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APTN News InFocus

APTN
Nunavut
Indigenous Peoples
Indigenous Rights
First Nations
APTN Nouvelles Nationale
British Columbia, Canada
Cannabis Act
Nova Scotia
DRIPA
RCMP Native Extremism Program
Metis Nation Ontario
KUSMA (USMCA)
Nobel, Ontario
Taken
Indigenous Corrections
Budget 2025
Bail Reform Act (bill C-14)
Indian Act
Treaty Rights
Indigenous Journalism

APTN News InFocus explores the stories and issues affecting Indigenous Peoples through expert interviews and meaningful conversations. Hosted by reporter Cierra Bettens, each episode offers unique insights and context from people who know the stories best.

PublishesWeeklyEpisodes230Founded9 years ago
Number of ListenersCategories
News CommentaryNews

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Artwork for APTN News InFocus

Latest Episodes

The Quewezance sisters have spent decades fighting to clear their names after being convicted of a murder they say they did not commit. More than 30 years after their conviction and four years after their case was sent for review, they are still wait... more

YouTube

On this edition of APTN News InFocus, host Cierra Bettens examines Canada's ecological footprint and the push for solutions through conservation and Indigenous-led stewardship.

York University researcher Eric Miller breaks down new findings showing... more

YouTube

On this edition of APTN News InFocus, host Cierra Bettens looks at calls to rewrite Canada's Cannabis Act.

Former senator Dan Christmas told a House of Commons committee the law has failed to recognize First Nations jurisdiction and does not align ... more

YouTube

On this edition of APTN News InFocus, host Cierra Bettens speaks with Nunavut Premier John Main about the territory's priorities as the Arctic draws more attention.

Elected in fall 2025, Main says northern leaders are still advocating for basics li... more

YouTube

Key Facts

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Recent Guests

Eric Miller
Director of York University's Ecological Footprint Initiative
York University
Episode: 1.7 Earths: The cost of our ecological footprint
Stephanie Thorassie
Executive Director of the Seal River Watershed Alliance
Seal River Watershed Alliance
Episode: 1.7 Earths: The cost of our ecological footprint
Sarah Mainville
Former chief of Kuchichang First Nation in Ontario and a lawyer
JFK Law (legal firm)
Episode: Should Canada rewrite its cannabis law?
John Main
Premier of Nunavut
Government of Nunavut
Episode: Can Canada meet the Arctic's basic needs? An interview with Nunavut's premier
Tabatha Bull
President of the Canadian Council for Indigenous Business
Canadian Council for Indigenous Business
Episode: Canada U.S. trade talks and the impacts on Indigenous businesses
Joy Braun
Activist featured in Standing Rock coverage
Standing Rock-related advocacy
Episode: From Standing Rock to the Juno Awards: Face to Face hits 300 episodes
Mél Hogan
Associate Professor in the Department of Film and Media Studies at Queen's University; host of The Datafix Podcast
Queen's University
Episode: Canada's AI data centre race and how Indigenous Peoples fit in
Jeff Ward
CEO of Animikii Indigenous Technology
Animikii Indigenous Technology
Episode: Canada's AI data centre race and how Indigenous Peoples fit in
Robert Phillips
Political executive of the First Nations Summit in BC
First Nations Summit (BC)
Episode: Is B.C. putting Indigenous rights on hold?

Host

Cierra Bettens
Host of APTN News InFocus; specializes in Indigenous stories with policy and governance context

Reviews

4.8 out of 5 stars from 27 ratings
  • A must listen!

    A much look forward to part of my week that helps me feel more in touch with the Indigenous angle of the news cycle

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Happygirl5
    Canadaa year ago
  • Amazing

    Great conversation.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    D Fuss
    Australia5 years ago
  • found searching “boushie”

    Amazing podcast. I finished the CBC Boushie podcast and then came across this one with the search, this show should be front and center on CBC or get way more exposure nationally. Perfect for a white boy like me to hear things less white washed.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    The Quare Fellow
    Canada8 years ago
  • Good topics Great show

    Looks at a variety of topics that impact the lives of everyday indigenous people - the the concerns, the controversies and the cures.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Kenyack
    Canada9 years ago

Listeners Say

Key themes from listener reviews, highlighting what works and what could be improved about the show.

A must listen!; listener feels more connected to Indigenous perspectives in news.
Great conversations that cover a range of Indigenous issues.
Looks at topics affecting everyday Indigenous people and governance, with a focus on rights and policy.

Chart Rankings

How this podcast ranks in the Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube charts.

Apple Podcasts
#138
Canada/News/News Commentary

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

Who gets status? Inside the fight over the second-generation cut off
Q: What are the three changes you're advocating for in your Policy Options piece, and what impact would they have?
She outlines removing the second generation cutoff, moving to a one-parent rule, and removing liability insulation clauses to ensure the government remains accountable for discrimination, arguing these steps would stop legislative extinction and advance self-governance.
Who gets status? Inside the fight over the second-generation cut off
Q: So you wrote to the Senate about S2, and I'm going to quote you here. What did you mean by that when you said you are registered because of the persistence of my family?
Palmater explains personal lineage and historical discrimination under the Indian Act, recounting how her grandmother and father were affected, how Sandra Lovelace's case helped restore status in her line, and how despite gains, the second generation cutoff still cut off later generations.
Ivan Zinger: Why Canada's prison watchdog is leaving early
Q: Why did you choose mental health as the focus for your final report?
Mental health was chosen due to its academic grounding in his career and the egregious death in custody that spurred the focus; the aim was to assess access, quality, and governance of mental health services and to advocate for reallocating resources to community settings and specialized care when appropriate.
Why Nunavut is in a food crisis
Q: Jesse, what are the core factors driving this food crisis in Nunavut?
The core factors include the persistent gap between high food prices and local incomes, the cost of traditional hunting gear and transportation, and the limited reach of social assistance in meeting basic needs, which together create a systemic struggle for families.
Will discrimination against First Nation kids in care finally end?
Q: Why is Loving Justice considered different from the government plan?
Loving Justice emphasizes enforceable national standards, true regional variation led by First Nations, and independent oversight, rather than Canada-dictated parameters.

Audience Metrics

Listeners, social reach, demographics and more for this podcast.

Listeners per Episode
Gender Skew
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Frequently Asked Questions About APTN News InFocus

What is APTN News InFocus about and what kind of topics does it cover?

A hard-hitting, issue-driven program focused on Indigenous stories, policy, and governance. Across episodes, topics frequently center on Indigenous rights, land and resource governance, Arctic and northern issues, cannabis policy on reserves, press freedom, and Indigenous-led conservation and technology initiatives. Guests range from on-the-ground journalists and community leaders to academics and policy experts, offering data-driven context and diverse perspectives. The show is noted for elevating Indigenous voices, scrutinizing policy impacts, and connecting local stories to national and international conversations. Potential listeners include media professionals, policymakers, advocates, and researchers seeking nuanced Indigenous-focused... more

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Which podcasts are similar to APTN News InFocus?

These podcasts share a similar audience with APTN News InFocus:

1. Nation to Nation
2. APTN News Brief
3. Truth & Politics
4. Investigates
5. CANADALAND

How many episodes of APTN News InFocus are there?

APTN News InFocus launched 9 years ago and published 230 episodes to date. You can find more information about this podcast including rankings, audience demographics and engagement in our podcast database.

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What guests have appeared on APTN News InFocus?

Recent guests on APTN News InFocus include:

1. Eric Miller
2. Stephanie Thorassie
3. Sarah Mainville
4. John Main
5. Tabatha Bull
6. Joy Braun
7. Mél Hogan
8. Jeff Ward

To view more recent guests and their details, simply upgrade your Rephonic account. You'll also get access to a typical guest profile to help you decide if the show is worth pitching.

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