APTN, see Native Performers in Cirque du Soleil and Negative Stereotypes in Blackstone.