CJF Aboriginal Journalism Fellowships accepting applications

TORONTO, Jan. 28, 2016 /CNW/ - To encourage Aboriginal voices and issues in the media, The Canadian Journalism Foundation (CJF) is accepting applications to its Aboriginal Journalism Fellowships program.

This unique award allows two early-career Aboriginal journalists (one to ten years of experience) to explore issues of interest to First Nations, Métis or Inuit peoples while being hosted by CBC News for one month at its Aboriginal Centre in Winnipeg. The deadline is Feb. 19, 2016.

"We're at a unique moment in the history of Canadian press: a growing number of mainstream media outlets are acknowledging the role they need to play to encourage and promote Aboriginal voices in newsrooms," says Duncan McCue, co-chair of the jury, correspondent for The National on CBC News and an adjunct professor at the UBC School of Journalism. "We need more Aboriginal reporters, period. The CJF Aboriginal Journalism Fellowships have become an important step toward developing promising young Aboriginal journalists."

A stipend of $3,000, all associated travel and accommodation costs, a per diem for meals and other reasonable expenses, will be covered by the CJF.

Last year's recipients were:

• Nikki Wiart, currently a freelancer in Ottawa who is completing Carleton University's Masters of Journalism program. Read the report of Wiart's experience that includes links to her pieces published by CBC News on Aboriginal children in foster care.
• Wawmeesh G. Hamilton, now an associate producer at CBC Vancouver and a student at UBC's Graduate School of Journalism program, who is further exploring his topic of how elderly Aboriginal sex offenders are reintegrated into their communities, as part of his studies.

This year's recipients will be recognized at the annual CJF Awards at The Fairmont Royal York in Toronto on June 16, 2016. Early-bird rates for tickets and tables are available until Feb. 26, 2016.

Read the award details and apply using the online application form.

Thank you to CBC News, RBC Foundation, CN, Rosemary Speirs, CJF honorary director, and Isabel Bassett, former chair and CEO of TVO, for their generous support of this award.

About The Canadian Journalism Foundation
Established in 1990, The Canadian Journalism Foundation promotes excellence in journalism by celebrating outstanding journalistic achievement. Our signature events include an annual awards program featuring a must-attend industry gala where Canada's top newsmakers meet Canada's top news people. Through J-Talks, our popular speakers' series, we facilitate dialogue among journalists, business people, academics and students about the role of the media in Canadian society and the ongoing challenges for media in the digital era. The foundation also supports journalism websites J-Source.ca (English) and ProjetJ.ca (French) and fosters opportunities for journalism education, training and research.

SOURCE Canadian Journalism Foundation

Image with caption: "Nikki Wiart, currently a freelance journalist in Ottawa and student with Carleton University's Masters of Journalism program, and Wawmeesh G. Hamilton, an associate producer at CBC Vancouver and a student at UBC'’s Graduate School of Journalism program, were recipients of last year's CJF Aboriginal Journalism Fellowships. (CNW Group/Canadian Journalism Foundation)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20160128_C6261_PHOTO_EN_607567.jpg

Natalie Turvey, Executive Director, The Canadian Journalism Foundation, Phone: [phone], E-mail: [email protected]