(left to right) Louise BigEagle, Darla Ponace and Michael Dick in the CFNU rado station located at the First Nations University of Canada. They shared their stories about the CBC Indigenous Pathways Program. (Photo by Amanda Leader)

By Brittany Poitras

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This fall a new set of emerging Indigenous journalists are set to begin a nine-month term thanks to the CBC Indigenous Pathways program.

The program is the brainchild of Michael Dick is a First Nation journalist. He wanted to increase the number of Indigenous stories being told within Canadian media. So, he decided to do something about it.

In 2021, he established the groundbreaking Indigenous Pathways program at CBC.

Originally from the Fort William First Nation in Ont., he spent the last two decades providing viewers with stories on a wide range of topics, including Indigenous news, local politics and international affairs.

“Growing up, I didn’t see or hear many Indigenous people on the airwaves who looked like me or talked like me”, said Dick.

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Three years ago, he co-founded the CBC Indigenous Pathways program to train Indigenous people in writing, radio and TV production from various backgrounds to become working journalists for CBC.

The nine-month paid internship spans across the country into different news rooms and includes multi-media training in broadcasting, radio, and TV reporting.

“This is not just a program for journalism, this is a program for anyone who has a passion for story-telling,” said Dick.

CBC Indigenous Pathways challenges the status quo by providing a platform for Indigenous voices to shine. Through mentorship, training, and professional development, the participants are able to share their stories authentically and responsibly.

Louise BigEagle from Ocean Man First Nation was in the first cohort of interns. She’s now a full-time reporter at CBC Regina, who uses her newly acquired training as a CBC journalist to report on Indigenous stories.

“Sometimes there’s a misrepresentation in the media, in regards to Indigenous people, and I thought we should be telling our own stories and here was my chance.” said BigEagle. “it’s in our DNA, story-telling how we passed on knowledge, traditions and culture. It’s a part of who we are”.

Darla Ponace from Zagime Anishinabek First Nation was part of last year’s intake and she is now working for CBC Indigenous.

During an interview at First Nations University of Canada’s radio station CFNU she said her experience with the Pathways program was a great learning experience.

Ponace recalled how only a year earlier, she was a student at the FNUniv and she now returns as a CBC employee.

“I think that this is a very amazing program, with lots of support and important work,” she said.  “I feel very valued everyday.”

-Dick believes by bridging the gap between reclaiming tradition and creating change, the program ensures that Indigenous voices are not only heard but also respected and celebrated.

“All I want to do is leave this place better than I found it, and I think this program is one way that we’ve been helping to ensure that tomorrow looks better than today,” said Dick.