Decolonizing Journalism: A Guide to Reporting in Indigenous Communities

Duncan McCue's book, Decolonizing Journalism, provides practical advice for journalism students in Canada to build respectful and reciprocal relationships with Indigenous people and communities when researching and sharing their stories. It offers insights into the histories, processes, and obstacles of decolonizing journalism from exclusive interviews with 9 leading Indigenous journalists.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 232 pages
Publication date: 28 October 2022
Publisher: Oxford University Press, Canada

The recent surge in coverage of Indigenous Peoples in Canada's mainstream media outlets has been driven by significant events such as the Truth and Reconciliation Commission and the uncovering of mass graves at the sites of former residential schools. While this increased attention is a positive step towards greater understanding and recognition of Indigenous cultures and communities, there is a glaring lack of guidance for current and aspiring journalists seeking to build respectful and reciprocal relationships with these communities when conducting research and reporting on their stories.

To address this gap, Duncan McCue, a renowned Indigenous journalist, has written Decolonizing Journalism, a comprehensive guidebook specifically tailored for journalism students in Canada. This invaluable resource offers practical, up-to-date advice in a format that is easy to navigate and reference.

In Decolonizing Journalism, McCue delves deep into the complexities of engaging with and reporting on Indigenous communities. He provides students with a critical consciousness, equipping them with the skills necessary to navigate the sensitive terrain of cultural sensitivity and ethical reporting. Through exclusive interviews with nine leading Indigenous journalists, McCue sheds light on the histories, processes, and obstacles that have shaped decolonizing journalism, offering valuable insights and perspectives that are essential for aspiring journalists.

One of the key themes explored in the book is the importance of recognizing and respecting Indigenous sovereignty. McCue emphasizes the need for journalists to approach their work with humility, recognizing that they are guests in Indigenous communities and that their role is to document and share their stories accurately and respectfully. He encourages students to build relationships with Indigenous communities based on trust and mutual respect, and to approach their reporting with a commitment to accuracy, fairness, and cultural sensitivity.

Another critical aspect of decolonizing journalism is the need to challenge dominant narratives and power structures that perpetuate harmful stereotypes and discrimination against Indigenous Peoples. McCue encourages students to critically analyze the media and other sources of information they rely on, and to seek out diverse perspectives and voices that challenge the status quo. He also highlights the importance of amplifying the voices of Indigenous communities and promoting their perspectives and experiences through storytelling and multimedia platforms.

In addition to providing practical advice and insights, Decolonizing Journalism also serves as a call to action for aspiring journalists. McCue encourages students to use their platforms to advocate for Indigenous rights and justice, and to challenge the systemic inequalities and injustices that continue to impact these communities. He emphasizes the importance of supporting and amplifying the work of Indigenous journalists and media organizations, and of promoting diversity and inclusivity in the media industry.

Overall, Decolonizing Journalism is a must-read for journalism students in Canada who are committed to building respectful and reciprocal relationships with Indigenous Peoples and communities. By providing practical advice, critical analysis, and a call to action, this book equips students with the tools they need to become ethical and effective journalists who can contribute to the decolonization of journalism and promote greater understanding and recognition of Indigenous cultures and communities.

In conclusion, the recent surge in coverage of Indigenous Peoples in Canada's mainstream media outlets has brought increased attention to the need for respectful and reciprocal relationships between journalists and Indigenous communities. While there is a lack of guidance for current and aspiring journalists seeking to build these relationships, Decolonizing Journalism by Duncan McCue is a valuable resource that provides practical, up-to-date advice and insights. By recognizing and respecting Indigenous sovereignty, challenging dominant narratives, and amplifying the voices of Indigenous communities, aspiring journalists can contribute to the decolonization of journalism and promote greater understanding and recognition of Indigenous cultures and communities.

Weight: 410g
Dimension: 236 x 154 x 14 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780190164263