tansi ninôtemik,
A group of Indigenous media veteran women have banded together to change the news media landscape in Canada.[1] After months of discussions between a core group (Eden Fineday, Kerry Benjoe, Maureen Googoo, Katherine Ross, and Francine Compton), there was an overwhelming sense that it was time to unify. As a result, the Indigenous Media Association of Canada (IMAC) was incorporated early last month.
Kerry Benjoe, the interim President of IMAC, spoke to MBC Radio about the new project. Benjoe explained that they kept hearing the same thing: “When we met with other Indigenous reporters, editors, publishers, storytellers, there was this constant need for, you know, unification of our voices… There needs to be something that unifies us not just in the province of Saskatchewan, but across Canada.”[2]
When speaking about the current media landscape in Canada, Benjoe explained that there are many challenges and barriers for Indigenous storytellers. Benjoe explained that there is a fight to have their stories told. “Because of the way news is generated these days… It’s short, it’s snappy, it’s quick, and it's deadline driven. And often with Indigenous stories, we need to take time because, unfortunately, a lot of our stories are based in trauma.”[3] This demand also doesn’t allow for the historical context that is often needed to tell Indigenous stories: “Often we need to re-educate because a lot of what we’re talking about no one has really covered. We have to add the historical context to fully explain why these stories are important and why these stories need to be told.”[4]
IMAC’s goal is ultimately to create a more inclusive media landscape and amplify Indigenous voices. Since there are limited opportunities for journalists in general, IMAC aims to ensure that there is still space and opportunities for up-and-coming Indigenous storytellers. “Journalists are needed in all aspects of Canadian culture, especially with Indigenous people… We want to make sure that our stories… our voices are heard.”[5]
“Our goal is to create an organization that has membership from all sectors of news and broadcast, bring us together and so that we can stand as a collective… When they see the number of journalists, editors, publishers, broadcasters, who are united in demanding that we have this space to tell our stories and tell our stories our way, I think that they would be more apt to listen.”[6]
IMAC was just incorporated and is currently in the process of building membership and just letting people know that it exists. Nevertheless, the prospect of having a national news media organization dedicated to uplifting Indigenous voices and showcasing Canadian news from an Indigenous lens excites us. Among other important things, an Indigenous focused national news association will be able to shine a larger spotlight on the critically important challenges and reforms happening in the realm of Indigenous law. As well, it will bring more attention to the many smaller legal battles taking place in Indigenous communities across Canada. We are looking forward to the future of IMAC!
ekosi.
The ReconciliACTION Team
Citations
[1] CBC News, “‘Our own voice’” Organization supporting Indigenous journalists launches in Canada” CBC News (26 January 2025) online: <cbc.ca> [perma.cc/ZA89-H4CK]; CBC News, “‘An equal seat at that table’: why Indigenous journalists have formed a new industry group,” CBC News (25 January 2025) online: <cbc.ca> [perma.cc/9EUD-XBU4];
[2] “Kerry Benjoe - Indigenous Media Association of Canada” MBC On-Demand (16 January 2025) online (audio): <omny.fm> [perma.cc/93E7-GWCP].
[2] Ibid.
[3] Ibid.
[4] Ibid.
[5] Ibid. See also “New national media association for Indigenous journalists launches” CBC News (21 January 2025) online (video): <cbc.ca> [perma.cc/H7NZ-YQ4X].
[Image] Kerry Benjoe, “Sometimes the easiest path is the hardest to navigate” Degrees Magazine (accessed 4 February 2025) online: <degreesmagazine.ca> [perma.cc/M5QT-54ZU].