Seven ideas for reconciling journalism
When discussing how to improve representation of Indigenous peoples in Canadian media, journalists and critics tend to focus on the quantity of stories on Indigenous issues. But more representation isn’t necessarily good representation. How can we tackle the deeper challenges?
1. Update your rolodex
“Do you interview Indigenous people when reporting on non-Indigenous issues? We can’t [reconcile] by having the same group of strangers talking to the same group of strangers.”
- Marie Wilson, TRC commissioner and former journalist
2. Hold politicians to account for their promises
“Harper’s apology about residential schools seemed genuine. But then nothing came of it. There’s been no progress on things like suicide rates, clean water, violence against Aboriginal people or these issues are worsening. How come, despite all the talk?”
- Hayden King, director, Centre for Indigenous Governance at Ryerson University
3. Rethink your view of sources’ expertise and authority
“So change finally happened after Desmond [Cole] published his personal story of getting carded. But police didn’t listen until getting pressure from others. Why was it up to people like me to validate the experiences of people like Desmond?”
- Barbara Hall, former head of the Ontario Human Rights Commission and former mayor of Toronto
4. Be mindful of diversity within Aboriginal community
“It is bad to lump all First Nations perspectives together. I resent being asked to represent the views of all people based on my personal lived experience.”
- Theodore Syrette, project coordinator and facilitator, Egale Canada Human Rights Trust
5. Beware cliched characters
“That fundamental shift requires moving away from the ‘imaginary Indian,’ created to bolster nationalistic claims to social, political and legal supremacy, towards a true representation of the complexities of Indigenous life.”
- Chelsea Vowel, author, Indigenous Writes: A guide to First Nations, Métis and Inuit issues in Canada
6. Avoid reinforcing negative stereotypes
“Being sensitive to stereotyping is not the same as avoiding pertinent issues that actually exist. As journalists, we have a duty to accurately and objectively report on issues. But there are ways we can do this while still being sensitive to the challenges of Indigenous reporting.”
- Angela Sterritt, CBC reporter, Reporting in Indigenous Communities: 5 tips to get it right
7. Learn about media and trauma
