The Indigenous Journalists Association (IJA), Journalists for Human Rights (JHR) and APTN News launched the Growing Indigenous Storytellers Fellowship program last year, a new initiative for emerging Indigenous journalists, supported by the Google News Initiative.
The demand for Indigenous storytellers and perspectives in the Canadian news ecosystem is higher than ever, and yet the channels that might propel more Indigenous people to careers in journalism often remain inaccessible. This program equips First Nations, Inuit and Métis people to pursue careers in journalism.
Fellows work at APTN News for a period of six months and are connected to IJA’s exclusive network of journalists and media outlets. The fellows also attended the 2025 Indigenous Media Conference, and the program offers a series of lectures with incredible guest speakers for both the fellows and the broader journalism community, which are posted to IJA’s YouTube channel.
We’ve all witnessed newsrooms downsize in the last decade, and a shrinking pool of people are being asked to take on new roles and more work. Something has to give, and we know that often it’s the mentoring and development of new voices.
This program seeks to unite the strengths of all four partner organizations to help create paths to careers in journalism for more Indigenous people in what is now called Canada.
IJA is proud to welcome the second cohort of fellows in the 2025 Growing Indigenous Storytellers Fellowship.
Ottawa-based fellow Rose Jacobs is Anishinaabe Kwe from the Chippewas of Kettle and Stony Point First Nation, but was raised by the Michi Saagiig of Curve Lake First Nation. A born storyteller, Rose practices writing and amateur short filmmaking.
Vancouver-based fellow Ryan Cunningham is status Nehiyaw (ᓀᐦᐃᔭᐤ)/Cree/Metis from Amiskwacîwâskahikan (Edmonton). For over 30 years, Ryan has been an actor, producer, writer, director and live-event creator. In 2009, Ryan co-founded Alberta Aboriginal Performing Arts.
Winnipeg-based fellow Julia Ross is an emerging Indigenous journalist and storyteller from Pinaymootang First Nation. With a background in theatre and film, she has broken away from acting and has focused on writing, directing and producing for the past four years.
About IJA
The Indigenous Journalists Association (IJA) empowers members representing tribal, nonprofit, freelance and mainstream media professionals in promoting accurate coverage of Indigenous communities, supporting newsroom diversity and defending challenges to free press, speech and expression. IJA addresses these challenges by fostering the development of new talent and activating a powerful membership. IJA is a registered 501(c)3 nonprofit organization. Learn more about IJA at: www.IndigenousJournalists.org.
About APTN News
APTN launched in 1999 as the first national Indigenous broadcaster in the world. By April 2000 the network launched InVision News which would eventually become APTN National News. In the beginning the newscast aired once per week; today, it is a multi-award winning newsroom with two daily newscasts, an investigative news unit, two current affairs shows and a dedicated digital news team.
About the Google News Initiative
The Google News Initiative offers journalists and publishers of all sizes a range of resources, products, digital expertise and collaborative solutions that spur progress across the news industry. Our partnerships support the advancement of quality journalism and help publishers build stronger and more sustainable business models. To that aim, we’re working alongside newsrooms, news startups, researchers and content producers worldwide to build a more sustainable, diverse and innovative news ecosystem – so that everyone, everywhere has access to reliable information. Learn more about our work, journalist tools, innovation challenges, and funding opportunities at newsinitiative.withgoogle.com.
About JHR
Journalists for Human Rights (JHR) is Canada’s leading media development organization. We train journalists to report on human rights and governance issues in their communities. When the media puts a spotlight on human rights, people start talking about the issues and demanding change. A strong, independent media is a referee between governments and citizens. When human rights are protected, governments are more accountable and people’s lives improve.
