Reporting in Mi'kma'ki
An experiential Mi’kmaw-led journalism course to teach responsible reporting of L’nue’l stories
Land Acknowledgement
This course takes place in Mi’kma’ki, the ancestral and unceded territory of the Mi’kmaq. The Mi’kmaq have lived here for over 13,500 years. We acknowledge that history and the continued sovereignty of the Mi’kmaw nation today. We recognize the ongoing impact of colonial policies on Indigenous communities in what we now call Canada. We respect the Peace and Friendship Treaties between the Wabanaki nations and the Crown. We understand the treaties protect the inherent rights of Mi’kmaq and recognize that those same treaties create obligations for the Crown. We are all treaty people.
About Us
Reporting in Mi’kma’ki is an immersive journalism course that takes students into Mi’kmaw communities to learn, listen, engage, and produce a series of stories. We’re based in Mi’kma’ki, the ancestral territory of L’nu’k (The People), also known as the Mi’kmaq, so our stories are focused on Mi’kmaw culture, history and contemporary communities. But the goal is to teach young journalists a set of best practices for covering stories in any Indigenous nation across what we now call Canada.
​
This course is a collaboration between University of King’s College and NSCC Journalism Programs.
How do we decolonize journalism? In Reporting in Mi’kma’ki, we emphasize four key principles; respect, responsibility, relationships and reciprocity. What do these look like in practice? Doing responsible journalism, of course! But more than that, we spend time in community. We volunteer, have lunch with Elders and participate in cultural activities. We educate ourselves, avoid stereotypes, give weight to Mi’kmaw voices and ensure our stories capture the nuance and context vital to the stories of L’nu’k. Before recording ceremonies and traditions, we have discussions with participants and film only if we get permission and encouragement to do so. Wela’lioq, thank you to all L’nu’k who help make this journalism course possible! Msit no’kmaq. All my relations.
Teaching Team
Trina Roache is a proud member of the Glooscap Mi’kmaw community, an award-winning video journalist and assistant professor in journalism at the University of King’s College. Trina brings over two decades of experience working for CBC, APTN National News, and APTN Investigates to her current role as an educator.
Erin Moore is a journalism instructor at the Nova Scotia Community College. She was a reporter and video-journalist for CBC in Toronto, Halifax and PEI. She has a Masters of Global Journalism from Örebro University in Sweden and is an experienced media trainer.
​
Paul Robinson is the video instructor at the University of King's College. For ten years he's worked in all things video, including live-streaming, promotional content, and documentary. Outside of work he's an avid film fan and cat dad.
​
Instructors Erin Moore (left) and Trina Roache (right) by the Sipekne'katik River, May 2024
