Athena Bonneau syilx and Northern Cree storyteller shares her intentions for 2022
“I still have a lot to learn,” says Athena Bonneau
Reflecting on the last two years I’ve been with IndigiNews – it has grown in so many ways. I remember standing beside Kelsie Kilawna, Chehela Leonard and Lindsay Sample, while building and dreaming up what IndigiNews has now become.
I started as the education reporter for IndigiNews. However, my role is now shifting and expanding. This is an opportunity for me to share more stories that are close to my heart.
Looking at my previous stories, I covered many online events and webinars because COVID-19 limited our connection with each other as a Nation.
The past two years have been tough, and has awakened past trauma for many Indigenous Peoples nationwide. However, it is clear that the tmixw (all living lifeforms) want these voices to be heard.
My storytelling intentions for 2022 is to step forward with my other foot.
I want to be the voice the Nation can call on when it comes to how the syilx people govern our territory, and why our sole purpose is to protect the tmxwulaxw (land) and tmixw (all living lifeforms). syilx Nation is stronger when we stand together – I want to amplify it.
This year you will see my stories prioritize the nsyilxcən language, you will read about the traditional knowledge of the syilx territory, showing respect to and acknowledging our true history, all while always upholding traditional protocol.
I will write more stories on our Indigenous Youth because I want them to feel supported and acknowledged as they grow into our future leaders.
Another focus will be on acknowledging our Nation’s Indigenous artists and athletes.
I’m a proud Indigenous activist, and I have always had a passion for representing Indigenous Peoples in the past and present.
As a journalist who had no prior experience or education in this field, I still have a lot to learn. Every day I’m grateful for this opportunity and the fantastic team, who took the time to pass on their knowledge so that I could grow.
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Protocol: According to nsyilxcən language keepers, there are no capitalizations in the spellings of any nsyilxcən words. In an egalitarian society, capitalization insinuates there is something that holds more importance over another, and that does not fall in line with syilx ethics
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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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