Latest news with #CJF
Cision Canada
13-06-2025
- Business
- Cision Canada
Global News and The Local Win CJF Excellence Awards
TORONTO, June 12, 2025 /CNW/ - Global News is this year's recipient of the CJF Jackman Award for Excellence in Journalism in the large-media category, for organizations with more than 50 newsroom employees. Global News received the award this evening at the annual Canadian Journalism Foundation Awards. Named in honour of CJF founder Dr. Eric Jackman, this annual excellence award established in 1996 recognizes news organizations, large and small, that embrace journalistic excellence — originality, courage, independence, accuracy, social responsibility, accountability and diversity — resulting in a positive impact on the communities they serve. The CJF honoured Global News for The New Reality: The Business of Indigenous Kids in Care, an investigation into the treatment of Indigenous youth in the child-welfare system, that revealed startling allegations that some of the most vulnerable children are being preyed upon by some for-profit, group-home companies. This marks the first time Global earned the Dr. Eric Jackman Excellence award. In the small-media category, The Local also won its first CJF Dr. Eric Jackman Award for Divided City, its groundbreaking neighbourhood-level analysis of life expectancy in Toronto that revealed stark disparities across the city, especially between richer and poorer neighbourhoods. Held at the Fairmont Royal York Hotel in Toronto, the CJF Awards brought together more than 500 journalists, media executives and business leaders from across Canada to celebrate journalistic achievements of the past year. Among the evening's other honourees: CJF Award for Climate Solutions Reporting: This $10,000 award, sponsored by Intact Financial Corporation, celebrates a journalist or journalistic team whose work shines a spotlight on the climate crisis and related innovative solutions. This year's award went to Canada's National Observer for Big Green Build, reported by Darius Snieckus, a series of deeply researched stories on Canada's housing construction crisis and the generational opportunity to build greener and better to meet the country's climate targets. The Landsberg Award, celebrating exceptional coverage of women's equality issues, went to Jana Pruden, for In Her Defence: 50th Street, a podcast series produced with Kasia Mychajlowycz for The Globe and Mail and focused on the life and still-unsolved death of Indigenous woman Amber Tuccaro. The William Southam Journalism Fellowships at Massey College, which provide mid-career journalists with an academic year to audit courses and participate fully in life at Massey College, are awarded annually by the University of Toronto and Massey College. This year's winners are: Blaise Eyong, a Cameroonian multimedia specialist with more than a decade of experience, as the Gordon N. Fisher / Journalists for Human Rights Fellow; Owen Guo, a Toronto-based freelancer, as the Massey College Journalism Fellow; Freelance writer and producer Pacinthe Mattar as the St. Clair Balfour Fellow; Jordan Michael Smith, a contributing writer at The New Republic, as the Webster McConnell Fellow; and Award-winning journalist and educator Vinita Srivastava as the Massey College Journalism Fellow. Additionally, the following previously announced bursary, fellowship and award recipients were recognized. The inaugural CJF Indigenous Health Journalism Fellowship, in partnership with the Canadian Medical Association, went to Winnipeg journalist Lenard Monkman. This groundbreaking three-year initiative is aimed at fostering expert reporting on critical health issues affecting Indigenous communities and is supported by the Canadian Medical Association. The CJF Bursary for BIPOC Student Journalists, designed to support students who have demonstrated strong engagement with the BIPOC community and a commitment to high journalistic standards, went to Alexa Toguri-Laurin of Concordia University. The bursary is supported by Media Profile. The CJF-CP News Creators Fellowships provide aspiring news creators with comprehensive training and mentorship from The Canadian Press's editors and journalists during a six-week paid internship. These fellowships are supported by YouTube Canada and The Google News Initiative. The inaugural CJF-CP News Creator Fellows are: Willa Easton, of Toronto and the Blue Mountains, Ont.; Angelina Havaris, of Toronto and London, Ont.; Jacqueline Newsome, of Halifax; Fatima Raza, of Toronto; Noah Trenton, of Mississauga, Ont.; and Janessa Ventura-Alvarenga, of London, Ont. The CJF Black Journalism Fellowship Program, established to amplify Black voices, improve coverage of Black issues and cultivate future Black media leaders, provides the opportunity for early-career Black journalists to be hosted for six months at newsrooms with fellowship partners The Globe and Mail, CBC/Radio-Canada, CTV News and the Investigative Journalism Bureau (IJB). The 2025 fellowship recipients are: Myrialine Catule, the CJF-IJB Black Journalism Fellowship, with thanks to sponsors North Horizon and Unifor; Amal Mohamud, the CJF-CBC/Radio-Canada Black Women's Journalism Fellowship, with thanks to sponsor Aritzia; Adriel Smiley, the CJF-CBC/Radio-Canada Black Journalism Fellowship; Bianca Thompson, the CJF- Globe and Mail Black Business Journalism Fellowship, with thanks to sponsor Canada Life; and Kayla Thompson, the CJF-CTV News Black Journalism Fellowship, with thanks to sponsor BMO Financial Group. The CJF-CBC Indigenous Journalism Fellowship, established to foster better comprehension of Indigenous issues, was awarded to Joy SpearChief Morris, an Indigenous Black journalist from Lethbridge, Alta. The Tom Hanson Photojournalism Award, which provides an early-career photojournalist with the opportunity to spend six weeks at The Canadian Press head office in Toronto, went to Toronto-based photojournalist and multimedia creator Sammy Kogan. The award is co-presented by The Canadian Press and supported by Sony. The CJF Edward Burtynsky Award for Climate Photojournalism, which celebrates provocative, impactful and inspirational climate photography from around the world went to Gavin John of Calgary. This award is generously supported by Marci McDonald and Clair Balfour, Lisa Balfour Bowen and Sony. Special CJF honorees included Bob McKeown, recipient of the Lifetime Achievement Award in recognition of his decades-long record of excellence in investigative journalism, reporting from more than 60 countries and winning dozens of awards and honours as a reporter, host producer, writer and documentary filmmaker. Award-winning journalist, author and filmmaker Tanya Talaga received the CJF Tribute in recognition of her commitment to Indigenous storytelling, bringing critical issues in neglected communities to light and changing Canada's media landscape. Award-winning multi-instrumentalist, singer, producer and songwriter Aysanabee made a special appearance to pay tribute to Talaga. The Toronto Star received a CJF Special Citation for its groundbreaking investigation into the sexual abuse that Andrea Skinner, daughter of Canadian literary giant Alice Munro, suffered at the hands of her stepfather, Munro's husband. The months-long investigation, reported by Deborah Dundas and Betsy Powell, demonstrated extraordinary courage and sensitivity, illuminating the darkest shadows of human experience. The evening also featured the CJF's annual In Memoriam tribute to journalists who have passed over the preceding year. The Martin Wise Goodman Canadian Nieman Fellowship recipient for 2025 has been selected. The Fellowship announcement will be made in the spring of 2026. Elamin Abdelmahmoud, host of CBC Radio's daily arts, pop culture and entertainment show COMMOTION, hosted the awards ceremony. The CJF is grateful for the generous support of presenting sponsor CIBC for its awards evening. The CJF also thanks supporters Google News Initiative, Rogers, Labatt Breweries of Canada, McCain Foods, Intact, TD Bank Group, Aritzia, BMO Financial Group, Canada Life, Sobeys, CBC/Radio-Canada, CTV News, Scotiabank, RBC, FGS Longview, KPMG in Canada, Canadian Bankers Association, WSP Canada, Jackman Foundation, Canadian Medical Association, Accenture, Aga Khan Development Network, Apple News, Bennett Jones LLP, Blake, Cassels & Graydon LLP, Canadian Women's Foundation, CPP Investments, Loblaw Companies Ltd., Maple Leaf Foods, OLG, Rishi Nolan Strategies, TD Securities, Uber Canada, Barry and Laurie Green, CDPQ, Zai Mamdani/Mamdani Family Foundation, North Horizon Holdings, Toronto Star, The Globe and Mail and Massey College. In-kind sponsorship is provided by Beehive Design, The Canadian Press, Bespoke Audio Visual, MLSE, The Globe and Mail and Porter Airlines. Cision is the exclusive distribution partner of the CJF. About the Canadian Journalism Foundation Founded in 1990, The Canadian Journalism Foundation (CJF) fosters excellence in journalism through the support and recognition of emerging and experienced journalists and their organizations and enhances the public's understanding of fact-based journalism. The CJF facilitates dialogue about the role of journalism in Canadian society and the ongoing challenges for journalism in the digital era through its J-Talks public speakers series, which are hosted at venues across Canada and online. The Foundation recognizes excellence in journalism through its prestigious awards programs, which are showcased at the CJF's annual gala. Through its fellowships programs, the Foundation provides opportunities for journalism education, training and research to encourage a diverse Canadian media. #CJFAwards SOURCE The Canadian Journalism Foundation
Yahoo
13-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Global News and The Local Win CJF Excellence Awards
TORONTO, June 12, 2025 /CNW/ - Global News is this year's recipient of the CJF Jackman Award for Excellence in Journalism in the large-media category, for organizations with more than 50 newsroom employees. Global News received the award this evening at the annual Canadian Journalism Foundation Awards. Named in honour of CJF founder Dr. Eric Jackman, this annual excellence award established in 1996 recognizes news organizations, large and small, that embrace journalistic excellence — originality, courage, independence, accuracy, social responsibility, accountability and diversity — resulting in a positive impact on the communities they serve. The CJF honoured Global News for The New Reality: The Business of Indigenous Kids in Care, an investigation into the treatment of Indigenous youth in the child-welfare system, that revealed startling allegations that some of the most vulnerable children are being preyed upon by some for-profit, group-home companies. This marks the first time Global earned the Dr. Eric Jackman Excellence award. In the small-media category, The Local also won its first CJF Dr. Eric Jackman Award for Divided City, its groundbreaking neighbourhood-level analysis of life expectancy in Toronto that revealed stark disparities across the city, especially between richer and poorer neighbourhoods. Held at the Fairmont Royal York Hotel in Toronto, the CJF Awards brought together more than 500 journalists, media executives and business leaders from across Canada to celebrate journalistic achievements of the past year. Among the evening's other honourees: CJF Award for Climate Solutions Reporting: This $10,000 award, sponsored by Intact Financial Corporation, celebrates a journalist or journalistic team whose work shines a spotlight on the climate crisis and related innovative solutions. This year's award went to Canada's National Observer for Big Green Build, reported by Darius Snieckus, a series of deeply researched stories on Canada's housing construction crisis and the generational opportunity to build greener and better to meet the country's climate targets. The Landsberg Award, celebrating exceptional coverage of women's equality issues, went to Jana Pruden, for In Her Defence: 50th Street, a podcast series produced with Kasia Mychajlowycz for The Globe and Mail and focused on the life and still-unsolved death of Indigenous woman Amber Tuccaro. The William Southam Journalism Fellowships at Massey College, which provide mid-career journalists with an academic year to audit courses and participate fully in life at Massey College, are awarded annually by the University of Toronto and Massey College. This year's winners are: Blaise Eyong, a Cameroonian multimedia specialist with more than a decade of experience, as the Gordon N. Fisher / Journalists for Human Rights Fellow; Owen Guo, a Toronto-based freelancer, as the Massey College Journalism Fellow; Freelance writer and producer Pacinthe Mattar as the St. Clair Balfour Fellow; Jordan Michael Smith, a contributing writer at The New Republic, as the Webster McConnell Fellow; and Award-winning journalist and educator Vinita Srivastava as the Massey College Journalism Fellow. Additionally, the following previously announced bursary, fellowship and award recipients were recognized. The inaugural CJF Indigenous Health Journalism Fellowship, in partnership with the Canadian Medical Association, went to Winnipeg journalist Lenard Monkman. This groundbreaking three-year initiative is aimed at fostering expert reporting on critical health issues affecting Indigenous communities and is supported by the Canadian Medical Association. The CJF Bursary for BIPOC Student Journalists, designed to support students who have demonstrated strong engagement with the BIPOC community and a commitment to high journalistic standards, went to Alexa Toguri-Laurin of Concordia University. The bursary is supported by Media Profile. The CJF-CP News Creators Fellowships provide aspiring news creators with comprehensive training and mentorship from The Canadian Press's editors and journalists during a six-week paid internship. These fellowships are supported by YouTube Canada and The Google News Initiative. The inaugural CJF-CP News Creator Fellows are: Willa Easton, of Toronto and the Blue Mountains, Ont.; Angelina Havaris, of Toronto and London, Ont.; Jacqueline Newsome, of Halifax; Fatima Raza, of Toronto; Noah Trenton, of Mississauga, Ont.; and Janessa Ventura-Alvarenga, of London, Ont. The CJF Black Journalism Fellowship Program, established to amplify Black voices, improve coverage of Black issues and cultivate future Black media leaders, provides the opportunity for early-career Black journalists to be hosted for six months at newsrooms with fellowship partners The Globe and Mail, CBC/Radio-Canada, CTV News and the Investigative Journalism Bureau (IJB). The 2025 fellowship recipients are: The CJF-CBC Indigenous Journalism Fellowship, established to foster better comprehension of Indigenous issues, was awarded to Joy SpearChief Morris, an Indigenous Black journalist from Lethbridge, Alta. The Tom Hanson Photojournalism Award, which provides an early-career photojournalist with the opportunity to spend six weeks at The Canadian Press head office in Toronto, went to Toronto-based photojournalist and multimedia creator Sammy Kogan. The award is co-presented by The Canadian Press and supported by Sony. The CJF Edward Burtynsky Award for Climate Photojournalism, which celebrates provocative, impactful and inspirational climate photography from around the world went to Gavin John of Calgary. This award is generously supported by Marci McDonald and Clair Balfour, Lisa Balfour Bowen and Sony. Special CJF honorees included Bob McKeown, recipient of the Lifetime Achievement Award in recognition of his decades-long record of excellence in investigative journalism, reporting from more than 60 countries and winning dozens of awards and honours as a reporter, host producer, writer and documentary filmmaker. Award-winning journalist, author and filmmaker Tanya Talaga received the CJF Tribute in recognition of her commitment to Indigenous storytelling, bringing critical issues in neglected communities to light and changing Canada's media landscape. Award-winning multi-instrumentalist, singer, producer and songwriter Aysanabee made a special appearance to pay tribute to Talaga. The Toronto Star received a CJF Special Citation for its groundbreaking investigation into the sexual abuse that Andrea Skinner, daughter of Canadian literary giant Alice Munro, suffered at the hands of her stepfather, Munro's husband. The months-long investigation, reported by Deborah Dundas and Betsy Powell, demonstrated extraordinary courage and sensitivity, illuminating the darkest shadows of human experience. The evening also featured the CJF's annual In Memoriam tribute to journalists who have passed over the preceding year. The Martin Wise Goodman Canadian Nieman Fellowship recipient for 2025 has been selected. The Fellowship announcement will be made in the spring of 2026. Elamin Abdelmahmoud, host of CBC Radio's daily arts, pop culture and entertainment show COMMOTION, hosted the awards ceremony. The CJF is grateful for the generous support of presenting sponsor CIBC for its awards evening. The CJF also thanks supporters Google News Initiative, Rogers, Labatt Breweries of Canada, McCain Foods, Intact, TD Bank Group, Aritzia, BMO Financial Group, Canada Life, Sobeys, CBC/Radio-Canada, CTV News, Scotiabank, RBC, FGS Longview, KPMG in Canada, Canadian Bankers Association, WSP Canada, Jackman Foundation, Canadian Medical Association, Accenture, Aga Khan Development Network, Apple News, Bennett Jones LLP, Blake, Cassels & Graydon LLP, Canadian Women's Foundation, CPP Investments, Loblaw Companies Ltd., Maple Leaf Foods, OLG, Rishi Nolan Strategies, TD Securities, Uber Canada, Barry and Laurie Green, CDPQ, Zai Mamdani/Mamdani Family Foundation, North Horizon Holdings, Toronto Star, The Globe and Mail and Massey College. In-kind sponsorship is provided by Beehive Design, The Canadian Press, Bespoke Audio Visual, MLSE, The Globe and Mail and Porter Airlines. Cision is the exclusive distribution partner of the CJF. About the Canadian Journalism Foundation Founded in 1990, The Canadian Journalism Foundation (CJF) fosters excellence in journalism through the support and recognition of emerging and experienced journalists and their organizations and enhances the public's understanding of fact-based journalism. The CJF facilitates dialogue about the role of journalism in Canadian society and the ongoing challenges for journalism in the digital era through its J-Talks public speakers series, which are hosted at venues across Canada and online. The Foundation recognizes excellence in journalism through its prestigious awards programs, which are showcased at the CJF's annual gala. Through its fellowships programs, the Foundation provides opportunities for journalism education, training and research to encourage a diverse Canadian media. #CJFAwards SOURCE The Canadian Journalism Foundation View original content to download multimedia: Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Cision Canada
26-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Cision Canada
Sold-Out CJF Awards Night to Recognize Excellence in Canadian Journalism
TORONTO, May 26, 2025 /CNW/ - The Canadian Journalism Foundation (CJF) proudly announces that the CJF Awards, its annual recognition of journalistic excellence, will take place before a sold-out audience on June 12. This year's Awards mark the Foundation's 35 th year as a champion of excellence in Canadian journalism. Program highlights include the CJF Tribute, honouring journalist, podcaster, documentary filmmaker and award-winning author Tanya Talaga for her unwavering commitment to Indigenous storytelling and her profound impact on Canadian journalism. The award will be presented by award-winning journalist, author, filmmaker, and podcast host and producer Michelle Shephard. Juno Award-winning multi-instrumentalist, singer, producer and songwriter Aysanabee will make a special appearance to pay tribute to Talaga. In addition, the CJF will honour the Toronto Star with its Special Citation for its groundbreaking investigation into the sexual abuse that Andrea Skinner, daughter of Canadian literary giant Alice Munro, suffered at the hands of Munro's husband, despite Alice Munro's awareness of the abuse. The months-long investigation, reported by Deborah Dundas and Betsy Powell, demonstrated extraordinary courage and sensitivity, illuminating the darkest shadows of human experience. Elamin Abdelmahmoud, host of CBC Radio's daily arts, pop culture and entertainment show COMMOTION will host the awards evening at the Royal York Hotel. More than 500 journalists, media executives and business leaders from across Canada are attending to celebrate excellence in Canadian media over the past year. An additional evening highlight will be the Lifetime Achievement Award presentation to Bob McKeown, in recognition of his decades-long record of excellence in investigative journalism, reporting from more than 60 countries and winning dozens of awards and honours as a reporter, host, producer, writer and documentary filmmaker. Allya Davidson, executive producer of The Fifth Estate will present the award. "For the past 35 years, the CJF celebrated and supported the best in Canadian journalism," notes Natalie Turvey, CJF's President and Executive Director. "This year, we are again thrilled to gather with distinguished guests to pay tribute to excellent journalists and media from across the country, and to honour the essential role that quality journalism plays in a healthy democracy. We couldn't do this without our many supporters, and we extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone who makes our mission possible." In addition to the Tribute and the Lifetime Achievement Award, the following awards will be presented: CJF Award for Climate Solutions Reporting; CJF Dr. Eric Jackman Awards for Excellence in Journalism (large and small media); The CJF Edward Burtynsky Award for Climate Photojournalism; and The Landsberg Award. The CJF will also recognize the recipients of the following fellowships and bursaries: CJF Black Journalism Fellowships Program; CJF-CBC Indigenous Journalism Fellowship; Tom Hanson Photojournalism Award; CJF Bursary for BIPOC Student Journalists; William Southam Journalism Fellowships; and The CJF-CP News Creators Fellowships. The CJF gratefully acknowledges the support of CIBC, presenting sponsor of the 2025 CJF Awards. "CIBC is proud to support the Canadian Journalism Foundation and its important work," says CJF Board member Allison Mudge, CIBC Senior Vice President, Communications and Public Affairs. "Journalism plays a vital role in providing facts and information that empower citizens and foster informed communities. We recognize the valuable contributions of journalists and celebrate their dedication to truth, integrity and the pursuit of excellence that defines their work." The CJF also thanks supporters Google News Initiative, Rogers Communications, Labatt Breweries of Canada, McCain Foods, Intact, TD Bank Group, CBC/Radio-Canada, Aritzia, BMO Financial Group, CTV News, Canada Life, Sobeys, Scotiabank, RBC, FGS Longview Communications, KPMG, Canadian Bankers Association, WSP, Jackman Foundation, Canadian Medical Association, Accenture, Aga Khan Development Network, Apple Canada News, Bennett Jones LLP, Blakes, Canadian Women's Foundation, CPP Investments, Loblaw Companies Ltd., Maple Leaf Foods, OLG, Rishi Nolan Strategies, TD Securities, Uber, Greenrock Real Estate Advisors, CDPQ, Zai Mamdani/Mamdani Family Foundation, North Horizon, Toronto Star, The Globe and Mail and Massey College . In-kind sponsorship is provided by Beehive Design, The Canadian Press, Bespoke Audio Visual, MLSE and Porter Airlines. For more information on the June 12 event, visit the CJF Awards site. About the Canadian Journalism Foundation Founded in 1990, The Canadian Journalism Foundation promotes, celebrates and facilitates excellence in journalism. The foundation runs a prestigious awards and fellowships program featuring an industry gala where news leaders, journalists and corporate Canada gather to celebrate outstanding journalistic achievement and the value of professional journalism. Through monthly J-Talks, a public speakers' series, the CJF facilitates dialogue among journalists, businesspeople, 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 fosters opportunities for journalism education, training, and research.
Associated Press
23-05-2025
- Business
- Associated Press
CJF Bursary for BIPOC Student Journalists Awarded
TORONTO, May 23, 2025 /CNW/ - The Canadian Journalism Foundation (CJF) is proud to announce that Alexa Toguri-Laurin of Concordia University in Montreal will receive the 2025 CJF Bursary for BIPOC Student Journalists. Funded by Media Profile, an independent Canadian public relations firm, the $5,000 bursary aims to support racialized journalism students, a group that has historically been underrepresented in the industry. Toguri-Laurin, an award-winning student journalist intends to bring what she learned reporting on Montreal's Chinese community for school assignments and The Link newspaper to reporting on her own Japanese-Montreal community, focusing on the survival of Japanese-Canadians in Second World War internment camps. 'We make up only 0.1 per cent of Montreal's population,' she notes, 'yet we possess so many stories and perspectives that have not been shared.' Says Alison King, president of award sponsor MediaProfile: 'We are happy to support Alexa's goal of pursuing stories and issues around accessibility and intergenerational trauma that are important to the Japanese-Canadian community. We're proud that BIPOC student journalists can benefit from our support through this bursary.' For her part, selection committee member Amber LeBlanc says: 'Alexa shows a commitment to bravely telling independent stories in her community and a real aptitude for chasing and detailing local news and is shining an important light on topics relevant to Montreal. I look forward to seeing where she takes her storytelling next.' Toguri-Laurin will be recognized at the CJF Awards on June 12, at the Royal York Hotel in Toronto. CIBC is the presenting sponsor of the 2025 CJF Awards. The CJF also thanks supporters Google News Initiative, Rogers Communications, Labatt Breweries of Canada, McCain Foods, Intact, TD Bank Group, CBC/Radio-Canada, Aritzia, BMO Financial Group, CTV News, Canada Life, Sobeys, Scotiabank, RBC, FGS Longview Communications, KPMG, Canadian Bankers Association, WSP, Jackman Foundation, Canadian Medical Association, Accenture, Aga Khan Development Network, Apple Canada News, Bennett Jones LLP, Blakes, Canadian Women's Foundation, CPP Investments, Loblaw Companies Ltd., Maple Leaf Foods, OLG, Rishi Nolan Strategies, TD Securities, Uber, Greenrock Real Estate Advisors, CDPQ, Zai Mamdani/Mamdani Family Foundation, North Horizon, Toronto Star, The Globe and Mail and Massey College. In-kind sponsorship is provided by Beehive Design, The Canadian Press, Bespoke Audio Visual, MLSE and Porter Airlines. Cision is the exclusive distribution partner of the CJF. About The Canadian Journalism Foundation Founded in 1990, The Canadian Journalism Foundation promotes, celebrates and facilitates excellence in journalism. The foundation runs a prestigious awards and fellowships program featuring an industry gala where news leaders, journalists and corporate Canada gather to celebrate outstanding journalistic achievement and the value of professional journalism. Through monthly J-Talks, a public speakers' series, the CJF facilitates 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 fosters opportunities for journalism education, training and research. About Media Profile Media Profile is a complete communications agency based in Toronto. As Canada's largest employee-owned agency, Media Profile sparks conversations with relevance and curiosity. Media Profile is proudly independent and represents a range of clients from top international brands to Indigenous governments and not-for-profit organizations. SOURCE The Canadian Journalism Foundation
Cision Canada
22-05-2025
- Health
- Cision Canada
Canadian Journalism Foundation Announces Inaugural Indigenous Health Journalism Fellow Français
TORONTO, May 22, 2025 /CNW/ - The Canadian Journalism Foundation (CJF) is proud to announce that award-winning Anishnaabe journalist Lenard Monkman is the inaugural recipient of the CJF Indigenous Health Journalism Fellowship in partnership with the Canadian Medical Association (CMA). This is the first year of a groundbreaking three-year initiative, aimed at fostering expert reporting on critical health issues affecting Indigenous communities in Canada. Open to Indigenous (First Nations, Inuit, and Métis) journalists with a minimum of five years of professional experience. This prestigious Fellowship provides an annual research stipend of $100,000 plus additional expenses. "We are thrilled to name Lenard Monkman as our inaugural CJF Indigenous Health Journalism Fellow," says CJF President and Executive Director Natalie Turvey. "Lenard first participated in our CJF Indigenous Journalism Fellowship program in 2017 as an emerging journalist, and it's been remarkable to witness his growth in Canadian journalism since then. His deep connections to Indigenous communities and his commitment to impactful storytelling make him the ideal journalist to launch this important fellowship. His proposed project examining HIV rates among Indigenous communities addresses a critical public health issue that demands greater attention and understanding. This fellowship represents our ongoing commitment to supporting excellence in journalism, elevating diverse perspectives and fostering important conversations in the public interest." For his Fellowship, Monkman will collaborate with CBC Indigenous to research and produce an interactive journalistic piece, along with an accompanying video documentary, by the end of 2026 on HIV rates among Indigenous people in Western Canada from a harm-reduction perspective and explore related healthcare-system issues. Manitoba is second, only behind Saskatchewan, (both of which have high Indigenous populations) in HIV cases per 100,000 people in Canada. He intends to examine multiple perspectives when it comes to HIV rates and harm reduction including, but not limited to, people who are directly impacted, First Nations' leaders, frontline service and harm reduction workers, as well as public healthcare leaders—both provincially and in First Nations. His research will also consider the jurisdictional issues that affect Indigenous people seeking healthcare and harm reduction services. "The ongoing HIV crisis in First Nations' communities is a critical health issue that needs further investigation, so Lenard's reporting has the potential to be a vital piece of public interest journalism," says selection committee chair Connie Walker. "Overall, it was good to see such diversity in terms of ideas and projects that were proposed for the inaugural year of this fellowship." The CJF, in partnership with the CMA, acknowledges that Oshki Annishinabe Nigaaniwak (Winnipeg), where Monkman lives and works, is on Treaty 1 Territory. His work will take place in the Traditional Territories and ancestral lands of the Anishinaabeg, Anishininewuk, Dakota Oyate, Denesuline and Nehethowuk Nations Territory, the Homeland of the Red River Métis and lands that were and are Inuit ancestral lands. Monkman is a member of Lake Manitoba First Nation who says his Winnipeg upbringing has helped shape his work. A former CJF-CBC Indigenous Journalism Fellow, Monkman has held a number of roles at CBC Indigenous since beginning his career there in 2015, including reporter, radio host and creative producer. He currently works as a producer with CBC Kids. Over the years, he has worked on numerous Indigenous-content related projects, including news stories, panel discussions, video games and online/TV segments. In 2019, he received a RTDNA Award for Excellence in Innovation for CBC's "Beyond 94" project, an immersive and interactive website measuring progress on the Truth and Reconciliation Commission's 94 Calls to Action. For its part, CMA President Dr. Joss Reimer says: "Our support for this fellowship reflects our promise to uphold Indigenous practices and amplify Indigenous voices and storytelling to influence government and policymakers to advance Indigenous health and well-being. We appreciate the diligence of the esteemed selection committee to make this decision and look forward to learning from Lenard's impactful work and to further strengthening our collective resolve to foster reconciliation in healthcare." Monkman will be honoured at the CJF Awards ceremony on June 12 at the Royal York Hotel, Toronto. For tickets, tables and sponsorship opportunities, see contact information below or visit the CJF Awards page. The CJF Indigenous Health Journalism Fellowship selection committee are: Chair – Connie Walker, Pulitzer- and Peabody Award-winning journalist; Karyn Pugliese, aka Pabàmàdiz, online journalist, APTN News; Cheryl McKenzie, Executive Director, News and Current Affairs, APTN; Julian Brave NoiseCat, Writer and Oscar-nominated filmmaker, champion powwow dancer and student of Salish art and history; and Andre Picard, Health Reporter and columnist, The Globe and CJF is grateful for the partnership of the Canadian Medical Association. CIBC is the presenting sponsor of the 2025 CJF Awards. The 2025 CJF Awards are also supported by Google News Initiative, Labatt Breweries of Canada, McCain Foods, Intact, TD Bank Group, CBC/Radio-Canada, Aritzia, BMO Financial Group, CTV News, Canada Life, Sobeys, Scotiabank, RBC, FGS Longview Communications, KPMG, Canadian Bankers Association, Canadian Medical Association, Accenture, Aga Khan Development Network, Apple Canada News, Bennett Jones LLP, Blakes, Canadian Women's Foundation, CPP Investments, Loblaw Companies Ltd., Maple Leaf Foods, OLG, Rishi Nolan Strategies, TD Securities, Uber, WSP. In-kind sponsorship is provided by Beehive Design, The Canadian Press, Bespoke Audio Visual, MLSE and Porter Airlines. Cision is the exclusive distribution partner of the CJF. About the Canadian Journalism Foundation Established in 1990, The Canadian Journalism Foundation promotes, celebrates and facilitates excellence in journalism. The foundation runs a prestigious annual awards and fellowship program featuring an industry gala where news leaders, journalists and corporate Canada gather to celebrate outstanding journalistic achievement and the value of professional journalism. Through monthly J-Talks, a public speakers' series, the CJF facilitates dialogue among journalists, businesspeople, 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 fosters opportunities for journalism education, training and research. About the Canadian Medical Association The Canadian Medical Association leads a national movement with physicians who believe in a better future of health. Its ambition is a sustainable, accessible health system where patients are partners, a culture of medicine that elevates equity, diversity and wellbeing, and supportive communities where everyone has the chance to be healthy. It drives change through advocacy, giving and knowledge sharing – guided by values of collaboration and inclusion.
