Copyright © 2000 NLThomas
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Welcome to "Contact", APTN’s first live National Aboriginal Phone-In Show. My name is Rick Ratte and I’m the Producer of "Contact". First, I’d like to thank everyone who has sent e-mails to our office. Your letters have been much appreciated. We welcome any ideas or comments, positive and negative, relating to our show. It's this type of input that will help us provide you, our viewers, with the best, most informative shows possible. Our first show of the season will be launched next Thursday, October 5th, 2000 at 2:00 p.m. Central Standard Time.

We begin our season with a look at Burnt Church, New Brunswick, and the ongoing dispute over fishing rights. We will have a guest from New Brunswick on our show to answer any questions you may have on the issue. We will also have a guest on set who will be able to answer questions relating to the heart of issue, that being "what is our fair share of natural resources" in Canada?

We look forward to hearing from you during our "live" broadcast. Our toll free number is 1-877-647-2786

Others topics we'll be discussing this season are aboriginal/police relations, adoption, residential schools, and war vets. We're even looking at a show about sex.

We're also hoping to have the newly elected National Chief, Mathew Coon Come in our studio in the near future to talk about his vision for the AFN and aboriginal people. In addition, with a National election around the corner, we'll focus on Aboriginal Issues and how various political parties and candidates will address these issues.

We're looking forward to an exciting new season. I can promise you it will be fascinating, compelling, thought provoking and, of course, a lot of fun at times. Looking forward to your calls and input.

Before I let you go, a brief introduction of our staff. Stephanie Wood is "Contacts" Researcher, Field Producer. Naomi Clarke is our Researcher, Writer. Francine Compton handles our Technical needs as well as research. And, of course, there is the Host of "Contact", Mr. Rick Harp.

I thank you again for your time.
Cheers for now, Rick Ratte.