Anthony Many Fingers has operated Lastar Radio from the Blood Reserve for the past 20 years.
A local radio station on the Blood Reserve just celebrated over 20 years of transmission.
Lastar Radio 89.9 FM is a radio station run by Anthony Many Fingers, known by his Blackfoot name “Saahkoikakatosi” meaning Last Star.
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Lastar Radio’s mission statement is to inform, entertain and enhance the radio content for the Blackfoot people of the Blood Tribe.
Many Fingers previously worked as a probation officer for the Kainai Community Correctional Society throughout the early ‘90s.
After being disenchanted by the justice system, Many Fingers wanted to pursue something else and after watching Wayne’s World he was inspired.
“I saw Wayne’s World and I thought if two long hairs could run media from their basement, I’m going to give it a try. So I took my savings … bought some equipment and away we went,” said Many Fingers.
Lastar debuted its first broadcast on Nov. 1 1996.
The latest issue that was on the minds of the Blood Reserve community was the chief and council elections where candidates used the radio station as their personal platform.
Being the centre of attention on the reserve the radio station has been a place where everyone wants to come and be a part of.
“We’ve had a whole slew of different DJ’s, all kind of personalities from the community, celebrities and it’s been a riot. I’m glad I chose this field, thanks Wayne and Garth,” said Many Fingers.
As the future of aboriginal entertainment grows into all segments of possible programming, Many Fingers would like to move into television.
He would also like to see more aboriginal involvement in the news and entertainment industry to which he feels is vastly under represented.
Many Fingers feels the treatment of the aboriginal community would improve.
Lastar Radio has the ear of the reserve, so community organizations use the radio station to promote their latest news, programs and issues.
“We’ve tried to touch base with all communities, starting each broadcast day with a prayer from various schools, we’ve dealt with most entities on the reserve,” said Many Fingers.
Lastar Radio remains to give and be a voice for the Blood Tribe.
