Station Evolution The Aboriginal Multi-Media Society (AMMSA) has, since its inception, believed in the continued development of communications alternatives for all Aboriginal people. AMMSA has initiated many programs that have contributed to Aboriginal peoples' ability to communicate their concerns and interests with one another and with the non-native community. AMMSA has established and operates CFWE-FM, a radio station located in Edmonton broadcasting via a satellite network to communities and settlements throughout Alberta and Canada. While the programming on CFWE-FM provides some familiar elements of mainstream radio, our purpose is not to mimic. A theme emphasizing Aboriginal culture and interests through music and spoken word is predominant. Initially broadcasting The Native Perspective program from studios in Lac La Biche for 3 hours daily via the CBC TV network, CFWE has experienced significant growth in its inception over 14 years ago. In 1987, AMMSA seized the opportunity to establish a small satellite network consisting of low-power FM sites in 10 Aboriginal communities. In 1991, 19 communities located primarily in the northern part of Alberta were added to our satellite network. An additional 18 communities were welcomed in 1992. Since that time, efforts have been made to establish FM sites in communities in Southern Alberta. The network now consists of 48 FM sites serving over 55 communities throughout the province of Alberta. CFWE-FM distributes programming to communities in Alberta via the ANIK F1 satellite. Through its wrap-around 24-hour format and the co-operation of other Aboriginal broadcasting societies in British Columbia, the Yukon and the Northwest Territories at several time periods throughout the day, CFWE currently broadcasts to some 200 communities located across Canada. AMMSA continues to develop plans to expand its signal distribution to include every First Nation, Métis Settlement and Aboriginal community throughout Alberta. At the end of this phase of expansion, CFWE will then truly be the "Aboriginal Voice of Alberta". AMMSA has developed and implemented a comprehensive plan to expand Aboriginal radio to communities throughout Alberta. Many of these communities have few communication alternatives, and they welcome not only a new voice, but also one that more accurately addresses their culture and specific concerns and interests. This distribution system is designed to provide Aboriginal people in remote communities and regions with a communications alternative, particularly one that more closely reflects their views, interests, concerns and culture. A long-term goal remains to provide interested communities with access to the alternative news and entertainment services provided by AMMSA through CFWE-FM, then work closely with communities to develop community-based radio. CFWE is committed to providing assistance to those communities wishing to establish and develop community radio, enabling them to produce and broadcast their own material locally. CFWE-FM is more than just another radio station. It has the potential of adapting and growing with each individual community it serves. Through community-based radio, CFWE can assume dual roles; it can serve the specific interests of each community while concurrently serving the interests of the larger Aboriginal community. In the near future, AMMSA plans to link communities together to exchange information and entertainment programs. An ambitious project to be sure, however the benefits will be immeasurable. But it all begins with the expansion of basic radio service to the communities.