The CFNU Radio team at the First Nations University of Canada is a staple of the institution
CFNU radio offers an opportunity for students enrolled at the First Nations University Canada (FNUniv) to enhance their skills and learn the craft working at a radio station. The station which started inside a trailer of the Saskatchewan Indian Federated College (SIFC) in 1994 was relaunched in 2023. CFNU radio offers listeners the ability to hear interviews about pertinent topics on and off campus, as well as a variety of Indigenous and Canadian music.
A voice for the students
Since its inception in 1994, the station has continued to diversify its content by adding things like online streaming and podcast shows. The one thing that has remained a constant is its student centric content.
“We like to have information that’s relevant for students, so students know what’s going on campus or in the city or community,” said Lindell Haywahe, the station’s program director.
The original station was founded in a trailer that belonged to the SIFC outside of College West at the University of Regina in 1994. It is now located on the second floor of the First Nations University of Canada.
The station tends to focus on playing Indigenous and Canadian music, but on Friday’s they play whatever people request.
A place to build valuable skills
The station is currently involved with the FNUniv’s Indigenous Journalism and Communication Arts (INCA) dept, where they offer placement for students who receive credit towards their degrees, as well as gain experience in the world of broadcasting and journalism.
Interns and employees write news stories (which are found on the CFNU’s website), interview people and learn the operations of broadcasting.
“I think the most enjoyable thing is here to watch the students develop and find their voice because that’s how I was. I was super shy, “ said Haywahe.
Haywahe added that the students can gain vital skills to use in everyday life and gain the self-confidence they need to be successful.
“It’s a different sort of thing too. It’s almost like when a mother watches their baby grow and you’re like the little baby’s all grown up,” said Haywahe.
CFNU has many unique shows
“People who are interested in developing a podcast, students especially, we can help them get started, we can provide the space for them to record it and to upload it to the radio station and have it airplay, ” said Haywahe.
They have a variety of podcasts, such as a wellness podcast with licensed wellness therapist Kristy Kaiswatum called Wellness With Kristy. Another show called Academic Vibes, offers students a perspective into the lives of their instructors at the FNUV.
The station has many contributions from well-known personalities in Indigenous journalism, such as former CTV television personality Nelson Bird, who hosts the Nelson Bird Show. Bird was a student at SIFC when the station first launched in 1994 and now serves the FNUniv as an instructor in the INCA program in addition to helping with the CFNU’s operations.
The station also strives to cover a wide variety of interests. For instance, in March 2025, they hosted a radio interview with Indigenous singer Jah’kota, whose music aims to empower those in need to improve their living situation.
Additionally in early 2025, they also secured an interview with acclaimed Canadian musician Jully Black, who discussed her career and “the importance of solidarity between Indigenous and Black communities in their shared struggles against systemic racism and oppression,” as stated on the CFNU’s website.
CFNU’s podcast Emergence, hosted by Tiberius, addresses the importance of including perspectives from the two spirit and queer community. This podcast features guests who identify as being Indigenous and two spirits and hold roles in governance and leadership.
The station also used to have a show hosted by Indigenous Elder Medicine Bear Child which explored Indigenous teachings, learnings, healings, and effects of the colonial system on Indigenous peoples and ways of life.
In 2024, the station secured another influential guest when Canada’s first Indigenous Governor General Mary Simon’s interview with INCA staff members and others who had questions aired on CFNU. She discussed topics such as her roots, language, culture, and other questions of concern that arose in the interview.
The internet has made it possible for anyone to listen and read their content, even when it is not being aired.
“Fast forward 40 years and CFNU is streaming to a global audience,” said INCA instructor and co-founder of the station Shannon Avison, on the station’s website. For those interested in what is being played, the station’s broadcast schedule gives listeners an overview of the day and what is to come. The schedule can be found on the station’s website.
We like to have information that’s relevant for students, so students know what’s going on campus or in the city or community. – Lindell Haywahe, Program Director, CFNU Radio
Current Situation
CFNU is not funded by the university and they rely on grants. One of the station’s biggest contributors is Heritage Canada.
The station is able to hire employees with the funds and accept volunteers. Haywahe believes it is a great way for students to practice their broadcasting and journalistic skills.
The station is undergoing upgrades regarding its software and hardware capacities, which Haywahe hopes will give people the ability to work with equipment that is similar to that of big radio stations and offers vital experience for students.
Involvement with campus news
CFNU’s website has recently aired a number of podcasts, addressing pertinent issues around campus. One was with University President and Vice-Chancellor Jeff Keshen, who discussed issues regarding the students’ union, the construction situation, tuition, and core services.
In another recent episode, Bettina Schneider joined the station to discuss why students enrolled at the FNUV must pay URSU fees, despite possibly not attending classes at the U of R.
40 years later, CFNU is still going strong and they hope to continue building their foundations and serving the campus for many years to come.
