Author

Anna McKenzie, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

On her fathers side, Anna is a member of the Opaskwayak Cree Nation with Scots Métis roots from Cumberland House, Saskatchewan. Her mother is a first generation Canadian whose parents immigrated from England and Ireland. She is IndigiNews’ Communications Aunty, Senior Aunty and Contributing Storyteller. She currently resides on the Snuneymuxw First Nation with her partner, and three children.

Anna McKenzie,'s Latest Articles

B.C.'s proposed FOI fee threatens ‘Indigenous Peoples, families and communities’ writes Indigenous mom and journalist Anna McKenzie

OPINION: B.C.’s proposed FOI fee threatens ‘Indigenous Peoples, families and communities’

By Anna McKenzie, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter ● Vancouver Island ● November 18, 2021 July 11, 2022

Fees could make it harder for small outlets like IndigiNews to justify filing shot-in-the-dark info requests — like the one that led to our birth alerts investigation, writes reporter Anna McKenzie.

Indigenous youth are key to Quw'utsun artist Charlene Johnny's process. Her latest mural is on Spectrum Community School's basketball court.

Quw’utsun artist invites Indigenous youth to make murals

By Anna McKenzie, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter ● Vancouver Island ● October 14, 2021 July 11, 2022

Charlene Johnny’s latest mural brightens the basketball court at Spectrum Community School on unceded lək̓ʷəŋən territory.

Virtual Indigenous Justice Centre launches in B.C.

By Anna McKenzie, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter ● Vancouver Island ● October 7, 2021 July 11, 2022

Centre aims to provide free legal services to Indigenous people in under-served areas and is the first of its kind in B.C.

‘The child-welfare system is residential schools part two,’ says lawyer

By Anna McKenzie, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter ● Vancouver Island ● August 26, 2021 July 11, 2022

How Black and Métis lawyer Roslyn Chambers is holding colonial courts to account

A birthday party to remember for youth transitioning out of B.C.’s child-welfare system

By Anna McKenzie, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter ● Vancouver Island ● August 6, 2021 July 11, 2022

“Many youth miss out on this milestone birthday due to the current transition standards that do not afford them guaranteed stability, housing or safety,” says organizer.

In photos: Thousands march in Chemainus, BC, to support victims and survivors of Kuper Island School

By Anna McKenzie, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter ● Vancouver Island ● August 3, 2021 July 11, 2022

Penelakut Tribe organized the march as part of the community’s ongoing healing process.