The Mi'kmaw Journalism Initiative (MJI), a King's offering that covers the tuition and incidental fees for up to three Mi'kmaw students per year, is now also open to Mi'kmaw students enrolled in the One-Year Bachelor of Journalism and Master of Journalism programs.
Launched in 2023, the MJI was initially available to students in the Bachelor of Journalism (Honours) but has been expanded to include additional programs based on community feedback.
Funding offered to students in the MJI, via a combination of scholarships, financial awards and waivers, ensures that neither the selected students and their families nor their communities will be responsible for bearing the financial burden of tuition. This opportunity is open to Mi'kmaq from all Mi'kmaw communities in Atlantic Canada, Quebec and the United States who are interested in applying for one of King's journalism programs.
The University of King's College, situated in Kjipuktuk, recognizes the importance of Mi'kmaw voices and perspectives that have, for too long, been marginalized in mainstream media and journalism education. This initiative, undertaken by the university under the leadership of President and Vice-Chancellor William Lahey, is an important step forward in the university's work to address the Truth and Reconciliation Commission's (TRC) Calls to Action on education, journalism and media a key part of President Lahey's mandate that includes a more comprehensive call for Indigenization through King's educational mission.
TRC Call to Action 84 calls upon the federal government to restore and increase funding to the CBC/Radio Canada, " to enable Canada's national public broadcaster to support reconciliation, and be properly reflective of the diverse cultures, languages, and perspectives of Aboriginal peoples ." This would include "increasing Aboriginal programming, including Aboriginal-language speakers," and "increasing equitable access for Aboriginal peoples to jobs, leadership positions, and professional development opportunities within the organization." Although not specifically called upon, King's can help answer this call by providing opportunities for Mi'kmaw journalism students to thrive so they have the skills to take on jobs in the media. "One of the key themes of our consultations with Mi'kmaw leaders is the need to provide support and encouragement to Mi'kmaw and other Indigenous students," says President Lahey. "This initiative not only helps Mi'kmaw students thrive while at King's but positions them to be leaders that will shape the future of journalism in Canada, ensuring that it includes a diversity of Indigenous voices."
The MJI was developed in consultation with Ann Sylliboy of Mi'kmaw Kina'matnewey, the educational authority for 12 of Nova Scotia's 13 Mi'kmaw First Nations. It also reflects input from Catherine Martin, King's Board of Governors member and Director of Indigenous Community Engagement at Dalhousie University, and Sheila Isaac, Director of Mi'kmaq and Indigenous Post-Secondary Recruitment and Retention at the Department of Advanced Education.
"The MJI is all about putting our land acknowledgments into action, which is why it's for Mi'kmaw students in particular that was an important part of our foundational discussions," says President Lahey.
Ongoing development of the initiative is being guided by advice received from the King's Mawakgnutma'tnej comprised of Mi'kmaw community leaders and university representatives including faculty, staff, students and alumni. Members of the circle are also involved in verifying supporting documents supplied by students applying for the MJI.
This initiative was designed to provide community and a comprehensive support system for Mi'kmaw students at King's, as well as an environment where students can form relationships and bonds as they study together. For students from underrepresented communities, forming relationships with peers who share the same cultural context is considered a strong enabler of success.
"The culture of an institution and conversations in the classroom only start to change when we have good representation, and we're starting to see that here at King's," says Trina Roache, BJ'00, Assistant Professor at the School of Journalism and member of Glooscap First Nation. "Our growing community of Mi'kmaw and other Indigenous students are engaging in cultural activities, gathering at our Mawio'mio'kuom (Indigenous Students Centre) and starting to envision what their experience at King's can look like. For me, it's an exciting time to be teaching here as a new generation of L'nu storytellers continue their educational journey."
Those interested in being selected for the MJI must first submit an online admission application for one of King's three journalism programs. Applicants must also submit supporting documentation, including a letter describing their Mi'kmaw identity and outlining connection to community and lived experience.
To learn more about this program, explore details about the application process and deadlines or register for an upcoming virtual MJI info session.
