New CJF Fellowship for Aboriginal early-career journalists

TORONTO, April 1, 2014 /CNW/ - To foster better understanding of Aboriginal issues in Canada's major media and community outlets, The Canadian Journalism Foundation (CJF) is pleased to introduce the new CJF Aboriginal Journalism Fellowship.

"This is a very special new initiative for CJF," says Bob Lewis, chair of the CJF. "It aims in a small way to help bridge the yawning gap between traditional news media and the oft-ignored stories of Canada's Aboriginal people.

The fellowship allows an Aboriginal journalist early in his or her career the opportunity to explore an issue of interest to First Nations, Métis or Inuit peoples while being hosted by CBC News for one month at its new Aboriginal centre in Winnipeg. 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. The application deadline is April 30, 2014.

"The issues facing Canada and Aboriginal peoples are now at the forefront of our national conversation and will shape the nation's future in the coming years," says the Assembly of First Nations' National Chief Shawn A-in-chut Atleo. "It is, therefore, of utmost importance that the voices and perspectives of Aboriginal people inform this discussion. The CJF's Aboriginal Journalism Fellowship will contribute to this important effort by supporting and promoting Aboriginal journalists and ensuring they have access to the media and mentors that will help them hone their craft and advance their careers."

The successful applicant will have the opportunity to spend up to a month focusing on practical answers to the questions outlined in her or his award proposal. The story or series resulting from the experience will be considered for publication or broadcast by CBC News. "CBC News is invested in making sure we reflect all of Canada's communities," says Jennifer McGuire, general manager and editor-in-chief of CBC News and Centres. "This award allows CBC News to build on our commitment to Aboriginal voices and help enrich the diversity of our content on radio, TV and online, including on our innovative new Aboriginal web portal."

The award is among several new honours that will be presented at the 17^th Annual CJF Awards on June 4 in Toronto at The Fairmont Royal York.

Jury
Co-chair - Duncan McCue, Correspondent, The National, CBC News, and a member of the Chippewas of Georgina Island First Nation in southern Ontario
Co-chair - Bob Lewis, Chair, The Canadian Journalism Foundation
Nellie Cournoyea, Chair and Chief Executive Officer, Inuvialuit Regional Corporation (IRC)
Jack Nagler, Director of Journalistic Public Accountability and Engagement, CBC News
Melanie Paradis, Manager, Natural Resources & Aboriginal Affairs, NATIONAL Public Relations
Paul Watson, Reporter, Aboriginal and Arctic beat, Toronto Star

CRITERIA

Applications will be welcomed from Aboriginal journalists—First Nations, Métis and Inuit—who for one to five years have been employed by, under contract to, or freelancing on the news and editorial side of regularly published newspapers and periodicals, television, radio, or online sites.

HOW TO APPLY

• Submit a detailed proposal of no more than two pages outlining how you would like to use this opportunity to expand knowledge of a key Aboriginal issue.
• Provide links to two examples of your work.
• Include your resume.
• Include at least one letter of recommendation from a relevant employer.

All arrangements for the award assignment will be made in consultation with award winners. The successful applicant will have all associated travel and accommodation covered by the CJF, plus a training stipend and a per diem for meals and other reasonable costs.

View the award details and online application form.
Applications must be received by April 30, 2014, 5:00 p.m. EDT.

Thank you to CBC News, RBC Foundation, CN and Rosemary Speirs, a member of the CJF Board, for their generous support of this award.

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About The Canadian Journalism Foundation
Founded in 1990, The Canadian Journalism Foundation (CJF) is a not-for-profit organization that promotes excellence in journalism by celebrating outstanding journalistic achievement through an annual awards program; by organizing events that facilitate dialogue among journalists, business people, academics and students about the role of the media in Canadian society; by supporting journalism websites, J-Source.ca English and ProjetJ.ca (French), in cooperation with the country's leading journalism schools; and by fostering opportunities for journalism education, training and research.

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SOURCE: Canadian Journalism Foundation

Contact:
Natalie Turvey
Executive Director
The Canadian Journalism Foundation
59 Adelaide St. E, 5^th floor
Toronto, ON  M5C 1K6
Phone: [phone] * Fax: [phone] * e-mail: [email protected]