We’re launching an Indigenous photojournalism fellowship in Mi’kma’ki
Introducing the IndigiNews ReFocus program — apply now to join us in May
This week, we are announcing the launch of an exciting new annual program — the IndigiNews Refocus Photojournalism Fellowship.
This fellowship will take place between May 17 to 23 at the University of King’s College in Mi’kma’ki (Halifax, NS), as a weeklong, bootcamp-style intensive for five to seven emerging Indigenous photojournalists.
The program was created as a way to support the training and education of new First Nations, Inuit and Métis photojournalists. The fellowship will be offered at no cost to the chosen participants, and entirely led and taught by Indigenous experts, including an all-star panel of instructors.
“Indigenous-led and taught programs are vital to amplifying our voices in the media landscape and advancing Indigenous journalism in Canada,” said Eden Fineday, the publisher of IndigiNews and CEO of tâpwêwin media.
“It is with immense excitement that we’re launching the IndigiNews Refocus Photojournalism Fellowship: Mi’kma’ki, bridging the gap in funded opportunities in education and providing community-led mentorship for the next generation of Indigenous photojournalists.”
Applications are now open to all Indigenous applicants from across “Canada,” with priority given to applicants from the Mi’kmaw and other Wabanaki Nations. Future iterations of the fellowship will be held in other Indigenous territories in the years ahead.
The application period will close on Feb. 28.
Ideal candidates
- Emerging Indigenous photojournalists seeking to deepen their skills and creative voice, with priority given to applicants based in and around Mi’kma’ki.
- Early-career Indigenous photographers who are self-taught, community-based, or working outside of traditional academic or commercial pathways.
- Applicants should be curious, committed to learning, and motivated to explore photography as a tool for journalistic storytelling and community connection.
- A basic working knowledge of a camera is required.
- Prior experience as a journalist or photojournalist is not required—only a genuine interest, curiosity, and motivation to explore that path.
More about the fellowship
- This is an in-person, week-long fellowship at University of King’s College in “Halifax,” followed by six months of online post-fellowship mentoring.
- Fellows will receive a $1,500 stipend, and the program will additionally cover travel, accommodation, and meals for the in-person portion of the fellowship.
- Each fellow will be gifted professional photography equipment tailored to their individual needs.
More information about the fellowship and application process can be found here. We’re excited to see you in May!
Author
We live in a media ecosystem that thrives on misinformation. Big Tech and AI companies are consuming the work of real human beings and Canadian news has been banned on Facebook and Instagram.
And yet, I have hope for journalism because of the work we’re doing at IndigiNews.
At IndigiNews, we embody tâpwêwin — the Cree value of integrity and responsibility in truth-telling. We are committed to our independent, Indigenous-led newsroom rooted in community, accountability, and relationality. We believe storytelling is a sacred fire that connects our pasts, presents, and futures through the storytellers in our Storytelling Lodge. IndigiNews creates space for Indigenous journalists, storytellers, Knowledge Keepers, and communities to gather, learn, and share stories that matter.
As a registered charity, we are building a fire that allows our work not just to ignite but to thrive. Rather than relying on advertising or corporate acquisition, IndigiNews is sustained by people like you who believe Indigenous stories are important for the future of our communities.
Your support is making a real difference.
Our community of supporters, our Firekeepers, make it possible to grow our newsroom, publish award-winning journalism, train emerging Indigenous journalists through initiatives like the ReFocus Photojournalism Fellowship, and publish trustworthy stories that serve our communities across the country. Every story we publish helps fill in gaps left by mainstream media and ensures Indigenous perspectives are represented with care, accuracy and respect.
But there is still more work to do.
As the media landscape becomes more and more uncertain, community support is as necessary and essential as it’s ever been. Every new Firekeeper helps protect the independence of our newsroom and strengthens journalism that is accountable to our many and varied communities over corporations.
That’s why we’re inviting you to become a Firekeeper.
Firekeepers tend to and protect the sacred fire. Your monthly contributions directly support IndigiNews’s Storytelling Lodge, helps sustain our independent, Indigenous-led newsroom, and ensures future generations of Indigenous storytellers have the resources they need to do the work.
As a registered Canadian charity, all eligible donations receive a charitable tax receipt.
If you believe Indigenous stories matter, if you value independent journalism, and if you want to help build a strong future for Indigenous media, we invite you to join our circle of Firekeepers today.
Together, we can keep the fire burning.
— Eden Fineday, Publisher, IndigiNews
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