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APTN REMAINS TUNED TO ITS EMPLOYEES By Jennifer McFee While Aboriginal Peoples Television Network (APTN) continues to engage its audience, the organization also remains tuned to the strengths of its staff. A PTN recently celebrated 17 years on-air, growing from a team of about 20 in 1999 to 160 employees today. CEO Jean La Rose speaks with pride about the achievements of the network's talented team. "APTN is a continually developing story. We really are a network devoted to promoting opportunities for the Aboriginal community, which is part of our mandate. Something that was close to non-existent when the network launched. People at APTN are encouraged to grow along with the network," he says. "Part of our mission is to share our stories and the knowledge of our Elders, while ensuring our languages thrive and our history is preserved. That is key for many employees. The 30 per cent of our staff who are non-Aboriginal understand this environment and thrive here as well." Embracing the opportunity to expand, the company has established news bureaus in 13 different cities across the country. Many of these operations are home-based, providing flexibility for employees, who can also claim some home expenses as tax deductions. At the same time, APTN's Winnipeg head office is centrally located to convey the stories from regions straight across the country. "Being central makes us accessible." La Rose says. "We also had to be in a location with a deep talent pool, and Winnipeg has one of the highest urban Aboriginal populations in Canada. For La Rose, it is important to create the best overall experience for APTN employees at all levels. That includes wages that often rise above industry averages, bolstered by comprehensive benefits and extended health packages. "We maintain a level of fairness for our employees, and I believe they respect and appreciate the environment we have created," La Rose says. "We also offer employees financial assistance towards training courses or other self-improvement opportunities that relate to their current job — or what could lead to a future promotion." Skill development is a key component of the workplace culture, which encourages employees to build a strong foundation of talents that can be transferable within different areas of the organization. As well, APTN provides paid internship opportunities for those who are just starting their careers. "Every year, we welcome anywhere from four to 12 student interns to the organization," La Rose says. "It's a great way to identify promising talent early in their career." Looking ahead, APTN will continue to keep tabs on cutting-edge developments in the industry and beyond. "Television broadcasting is moving toward more programming online because that's where the audience is seeking content. APTN is transforming its infrastructure to allow increased streaming and social media connections," he says. "By the end of our fiscal year, which ends Aug. 31 of next year, we will have finalized the revamping of our total infrastructure to allow an IP connectivity at every level. That way, we can be more visible online while maintaining our strong presence on-air." Undoubtedly, these enhancements will create further opportunities for employees at APTN, which continues to make waves as it remains on the forefront of change.❚ "Every year, we welcome anywhere from four to 12 student interns to the organization," La Rose says. "It's a great way to identify promising talent early in their career." 04 APTN RECENTLY CELEBRATED 17 YEARS ON-AIR, GROWING FROM A TEAM OF ABOUT 20 IN 1999 TO 160 EMPLOYEES TODAY. PHOTOS BY DARCY FINLEY

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