CMA and Canadian Journalism Foundation partner on multi-year Indigenous Health Journalism Fellowship

Press Release

December 11, 2024

The Canadian Medical Association (CMA) and The Canadian Journalism Foundation (CJF) are today announcing the creation of a new journalism fellowship to support excellence in Indigenous health reporting.

The CJF Indigenous Health Journalism Fellowship Opens in a new window, in partnership with the CMA, will highlight critical health issues facing Indigenous Peoples and communities, and is open to First Nations, Inuit and Métis mid-career and senior journalists living in Canada.

The CMA’s support of the fellowship is grounded in its commitment to reconciliation. In September, the CMA made a formal apology for its role, and the role of the medical profession, in past and ongoing harms to First Nations, Inuit and Métis Peoples in the health system. The apology is backed by a ReconciliACTION plan, which centers on advancing Indigenous health and well-being, and inspiring and supporting the medical profession’s reconciliation journey.

“The CMA recognizes the critical role journalism plays in advancing understanding and driving good policy decisions. With this fellowship, we commit to funding critically important journalism that enriches our understanding of Indigenous health and upholds Indigenous worldviews and practices,” says Dr. Joss Reimer, CMA president.

Pulitzer and Peabody award-winning journalist and CJF board member Connie Walker will chair the inaugural selection committee for the fellowship. The fellowship recipient chosen by the selection committee will have demonstrated potential to illuminate significant Indigenous health issues with an emphasis on solutions-based journalism and propose policy alternatives, while maintaining a particular focus on the Canadian context.

“Indigenous health is a critical issue that requires thoughtful, solutions-oriented reporting,” says Natalie Turvey, president and executive director of the CJF. “This fellowship reflects the CJF’s commitment to fostering excellence in journalism that amplifies Indigenous voices and perspectives, and brings important health challenges to the forefront. We’re proud to partner with the CMA to support this vital work.”

Provided to one journalist yearly over the next three years, the fellowship comes with a research stipend and funding for travel to remote communities and translation into Indigenous languages, when possible — to support recipients in producing a broadcast documentary series, podcast and/or series of published articles.

“The work toward a health care system that provides Indigenous Peoples with meaningful support will be informed by the critical work and storytelling of Indigenous journalists,” says Dr. Alika Lafontaine, Indigenous Advisor in Residence at the CMA. “In-depth reporting on health issues facing Indigenous Peoples will ensure we all understand both the complexity and opportunity that come with reconciliation.”

For more than 30 years, The Canadian Journalism Foundation has fostered excellence in journalism through the support and recognition of emerging and experienced journalists and their organizations and has enhanced the public’s understanding of fact-based journalism. Learn more Opens in a new window.

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