In a small room located behind the library at the Dene Tha’ Community School (DTCS) in northwestern Alberta, computer monitors and microphones create a bustling atmosphere. Here, teenagers are actively involved in running their very own online radio station, providing a platform to share information and entertainment with the local community of over 900 residents.
Chara Metchooyeah, aged 19, serves as one of the station’s hosts. As a recent graduate and the current director of the DTCS radio program, Metchooyeah values the station’s role in benefiting the community. She expressed how the broadcast allows her to inject humor and personality into segments while also delivering crucial information that the community relies on.
The radio hosts engage listeners with a mix of favorite tunes, evening shows, weather updates, and cultural elements. The station integrates the Dene Tha language by featuring a “word of the moment” to support language preservation efforts.
Since 2024, DTCS teacher Sean Hickman has been overseeing the program, emphasizing the importance of involving local voices in radio programming to empower students to take charge of their own narratives.
Situated about 850 kilometers northwest of Edmonton, Chateh is part of the Dene Tha’ First Nation, along with Bushe River and Meander River. The community has faced recurring natural disasters, leading to multiple evacuations due to fires and flooding in recent years.
Metchooyeah recounted the tense moments during the 2025 fire evacuation, highlighting the station’s vital role in disseminating timely information during emergencies. Hickman emphasized the station’s ability to swiftly communicate critical updates to the community, especially during unpredictable weather events.
Despite facing challenges like shortened school years due to evacuations, DTCS acting principal Christopher Mangaser stressed the station’s significance in providing essential updates to those who may not have access to social media.
With around 200 students currently enrolled at the K-12 school, the radio program extends beyond local broadcasts. Several students ventured out of their comfort zones during spring break, covering a rally against Alberta independence in Edmonton. These experiences, noted by Mangaser, help build confidence and amplify the voices of Indigenous youth.
Hickman commended Metchooyeah’s dedication and creativity in radio programming, highlighting her commitment to exploring new concepts for the benefit of the station and personal growth.
Metchooyeah’s community-focused approach extends beyond radio hosting; she has volunteered in emergency management on the reserve and plans to pursue remote studies in Disaster and Emergency Management at NAIT this fall. Her ultimate goal is to enhance safety protocols in Chateh and lead the local emergency management team.
In summary, the DTCS radio station serves as a vital tool for keeping the Chateh community informed and safe, with passionate individuals like Metchooyeah driving positive change and community resilience.