APTN journalist to be recognized during 2022 NAJA Membership Meeting and Business Luncheon Aug. 25
NORMAN, Oklahoma — The Native American Journalists Association (NAJA) has selected Cheryl McKenzie as the recipient of the 2022 NAJA-Medill Milestone Achievement Award, which honors NAJA’s mission and the exemplary people who have led the way with outstanding work and contributions to the field of journalism. The award recognizes important contributions made by journalists in the past, as well as encourages the new generation of Indigenous journalists to achieve career excellence.
“Selecting Cheryl McKenzie of APTN for the NAJA-Medill Milestone Achievement Award was an honor for me as someone who worked alongside her for many years. I know she is deserving of this award and the committee immediately recognized her many contributions to Indigenous journalism as a whole,” NAJA President Francine Compton said.
McKenzie is a life-long advocate of Indigenous news in Canada. She has been with the multi-award winning newsroom, APTN National News & Current Affairs for 21 years and has worked her way from reporter, to host/producer, then executive producer and now executive director. In her role, she helps guide the news ship staffed by journalists whose reach extends to all three coasts, and whose mission is to tell the stories of First Nations, Inuit and Metis people across Canada.
McKenzie is Anishinaabe and Cree with family in Peguis First Nation and Hollow Water First Nation in Treaty #1 territory. Her mom and dad are both residential school survivors.
“She is an inspiration for all of us in this industry. Miigwech to Cheryl’s nominator at APTN and to this year’s members of the NAJA Awards Selection Committee. We look forward to seeing everyone in Phoenix,” Compton said.
McKenzie will be recognized during the 2022 NAJA Membership Meeting and Business Luncheon Aug. 25 as part of the 2022 National Native Media Conference Aug. 25-27 at the Hyatt Regency in downtown Phoenix.
