‘Our own voice’: Organization supporting Indigenous journalists launches in Canada

Five veteran Indigenous journalists have come together to launch a groundbreaking organization aimed at supporting and advocating for First Nations, Metis, and Inuit storytellers. The Indigenous Media Association of Canada (IMAC) is set to represent Indigenous journalists and media on a national level, push for improved coverage of Indigenous communities in mainstream media, and advocate for the implementation of UNDRIP Article 16.

UNDRIP Article 16 states that Indigenous peoples have the right to establish their own media in their languages and have access to all forms of non-Indigenous media without discrimination. IMAC is committed to upholding this right and ensuring that Indigenous voices are heard and respected in the media landscape.

One of the primary goals of IMAC is to make media careers more sustainable for Indigenous storytellers. Founding member Eden Fineday emphasized the importance of having an Indigenous-led association that can address the unique needs of Indigenous journalists. She expressed the necessity of advocating for themselves with their own voices and building a platform where Indigenous stories can be shared authentically.

Eden Fineday, who is also the publisher of Indigenous media outlet IndigiNews, will lead IMAC alongside journalists Francine Compton, Kerry Benjoe, Maureen Googoo, and Katherine Ross. According to a recent survey by the Canadian Association of Journalists, only about 3.5% of journalists in Canada identify as Indigenous, despite Indigenous people making up around 5% of the population.

Candis Callison, a University of British Columbia associate professor and Canada Research Chair in Indigenous journalism, highlighted the importance of having a network of Indigenous journalists in Canada. She noted that Indigenous journalists bring a unique perspective to storytelling, emphasizing the connection Indigenous communities have to the land, water, animals, and plants.

In recent years, BIPOC journalists have spoken out against racism and discrimination in newsrooms and media coverage. IMAC aims to address these issues and ensure that Indigenous voices are not only heard but also respected and valued in the media industry.

The establishment of IMAC marks a significant milestone in the representation of Indigenous voices in Canadian media. By amplifying Indigenous stories and perspectives, IMAC is paving the way for a more inclusive and diverse media landscape that reflects the richness and diversity of Indigenous cultures and experiences.