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St. Regis Mohawks to launch Akwesasne TV television network

Posted 9/27/15

AKWESASNE -- The St. Regis Mohawk Tribe will launch the television network Akwesasne TV on Oct. 2. Owned by the tribe and Mohawk Network, LLC, the newly developed station will broadcast traditional …

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St. Regis Mohawks to launch Akwesasne TV television network

Posted

AKWESASNE -- The St. Regis Mohawk Tribe will launch the television network Akwesasne TV on Oct. 2.

Owned by the tribe and Mohawk Network, LLC, the newly developed station will broadcast traditional and contemporary television programming.

“Akwesasne TV was envisioned in 2013 as part of the developmental phase of the tribe’s broadband initiative and has grown to become part of the broadband project’s larger vision,” tribe Publications Manager Aimee Benedict said. “Following two years of intensive planning and coordination, the concept of an Akwesasne-based television station is now poised to become reality.”

“I am quite pleased with the progress that we have made on this endeavor. The possibilities are quite expansive and will make a positive impact on Akwesasne,” said Tribal Chief Eric Thompson “When first contemplated, the offering of language and cultural programming immediately sprung to mind … however, the broader implications and applications became apparent and included a broad palette of programming from sports to politics to culture to current events and news. Akwesasne TV has done a great job in bringing this vision to fruition.”

Akwesasne TV focuses on broadcasting Native-produced content in a wide host of programming, such as Mohawk language education and culture, public affairs, news, entertainment and sports.

“They strive to deliver authentic storytelling through magazine-style shows, documentaries, dramatic series and arts programming,” Benedict said.

“We want Akwesasne TV to be a reflection of Akwesasne and to accurately portray the lives and concerns of indigenous people throughout Indian country,” said Akwesasne TV Executive Producer Regan Jacobs. “We approach each program with the goal of developing content that shows who and where we are today, as a Native people and as Native nations.”

Akwesasne TV’s coverage won’t be limited to the Akwesasne community. They also aspire to report on topics relevant to neighboring communities and other First Nations.

“Their expanded coverage supports efforts to present stories that are factual and to help increase an understanding of various points of view,” Benedict said. “They are working on the capability to broadcast nationally.”

The station is inviting the community to come and visit their new studio 2915 State Route 95, near the highway’s intersection with state Route 37.

Network officials will host a “light launch” and lunch at 11:30 a.m. Oct. 2.

Akwesasne TV is available on Akwesasne’s Broadband Network channel 2 and online at www.akwesasnetv.com. They are on Facebook, YouTube, Twitter and Instagram.