Becoming a journalist in a single year has shown me anything is possible

I’ve always loved to write. I have endless piles of notebooks in boxes at my childhood home and my notes app is always growing. In the past, however, those were always just for me. My thoughts were private. 

About a decade ago, back when I was working as a tour guide for the Xats̓úll Heritage Village, I had to write a summer report. The report talked about meeting visitors of the site and how fulfilling it was to show them our history. I sent the report to my boss at the end of the summer and went on my way. Later in the week, I went up to my grandparents house and was surprised when I saw my report hanging on their door. My Xpé7e, who I got to work with and learn from over the summer, was so excited about what I wrote. 

I didn’t think anyone would read the report, much less a close family member. No one other than my teachers had ever read a story, essay, or poem that I wrote. It’s the thought of being vulnerable, with the people closest to me, knowing the words that go through my mind that was nerve wracking.

Through my writing, my Xpé7e understood my view of the summer. He learned how much information I gained through him and the visitors and how powerful the experience was for me. It was a source of pride for my Xpé7e. To this day, he still brings up the report and to know that my words had a lasting impact is gratifying.

Although I had support for my writing in that instance, I still kept my stories private. A friend and I, who were in the same creative writing class, used to only read each other’s stories while in class. There was no proofreading or constructive criticism until our class began, and the only reason we finally shared was because it was a requirement of the class. 

Then, this year, I went from writing for mostly myself to opening up my stories to an audience. The nerves I felt, and sometimes still feel, are intense. 

To go from there, a place of complete privacy, to publishing stories on a website seen by thousands was a drastic change. 

Joining the IndigiNews mentorship program

My journalism journey began in late 2022, when my mom sent me a post she found on IndigiNews’ social media about their upcoming mentorship program. 

After submitting an application, an interview with the IndigiNews team, and an acceptance into the first mentorship program, I was set to begin.

The mentorship program ran for four months in 2023, from February until June. In order to fully immerse myself, I had to hand in my resignation to a job that I truly enjoyed as an Early Childhood Educator in a Head Start daycare where we provided cultural programming to Indigenous children. 

In the discussion with my boss, I described the mentorship as my dream job. After going through training and programming as a mentee and now three months into a full-time storyteller position, that is still true.  

As I applied for the mentorship opportunity, I said that journalism seemed like an unreachable goal for me. In my personal life I know no one who has gone into the journalism field. It’s an intimidating path, you are the voice of the people. 

Throughout my initial interview and then throughout the mentorship I made it known that I am an advocate for Youth. The Youth are truly making a difference, not only in their home communities but out in the world. 

Becoming a full-time storyteller

During the four months of the mentorship program I had the opportunity to learn from some amazing journalists all over “Canada,” including Brandi Morin, Omayra Issa and Duncan McCue. 

Each journalist had a different point of view, work ethic and advice for us mentees. 

The mentorship was an accelerated program where all our training was packed into four months. The care and thought put into the program by the whole IndigiNews team made it extremely enjoyable. 

Learning from a team who is understanding and draws on each mentee’s strengths created an environment where we could grow and thrive while telling stories.

I wrote several stories for IndigiNews during those months: about a culturally sensitive opening ceremony for an indoor rodeo, a profile on Secwépemc actor William Belleau, and featuring a Youth drop-in centre opening on the Williams Lake First Nation (WLFN) reserve. 

To end our mentorship, we met in person to attend the B.C. Supreme Court case of MCFD v. B.C. Office of the Privacy Commissioner and IndigiNews regarding IndigiNews’ birth alert series. 

Then, it was over. I left the mentorship with new knowledge and skills from our workshops and daily work but I also left with new confidence. I had put myself out there for months, constantly making calls, writing emails and making connections in person.

My work paid off and I was able to create stories that I was proud of.

Then, just two weeks after the mentorship ended, I was informed about a Secwepemcúl’ecw beat that was being created through IndigiNews and the Wren. As a Secwépemc person who just went through the mentorship program, I naturally felt called to this position. 

In September of 2023, I started a full-time position as a storyteller. 

Through this role, I get to experience the Secwépemc culture and language through the communities all over Secwepemcúl’ecw. Although I went to ceremonies and events before, now I get the experience of putting these experiences into words.

I have attended announcements, I’ve profiled Indigenous business owners, showcased young Indigenous actors and filmmakers, and a lot more.

My words are showcasing our Secwépemc stories to the world. We are growing and thriving. There’s so much more to come and I am excited to write about it for the people. 

My whole life was changed this year. All because I took a chance and chased a dream that seemed unreachable. From here, I will continue to grow and expand my journalism experience throughout my home territory and into the wider world. The nerves may set in, but now I know it’s worth it to keep going so I can tell our stories.

I want the Youth, and anyone who feels called to follow their dreams, to know that your decisions could alter your life in a way you never thought possible and it could be the best decision you could make. You just have to try.