Photo: Leon Charles-MBC Board Member, PAGC Grand Chief Brian Hardlotte, FSIN 3rd Vice Chief Aly Bear, PAGC Vice Chief Joseph Tsannie, Willie Billette, Nick Daigneault-MBC Board Member, Deborah Charles-MBC CEO, FSIN 2nd Vice Chief Edward “Dutch” Lerat, Abel Charles-MBC Cree broadcaster / By Amber Bear
“Mársı Cho Willie!” from all of us at MBC.
For nearly four decades, the Dene language has found a vibrant and vital voice through the dedicated efforts of Willie Billette and Missinipi Broadcasting Corporation’s (MBC) Dene Honi program.
As we celebrate Willie’s retirement, we acknowledge his many years of Dene language broadcasting, and we reflect on the impact he had had on the preservation and promotion of Dene culture, language, and community.
Photo: Gladys and “The Legend” Willie Billette at his retirement party / By Amber Bear
Since their incorporation in 1985, MBC has served as a cornerstone for Indigenous language broadcasting in Saskatchewan. Willie helped by providing a platform where the Dene language can thrive.
The Dene Honi program focuses on what’s happening in and around the Dene communities of northern Saskatchewan. Over his 37-years of broadcasting Willie had many great interviews, timely information on current events, call-in shows, Elders’ views, opinions and stories in the Dene language.
Photo: Robert Merasty and Willie Billette at the controls in the MBC studio / Courtesy of Recognizing Our Roots by Deborah Charles.
Language is a key element of culture, and Willie’s voice has played an essential role in sustaining the Dene language on the radio. Through engaging storytelling, local news coverage, and culturally relevant programming, Willie has helped elders to share their wisdom and traditions while helping youth gain a sense of identity and belonging.
Photo: Robert Merasty, Ruth Iron, Willie Billette taking in the scenery in the Northwest Territories / Courtesy of Recognizing Our Roots by Deborah Charles
As audiences tune into MBC, they are not merely listening to real deadly music—they are participating in a movement to uplift and rejuvenate their culture and language.
Looking towards the future, MBC remains committed to its audience while continuing to innovate its programming. MBC is excited to share the richness of Dene culture with both Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities alike.
As we honor Willie, we acknowledge the team at MBC and the supportive audience that has made this journey possible.
We look forward to many more years of celebrating and preserving Dene language and culture through the power of radio broadcasting. We aim to keep our listeners up to date on what is happening around them in their very own language.
Have no fear, friends; MBC still has the Dene Honi program and has found another great Dene broadcaster to carry the program ahead into the future.
David McIntyre is the new Dene announcer and the Dene Honi program runs from 3:05 p.m. to 4:00 p.m., Monday to Friday. You can also get your Dene News updates twice daily at 10:20 a.m. and 3:30 p.m.
MBC had a call-in show on August 16th to give the listeners a chance to call-in and wish Willie well on his retirement, have a listen to the clips from our on-demand library.