About two months ago I shared that I was shortlisted for a journalism award for a piece I wrote on families passing down their Indigenous languages. On May 19, I found out that my piece was chosen and Tanya Talaga presented this award and honour to me at a virtual awards ceremony (the most amazing honour).
https://jhr.ca/jhr-announces-winner-of-2021-indigenous-youth-reporter-award
Now, more than ever, about how powerful our languages are and what important work it is learning and re-learning our native tongues.
I truly believe our languages are the antidote to colonialism.
I want to again share my gratitude to all of the families who shared their stories with me for this piece: Rochelle Allan, Marsha Ireland, and Karen Mosko. And to the translators who helped this piece get published in four Indigenous languages: Ian McCallum & Karen Mosko, Debbie Parliament & Marsha Ireland, Mina Beauvais & Heidi Nicholas, Jason Jones & Shirley Andy. As well as the beautiful illustration by Tehatsistahawi Kennedy - Nyawen'kó:wa to all of you and to everyone reading this for your continued support of my work.
You can read the language story here: https://www.tvo.org/.../for-our-children-how-families-are...
You can also read the two other nominees outstanding work here:
"A story of resilience: Decision to take son off of life support still haunts Membertou First Nation father" by Oscar Baker
https://www.saltwire.com/.../a-story-of-resilience.../
&
"How can you reconcile on stolen land?" by Chezney Martin