Introduction 
"The Northwest Indian Fisheries Commission urges you, the Federal Communications Commission, to listen to the many pleas you have heard during your series of public meetings regarding media consolidation. We urge you to do all in your power to avoid making any rule changes which might unleash a new wave of media consolidation—an action that genuinely hurts the people."  
Billy Frank, Jr., Nisqually elder, Chairman and Spokesperson, Northwest Indian Fisheries Commission
 

I will tell you why this is a bad idea.

I see it as another tool of oppression for women, youth, and Native American people like myself & all who could not be here & who I represent today.

This includes many of my diverse listeners, who tune in to KSVR & NAMAPAHH First People's Radio, twice a week.

We have given them an alternative place to be heard on the airwaves. We have given them a face on Mother Earth that Corporate media does not.

I rarely see or hear of Corporate main stream media doing justice to Indigenous People, minority and grass roots people

It's why I was driven to produce Native American multi media and stand side by side by all my committed brothers & sisters that are here today.

I often see Corporate media fostering untruths that are still told to this day about our people. Outrageous stereotypical images that embarrass and often hurt us, keeping the old wounds open through ignorance & misconceptions, instead of encouraging healing & bridge building.

Native American, community & public radio stations that carry Indigenous programming offer counterpoints and re-educate those who have been brought up to believe & accept the Native American stereotypes .

We also reach out to those who lack compassion for what has happened to us for hundreds of years.

We do it on a shoe string budget for the most part, we are all pitching in, doing our part. It is a calling and a passion. Many of us are volunteers, using our own resources and means. Without big backing from Corporate Media, who are competing for the precious outlets that we currently do have for our communities and reservations.

It has been a gift and a privilege to share these thoughts with you today & I will tell you the "Indigenous Multi Media Movement"  is growing strong and we our stretching our wings in this industry.

Through combined efforts, we are re-instilling Native pride and much needed healing not just for our people, but for those all across the Nation and World .

We need an indefinite place to to tell our own stories, speak our own minds, sing our own songs, report our own news by telling the world who we are and where we come from and make sure that history does not repeat itself again.

We are responsible to tell the truth. The children are listening.

FCC please dismiss this idea of Media Consolidation.