APTN Announces 2007 Aboriginal Solidarity Day Flag Contest Winner

Nicole Chang is the winner of the 2007 Aboriginal Solidarity Day Flag Contest. The 13-year-old junior high school student resides with her family in her hometown of Yellowknife, NWT. Chang’s design was chosen from a total of 67 entries from across Canada.

Representing First Nations, Inuit and Métis Peoples, Chang’s artistic rendering incorporates Aboriginal symbolism in the forms of an Inukshuk, an eagle, the Métis infinity symbol and a lone feather; each situated within sections of the peace symbol. The colours utilized in the flag design correspond to the APTN corporate colours, which were designated to reflect the richness and diversity of Canada’s Aboriginal Peoples.For her efforts, Chang will receive a $250 cash prize and will be flown to Winnipeg to take part in a ceremonial flag-raising at the APTN Winnipeg headquarters on Aboriginal Solidarity Day, June 21st. The custom-designed flag will fly for a period of one month. Chang will also be featured in the APTN-hosted production, Aboriginal Day Live, to be broadcast live across the country in celebration of Aboriginal Solidarity Day.

“On behalf of all of us here at APTN, I extend my sincerest congratulations to Nicole in being chosen as this year’s Flag Contest winner,” says Jean LaRose, APTN Chief Executive Officer. “Nicole’s vision in creating a flag design that so eloquently captures the uniqueness of Aboriginal Peoples across Canada is truly befitting the contest’s National Aboriginal Day theme and we will be proud to fly it for all to see.”

Many excellent contest entries were received and can be viewed for a limited time on the APTN website at www.aptn.ca. APTN thanks all those who entered and invite Canadian youth to take part in next year’s contest.

Aboriginal Solidarity Day was first called for in 1982 by the National Indian Brotherhood (Assembly of First Nations). The date of June 21st was chosen due to the cultural significance of the summer solstice, the first day of summer and longest day of the year. National Aboriginal Day, now in its 11th year, was designated by the federal government in 1996 as a special day for all Canadians to celebrate the unique heritage, cultures, languages and contributions of First Nations, Inuit and Métis Peoples in Canada.

Aboriginal Day Live will feature an hour-long concert in the park featuring high profile Aboriginal talent, including Donny Parenteau, the Asham Stompers, Lisa Odjig, Leela Gilday, Lucie Idlout, the Dead Indians, C-Weed and three Star Catcher finalists. Ray St. Germain and Cheryl McKenzie will host the broadcast live from the APTN Winnipeg headquarters at 12 noon CST (1 pm ET, 11 am CST Saskatchewan, 11 am MT and 10 am PT)

About APTN:
September 1, 2006 marked the seven-year anniversary of the launch of the first national Aboriginal television network in the world with programming by, for and about Aboriginal Peoples to share with all Canadians and viewers around the world. APTN is available in over 10 million Canadian households and commercial establishments with cable, direct-to-home satellite (DTH), telco-delivered and fixed wireless television service providers.

APTN does not receive government funding for operations but generates revenue through subscriber fees, advertising sales and strategic partnerships. APTN broadcasts programming with 56% offered in English, 16% in French and 28% in Aboriginal languages. For program schedule or for more information, please contact APTN at (204) 947-9331 or toll-free at 1-888-278-8862, or visit the website at www.aptn.ca.