Meet the team

Kelsie Kilawna

Reporter, Okanagan
Email | Twitter
I’m a Sqilxw (Syilx/Indigenous) woman who was born and raised in Inkumupulux (the head of Okanagan Lake). I am a storyteller, photographer and experienced listener. As a reporter, I have a passion for sharing stories that normalize our way of life so that future generations have a place to safely recognize self.

Kelsie’s work is supported in part with funding from the Local Journalism Initiative in partnership with The Discourse and APTN.

Chehala Leonard

Reporter, Okanagan
Email | Twitter
Tân’si my name is Chehala Leonard and I am a member of the Aseniwuche Winewak Nation, and grew up in Grande Cache, Alberta. Prior to joining this team, I worked as a producer for six years. My passion is to share and create space for other stories to be told through film and journalism.

Chehala’s work is supported in part with funding from the Local Journalism Initiative in partnership with The Discourse and APTN.

Athena Bonneau

Education Reporter, Okanagan
Email | Twitter
My ancestry includes Okanagan, Syilx and Northern Cree. I was born and raised on the unceded territory of the Penticton Indian Reserve. My journalism experience includes working as the Indigenous correspondent for Global Okanagan. I am passionate about representing Indigenous Peoples in today’s world, while acknowledging history, following traditional protocol, and producing truthful work with integrity as an Indigenous woman.

Athena’s work is supported in part with funding from the Local Journalism Initiative in partnership with The Discourse and APTN.

Odette Auger

Health Reporter, Vancouver Island
Email | Twitter
Boozhoo, Niin doonjii Sagamok Anishnawbek through my mother. I live on Klahoose, Homalco and Tla’amin traditional territories.  I’ve been writing and producing audio journalism pieces for 5 years at cortesradio.ca.- with a focus on Indigenous voices. Other experiences include writing for local news media and Indigenous artist series through FPCC. My work as a storyteller rests on decolonized communications: genuine listening, and respectful interview processes.

Odette’s work is supported in part with funding from the Local Journalism Initiative in partnership with The Discourse and APTN.

Anna McKenzie

Child Welfare Reporter, Vancouver Island
Email | Twitter
I am a member of the Opaskwayak Cree Nation currently living on the unceded homeland of the Snuneymuxw First Nation. My background is in Indigenous child, youth and community engagement. I have a B.A in First Nations and Indigenous Studies from UBC and am an experienced writer and researcher. My passion is upholding the stories and lived experiences of Indigenous children and youth.

Anna’s work is supported in part with funding from the Local Journalism Initiative in partnership with The Discourse and APTN.

Katłįà Catherine) Lafferty

Education Reporter, Vancouver Island
Email | Twitter
My name is Catherine (Katłįà) Lafferty, I am a Dene First Nation member of the Yellowknives in Somba K’e Northwest Territories now residing on Esquilmalt Territory. One of my very first jobs was working as a reporter for the local newspaper where I still contribute biweekly columns today. I am the author of “Northern Wildflower” a memoir, and the soon to be released fictional novel “Land-Water-Sky”.

Catherine’s work is supported in part with funding from the Local Journalism Initiative in partnership with The Discourse and APTN.

Brielle Morgan

Editor/Reporter
Email | Twitter
I’m a white, cisgender woman, a journalist and a new mama. Prior to taking mat leave, I worked for The Discourse, where I reported stories and managed Spotlight: Child Welfare — a collaborative project that brings community members and journalists together to deepen child-welfare reporting. I’m honoured to be working for IndigiNews as a part-time editor alongside journalists committed to decolonizing our industry and doing anti-racism work.

Brielle’s reporting is supported in part with funding from the Local Journalism Initiative in partnership with The Discourse and APTN.

Emilee Gilpin

Managing Editor
Email | Twitter
I’m a Michif nomad currently living in W̱SÁNEĆ territories. I’m Cree-Métis, Filipina, Scottish and Irish. I’ve been reporting on community-led solutions to climate change, stories of success and self-determination for the past four years. I led Canada’s National Observer’s ‘First Nations Forward’ series (dedicated to stories of success and self-determination) for two years before taking the role of managing director this year.

I advocate for anti-oppressive and relationship-based approaches to the ancient and ever-evolving art of storytelling.

Lindsay Sample

Editor – on maternity leave
Email | Twitter
I am the executive editor of The Discourse and part of a team working together to create IndigiNews. I’m based in Vancouver on the unceded territory of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm, Skwxwú7mesh, and səl̓ilwətaɁɬ / sel̓íl̓witulh. Throughout my eight-year journalism career, I have been working to build a more equitable and sustainable media ecosystem — something I remain committed to as I train, support and edit with IndigiNews. As a journalist and a settler, I am continuously working to decolonize my journalism practice.

Tessa Vikander

Reporter
Email | Twitter
I have more than five years of experience working as a reporter at outlets such as the Toronto Star and Metro News and is currently a web reporter for CTV News Vancouver. I also freelance for a variety of news wire agencies and magazines.

I began my career reporting on youth and LGBTQ+ issues and she continues to report on topics that affect marginalized, oppressed and equity-seeking communities. I am a graduate of McGill University and Langara College’s journalism program.

Tessa’s reporting is supported in part with funding from the Local Journalism Initiative in partnership with The Discourse and APTN.

Cara McKenna

Editor/Reporter
Email | Twitter
I’m a storyteller of Alberta Métis and Irish descent. I previously was the editor of the Salish Sea Sentinel magazine, covering Coast Salish communities across Vancouver Island, the Lower Mainland and into Washington State. Prior to that, I worked with APTN National News, the Canadian Press and the Nanaimo Daily News. I have a Journalism Diploma from Lanagara College, and along with editing at IndigiNews, I am currently working on completing my BFA in Creative Writing at UBC. I’m passionate about words, stories and decolonizing journalism.

Cara’s reporting is supported in part with funding from the Local Journalism Initiative in partnership with The Discourse and APTN.