‘An equal seat at that table’: why Indigenous journalists have formed a new industry group

The Indigenous Media Association of Canada (IMAC) is a new industry group that was recently incorporated to advocate for the needs of Indigenous journalists across the country. Maureen Googoo, the owner/editor of Ku’ku’wes News, an independent website reporting on Indigenous news in Atlantic Canada, is the interim vice-president of IMAC. She recently spoke to CBC Radio Information Morning host Portia Clark about the importance of this new organization and the role it will play in supporting Indigenous storytellers and storytelling.

The idea for IMAC came about last fall when Eden Fineday, one of the founding members, reached out to Maureen Googoo to discuss forming an organization for Indigenous media outlets. Fineday felt that Indigenous journalists needed an equal seat at the table where funding and input were being offered. In December, the decision was made to incorporate IMAC to address this need for advocacy and support.

IMAC will focus on advocating for Indigenous journalists in dealings with the federal government and other funding sources, as well as providing support and networking opportunities for its members. While some Indigenous journalists may already be part of the Canadian Association of Journalists (CAJ), IMAC will serve as a singular place for Indigenous journalists to address their unique needs and challenges.

One of the main challenges faced by Indigenous journalists is the lack of representation in mainstream media outlets. The CAJ’s recent study on diversity in the newsroom highlighted the scarcity of Indigenous journalists in mainstream media, underscoring the need for advocacy and support for emerging Indigenous media outlets.

For Maureen Googoo, writing for an Indigenous audience is a priority, as she aims to provide perspective and information on issues that are important to her readers. One example is her coverage of court cases involving Mi’kmaw fishers asserting treaty rights, a topic that has received limited attention from mainstream media outlets.

In conclusion, the formation of IMAC represents a significant step forward for Indigenous journalists in Canada. By advocating for their needs, providing support, and amplifying Indigenous voices and stories, IMAC aims to create a more inclusive and diverse media landscape.