New bachelor’s degree in Indigenous journalism coming to Saskatchewan

It’s being called a first-of-its-kind program in North America and it’s being offered right here in Saskatchewan.

On Monday, the First Nations University of Canada (FNUniv) announced the launch of a four-year Bachelor of Arts in Indigenous Journalism and Communications. The program will blend training in the fields of journalism and multimedia with the study of Indigenous issues and languages.

“We need Indigenous voices and perspectives to tell our stories accurately and respectfully,” FNUniv president Dr. Jacqueline Ottman said.

To help support the program, the Mastercard Foundation is providing $121,000 annually for five years while the Inspirit Foundation is giving $100,000 annually over three years.

About $10,000 is also anticipated in internship support from J-Schools Canada and the Google News Initiative.

“The demand for Indigenous journalists and communication professionals has never been greater,” said Shannon Avison, an associate professor of Indigenous Communication Arts. “We get calls every day from organizations seeking interns and graduates.”

The Indigenous Community Arts department has offered a two-year diploma program for almost 40 years and added a one-year certificate in community radio and community relations.

“The time is right to expand our offerings with a full four-year Bachelor of Arts,” said Avison. “The Truth and Reconciliation Commission calls on us to ensure that Indigenous and non-Indigenous journalists have a strong foundation in Indigenous issues in Canada. First Nations University is the right post-secondary institution to do that.”