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After a dramatic presentation to the Canadian Radio, Television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC), the multilingual, multicultural Aboriginal Voices Radio (AVR) is now moving on to phase two of the CRTC Public Hearings.

This second phase of the hearings is set to begin Monday, February 7, 2000 and AVR has a diverse, dynamic group of community intervenors making an appearance to support the Aboriginal group, a proposed new non-profit Toronto radio service.

At the present time, National Chief of the Assembly of First Nations (AFN), Phil Fontaine is expected to be one of twelve supportive interveners in favour of AVR. Also appearing will be well-known political activist Elijah Harper. Mr. Harper is perhaps best known for his role in the debate surrounding the Meech Lake accord.

"By supporting this application we at the Assembly of First Nations truly believe it will be a positive benefit to the Aboriginal community and Canadian listeners," said Phil Fontaine, National Chief of the AFN.

"It's great to have support from our national leaders in this bid for the last radio frequencies in Toronto,"said AVR Board of Directors Speaker, Gary Farmer.

AVR board member Tomson Highway, renowned Canadian author and playwright, started off the CRTC presentation in Cree (Aboriginal language) to which the Vice-Chair of the CRTC panel, Andree Wylie responded "Mahsicho," meaning thank-you in Dene. Highway also noted that all Canadians commonly use some Aboriginal language and don't realize it: "Saskatoon Saskatchewan Winnipeg Manitoba Toronto Ontario".

"The CRTC has demonstrated their understanding of the plight of Native people, and our need to better communicate to each other and all Canadians, through their recent licensing of the Aboriginal Peoples Television Network and other decisions," said Farmer.

The intervenors supporting AVR are scheduled to appear on Tuesday, February 8, 2000 at 2737 Keele Street at the Triump Howard Johnson Plaza Hotel in the MacDonald - Cartier Ballroom in Toronto. Interviews will be available upon request.