CALIFORNIA - In a significant stride towards enhancing Indigenous representation in media, FNX (First Nations Experience) is excited to announce the launch of its dedicated streaming app and platform. This groundbreaking service is tailored exclusively to showcase Native American and Indigenous voices and narratives from around the world.
FNX, which debuted as a PBS-affiliated broadcast channel in September 2011, was established through a collaboration with KVCR television on the San Bernardino Valley College campus. This launch was made possible by a start-up grant from the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians. Similarly, the new FNX App has been developed with funding from a grant provided by San Manuel.
Lynn Valbuena, Chairwoman of the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians, expressed her enthusiasm for the new initiative, stating, “Creating a streaming platform for FNX advances our vision for Native American and Indigenous media creations to share our experiences with the world. We are proud to support an initiative that will bring opportunities for Native American creatives to make their mark on entertainment and education. We look forward to the stories and quality content that will be shared through this new streaming app.”
The FNX App is now freely available for streaming on all smart devices, providing widespread access to a dedicated space for Indigenous stories and perspectives. With a national TV broadcast reach extending to 84.5 million households, the app is instantly accessible to over 85% of the U.S. population, or approximately 284,665,000 people. This significant milestone in Native American representation is reminiscent of the pioneering days of BET. Described by Native community members nationwide as a “Native Netflix,” the FNX App marks a pivotal moment in media history.
To celebrate this milestone, FNX is hosting a red carpet gala event to be held on May 1, 2025, at Agua Caliente Casino in Rancho Mirage, California. The evening promises to be a spectacular showcase of entertainment and Indigenous cuisine featuring:
• A headline performance by The Halluci-Nation (formerly A Tribe Called Red)
• Gourmet offerings by James Beard Award-winning Chef Sean Sherman (The Sioux Chef)
• Stand-up comedy from JR Redwater
• A hoop dance performance by ShanDien Sonwai LaRance, a 2x Champion with Cirque Du Soleil
• A dynamic performance by the Electric Turquoise Dance Troupe
The celebration not only marks the platform’s debut but also honors the vibrant culture and contributions of Native American communities to our collective media narrative. Join us as we step into a new era of media inclusivity with FNX’s latest venture – a celebration of heritage, storytelling, and technological innovation.
To purchase tickets for the FNX Red Carpet Gala and Concert, visit https://www.eventbrite.com/e/fnx-red-carpet-gala-tickets-1253799631449.
About FNX TV: FNX TV is the only National Native and World Indigenous Television Network in the U.S. and is distributed within the PBS Public Television System. The station broadcasts a variety of programming that celebrates Native American and Indigenous cultures, including documentaries, films, news, and music. FNX is expanding on their current broadcast services with a new “free” app that includes a livestream of the FNX broadcast channel and extensive Video-On-Demand Content.
About the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians: The San Manuel Band of Mission Indians is a federally recognized tribe located in Southern California. The tribe is a major supporter of Native American arts and culture and the founding partner of FNX Television.
