The Indigenous Broadcasters Association of Saskatchewan (IBOS) — formerly known as the Saskatchewan Association of Aboriginal Broadcasters (SAAB) — is proud to announce Phase 1 of the official launch of its Audio File Sharing Digital Server, which is a major milestone in strengthening language, revitalizing past stories, and Indigenous radio broadcasting partnerships across Saskatchewan.
Founded in 1998, IBOS has served as a collaborative forum for regional Indigenous radio stations to connect, share fundraising strategies, address operational and programming challenges, and build lasting partnerships. In recent years, member broadcasters have engaged in thoughtful discussions to modernize the organization’s mission and vision, including the development of a comprehensive strategic framework centered on cultural preservation and innovation.
A key priority in these deliberations is increasing the use and accessibility of Indigenous languages in radio programming. The launch of the Audio File Sharing Digital Server represents a transformative step toward achieving that goal.
Phase 1
Phase 1 provides proprietary access to nearly 30 Indigenous local radio broadcast systems across Saskatchewan. The secure digital platform will allow affiliates to upload and download Indigenous language programming; share culturally relevant interviews, stories, and features; reserve and access archival audio content; and strengthen collaboration across Indigenous communities.
This initiative is designed to broaden the accumulation, preservation, and accessibility of Indigenous language content, ensuring that vital stories and knowledge remain available for future generations.
A Historic Contribution from MBC Network Radio
As part of this launch, MBC Network Radio proudly announces the completion of a significant archival digitization project.
“It is with humble pride to announce that MBC Network Radio has completed the digitalization of approximately 515 old stories. These stories are now uploaded into our companion website at www.shareourstories.ca,” said Deborah Charles, CEO of Missinipi Broadcasting Corporation.
Over its 40 plus years of broadcasting operations, many talented Northerners conducted interviews with newsmakers, leaders, and Elders, carefully preserving them on reel-to-reel tapes. Recognizing the fragile and time-sensitive nature of these recordings, MBC undertook the extensive process of converting approximately 500 reels into high-quality MP3 digital files.
Vince Natomagan handled and safeguarded the reel-to-reel archives during this critical preservation effort. Though some recordings had begun to degrade, they have now been successfully preserved for generations to come.
These archived stories reflect four decades of lived experience — stories from the land, survival, leadership, resilience, cultural continuity, and the enduring strength of Indigenous languages. Many of the voices captured in these recordings have since journeyed to the spirit world, but through this initiative, their teachings and memories will continue to live on.
Looking Ahead
Phase 1 marks the beginning of a broader rollout strategy. Future phases will expand content contributions, enhance digital capacity, and deepen collaboration among affiliate broadcasters.
IBOS and its affiliates remain committed to ensuring that Indigenous languages are heard, celebrated, and strengthened across Saskatchewan’s airwaves.