It’s been a long time coming. Today it’s a lot closer to becoming a reality.  

Native American Television (NATV), the nationwide, nonprofit multimedia network and training organization providing all-indigenous television programming, has received a groundbreaking endorsement from the Affiliated Tribes of Northwest Indians supporting the network’s $5 million fundraising campaign for 2007. 

The Affiliated Tribes, representing 55 Indian nations in six states, passed a resolution at their semi-annual conference on May 24 supporting NATV’s mission to create an Indian voice in television and educate young Native media professionals. The significance of such a public proclamation for the upstart network can’t be underestimated.  

“Getting out there and presenting Indians news and an Indian point-of-view is of the utmost importance,” says Ernie Stensgar (Coeur d’Alene), chairman of the Affiliated Tribes of Northwest Indians and NATV board member. “Although the concept has been out there, now is the time to present the truth about Indians and what we’re doing in the United States. Another important aspect is getting Indian reporters and news people behind the scenes. And that means from operating the cameras to doing all the technical aspects of all of this.” 

With the resolution, the Affiliated Tribes have committed to financially supporting NATV as it moves ever closer to officially launching this year.  The network is currently working with partners and independent producers to provide content for its viewers—all Native, all the time, nationwide. These facts, plus their strategically located studio and training facilities based in the Washington D.C. metropolitan area, will shake the prevailing image most Americans have of Indians, notes NATV Board chairperson Dr. James May (United Keetoowah Band.) 

“That’s what NATV is aiming for—an opportunity to get our view out there. I see a real lack of being on equal footing with any other minority group. I see it all over the place,” he says. “The Affiliated Tribes of the Northwest have been really forward thinking on this matter. They’ve asked their tribes to support NATV monetarily and their students to come to Washington to do the training.”

Stensgar concurs. “We challenge our tribal leaders to look at this program and buy off on it and recognize NATV for what it is. This is our chance to stand up and get our word out, to present the Indian voice to America and provide a better understanding of what we’re about. Maybe the American public will look at Indian people in a different light rather than looking at us with feathers.” 

Today that concept is a lot closer to being a reality thanks to the unequivocal support of the 55 nations comprising the Affiliated Tribes of Northwest Indians.  NATV—all Native, all the time–will soon be available to viewers from Alaska to Alabama, New Hampshire to New Mexico. The perception of Indians in the mass consciousness will never be the same.  

And that’s been a long time coming.

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Native American Television (NATV) is a not-for-profit organization. To make a donation and learn more about upcoming programming, please visit the NATV website at: www.natv.org