A full-time digital television network featuring content exclusively about Native Americans and indigenous people around the world debuts Friday in Chicago.

Coinciding with the start of Native American Heritage Month, the FNX Channel — which stands for First Nations Experience — premieres at 7 a.m. on WYCC-Channel 20.2, the digital tier of the City College of Chicago's public television station.

Launched in 2011, the non-profit FNX is produced through a partnership between the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians and KVCR-TV, the public television station in San Bernardino, Calif.

Alfredo Cruz

Alfredo Cruz, general manager of KVCR/FNX, said in a statement: “FNX is thrilled to now be in the Chicago market. As you begin making FNX part of your viewing routine, I believe you'll agree that FNX is one of today's most exciting public media programming developments."

Dedicated to celebrating Native American life and experiences, FNX programming encompasses lifestyle, children’s, drama, comedy, sports, music, art, dance, politics, news, social, cooking, health, animation, fitness, talk shows, nature and gardening.

“[We are] proud to offer our viewers a network with great programming about Native American and indigenous cultures," WYCC station manager Paul Buckner said. "FNX extends the mission of WYCC to provide diverse, educational, engaging, television programming to Chicago area communities.”