From newly proposed protected areas to innovative entrepreneurs to land guardians, The Narwhal regularly reports on stories that touch on the lives of Indigenous communities across Canada.

But all too often these stories aren’t told by Indigenous journalists.

The Narwhal’s inaugural Indigenous journalism fellowship is intended to help change that.

The fellowship offers one Indigenous (First Nations, Métis or Inuit) applicant $5,000 and the support of The Narwhal’s award-winning editorial team to bring an untold story to life.

Some of the most important work in conservation in Canada is taking place on Indigenous territory, led by Indigenous communities. And many of the biggest legal battles over natural resource extraction are being fought on the basis of Indigenous rights.

Yet Indigenous journalists are substantially underrepresented on Canada’s media landscape — even here, at The Narwhal. This is something we want to change, and this fellowship is one of our first steps on the road to ensuring more diverse voices appear on these (virtual) pages.

Through this fellowship, made possible through the generous support of the Reader’s Digest Foundation, an Indigenous journalist will dig into an original reporting project of their own choosing, whether in the form of a photo essay, a feature, an investigative piece or a video.

We’re really excited to hear from this country’s vast array of Indigenous journalists, whether up and coming or already established.

The submission deadline for this fellowship is October 31, 2019.* Check out the submission guidelines for the full details.

* This article was updated to reflect the new application deadline, which was extended from September 27 to October 31.

The Narwhal’s reporters are telling environment stories you won’t read about anywhere else. Stay in the loop by signing up for our free weekly dose of independent journalism.