Decolonizing Journalism

This insightful guide equips journalism students with the tools to build respectful relationships with Indigenous communities. Decolonizing Journalism emphasizes ethical storytelling.

In recent years, events such as the Truth and Reconciliation Commission and the discovery of mass graves at former residential school sites have heightened awareness of Indigenous Peoples in Canada's mainstream media. However, a significant gap exists: there is no comprehensive guide for journalists, both current and aspiring, on how to build respectful and reciprocal relationships with Indigenous communities when researching and sharing their stories. This lack of guidance can lead to misrepresentation and a perpetuation of harmful stereotypes.

Decolonizing Journalism, authored by prominent Indigenous journalist Duncan McCue, aims to fill this void. Specifically tailored for journalism students in Canada, this guidebook provides practical and contemporary advice that students can apply throughout their academic and professional journeys. It emphasizes the importance of developing a critical consciousness when engaging with Indigenous narratives, ensuring that their stories are told authentically and respectfully.

Through exclusive interviews with nine leading Indigenous journalists, readers gain valuable insights into the histories, processes, and challenges involved in decolonizing journalism. These firsthand accounts not only enrich the text but also serve as a powerful reminder of the responsibility journalists hold in representing Indigenous voices. Decolonizing Journalism is an essential resource for anyone looking to approach Indigenous stories with the care and respect they deserve.