INCA Students Attend Indigenous Journalists Association Conference in Oklahoma City

Four Indigenous Communication Arts (INCA) students from the First Nations University of Canada (FNUniv), along with an INCA staff member and an FNUniv alumna, had the remarkable opportunity to attend the Indigenous Journalists Association (IJA) conference in Oklahoma City from July 25th to 27th, 2024. This event, formerly known as the Native American Journalists Association (NAJA) conference, brought together Indigenous journalists from across North America to share insights, celebrate achievements, and discuss the future of Indigenous media.

The group included Lindell Haywahe, Tyrone Perreault, Belinda Nelson, Hannah Scott, Desiraye Noname, and Priscilla Wolf. Under the guidance of FNUniv alumna and lifetime member of IJA, Priscilla Wolf, the students gained invaluable exposure to the world of Indigenous journalism.

The conference was a significant experience for the students, all of whom had previously sharpened their skills during the INCA Summer Institute, a three-week intensive broadcast program. The trip not only provided them with a platform to learn from seasoned journalists but also offered them the chance to network and forge connections within the industry.

Lindell Haywahe, producer of “CFNU: The Stream,” was recognized with an award for her podcast with Maria Campbell, commemorating the 50th anniversary and re-release of “Halfbreed.” The submission, made by producer Will Yuzicapi, garnered high praise, and both Lindell and Will received honourable mentions for their work on the “Indigenous Math” podcast with FNUniv Associate Professor Dr. Edward Doolittle.

Among those in attendance was INCA alumna and keynote speaker Pulitzer-prize Cree journalist, Connie Walker, whom students had previously met at the Indigenous People, Media, and Democracy conference at First Nations University of Canada in May. Connie presented on a panel discussing UNDRIP Article 16, further enriching the students’ understanding of Indigenous rights and media.

There was plenty of panels to choose from, a banquet, and an awards ceremony. Students also had the opportunity to see a screening of the documentary SUGARCANE and meet its directors, Julian Brave NoiseCat and Emily Kassie. The documentary, released in 2024, explores the traumatic experiences of Indigenous children who were forced to attend Canada’s Indian residential schools. Additionally, the group attended a reception at the First Americans Museum, where they had the exclusive opportunity to explore the First Americans exhibit before it was opened to the public.

It was a whirlwind of learning and inspiration. The students returned to Regina on July 29th, brimming with new knowledge, skills, and a deeper commitment to their future roles in Indigenous journalism.