Indigenous journalism legacy ends in Akwesasne with Indian Time closing
Akwesasne, an Indigenous territory divided by the Canada-U.S. border, is facing a void in its journalism landscape with the closure of Indian Time newspaper. The publication, which dates back to the 1960s, has been a cornerstone of the community’s media presence, but internal troubles and financial challenges have led to its demise.
Marjorie Kaniehtonkie Skidders, Indian Time’s last managing editor, expressed her disappointment at the closure, noting that the paper provided a voice of clarity for the community. The decision to shut down the newspaper was driven by declining ad revenues, rising costs, and debts, which left the staff working without pay since June.
Randy Jock-Reidy, who handled advertising for Indian Time for 25 years, pointed to reduced spending from local band and tribal administrations as a contributing factor to the paper’s financial struggles. The community’s shift towards social media and direct communication channels also impacted the newspaper’s revenue streams.
Despite Akwesasne’s economic boom fueled by the cannabis industry, Indian Time failed to capitalize on the new opportunities for ad revenue. The paper’s focus on local news and community stories did not align with the marketing needs of businesses targeting outside visitors.
The roots of journalism in Akwesasne can be traced back to the 1968 protest that led to the creation of Akwesasne Notes, a publication that gained international recognition for its coverage of Indigenous rights issues. The transition to Indian Time as a local weekly newspaper was a response to the community’s demand for quick and accurate reporting on local events.
The closure of Indian Time marks the end of an era for Akwesasne’s journalism, but the legacy of the publication will live on through the efforts of former staff members like Alex Jacobs and Doug George-Kanentiio. Despite facing challenges like a firebombing in 1987 and internal conflicts within the community, Indian Time continued to serve as a vital source of information for Akwesasne residents.
As the community grapples with new tensions over a controversial land claim settlement, the absence of Indian Time leaves a gap in the coverage of important local issues. However, former staff members like Isaac White are committed to continuing their journalism through alternative platforms like podcasts.
The closure of Indian Time may mark the end of an era, but the spirit of grassroots journalism in Akwesasne will continue to thrive through new mediums and voices determined to keep the community informed and engaged.
