CKON-FM facts for kids
 |
|
| Broadcast area |
|
|---|---|
| Frequency | 97.3 MHz |
| Branding | 97.3 CKON |
| Programming | |
| Format | Adult contemporary Country |
| Affiliations |
|
| Ownership | |
| Owner | Akwesasne Communication Society |
| History | |
|
First air date
|
September 29, 1984 |
|
Call sign meaning
|
Reference to "sekon", the Mohawk word for "hello". |
| Technical information | |
|
Licensing authority
|
Mohawk Nation Council of Chiefs and Clanmothers, Akwesasne Mohawk Nation |
| ERP | 10,000 watts (unofficial) |
|
Transmitter coordinates
|
44°59′58″N 74°39′19″W / 44.9994°N 74.6552°W |
CKON-FM is a special radio station. It broadcasts from Akwesasne, a territory of the Mohawk nation. This land is unique because it sits right on the border between Canada and the United States. Part of Akwesasne is in Quebec, Canada, and part is in Ontario, Canada, and also in New York, USA.
The radio station's main building is also on this international border! One part is in Hogansburg, New York, and the other is in Saint Regis, Quebec. This building was built this way on purpose. It shows the strong unity and identity of the Mohawk people. It also highlights their unique position between Canada and the United States.
The Mohawk Nation Council of Chiefs and Clanmothers gave CKON-FM its license. This makes it very special. It is the only radio station in North America that operates under the rules of an Indigenous government. The station is run by the Akwesasne Communication Society. This is a non-profit group that serves the community.
The letters "CKON" in the station's name come from the Mohawk word "sekon." This word means "hello" in English. CKON-FM uses 10,000 watts of power to broadcast. Its signal reaches many listeners in the Akwesasne area.
Contents
The Story of CKON-FM
How CKON-FM Started
The Akwesasne Communications Society began in May 1982. Its founding board consisted of the following members: Frank David, Brian Cole, Salli Benedict, Lloyd Benedict, Diane Lazore, Doug George-Kanentiio and Francis Boots.
This group wanted to create a radio station for their community. Lloyd Benedicts played a key role in the process. His log cabin located on the highest point on Cornwall Island is where CKON came to be.
Due to Lloyd's hard work and dedication, the vision of a radio station for the community could finally come true. CKON-FM started broadcasting on October 1, 1984.
When Lloyd became a chief of the Mohawk council, he used his position to get funding to build the station's permanent building in St. Regis. This new building was special. Its broadcasting studios were on the US side of the border. The offices were on the Canadian side. This design continued to show the unique spirit of Akwesasne.
What You Can Hear on CKON-FM
Music and Shows for Everyone
CKON-FM plays a mix of great music. You can hear lots of country music. In the evenings, they play adult contemporary music. On Sundays, they feature classic "oldies" songs. The station also loves to play music from local and Indigenous artists. This helps share their amazing talent.
Languages and Learning
The station broadcasts in two languages. You can listen in English and in Kanien'keha. Kanien'keha is the traditional Mohawk language. This helps keep the language alive and strong. There's even a special program called "All-Mohawk." It features music and discussions in the Mohawk language. Plus, you can learn Mohawk with a weekday language lesson program. These lessons come on after the local news.
Sports and News
CKON-FM is also the official radio home for the Cornwall Colts. This is a local junior-league ice hockey team. So, you can catch exciting game broadcasts! The station also provides important weather updates. These updates come from the NBC TV station WPTZ in Plattsburgh, New York.
