You know that feeling when you’re too close to something to really appreciate it? It’s like trying to view a piece of art that’s one inch away from your nose. 

Well, that’s a bit what being at the helm of The Narwhal these past two years has been like. We started out as two young women with a dream to fill a void in the Canadian media landscape by offering in-depth and investigative journalism about Canada’s natural world. 

We hoped (and prayed) that Canadians would step up to support us. 

But what happened next exceeded our wildest imaginations. 

More than 1,600 readers stepped up to support us by becoming monthly members. 

Hundreds of thousands of readers now rely on our reporting each month. 

And at a time when most news organizations have been laying off reporters, we’ve hired eight journalists in a little over a year. 

Now this dizzying growth has caught the attention of the Ryerson Review of Journalism — the country’s go-to publication for news about the media industry — which just published a glowing feature about us (*blushing*). 

Not only are we filling a void in environment coverage, the article notes, but we’re telling stories differently — by centring Indigenous voices, by building community and by doing it all as an independent, non-profit outlet supported by 1,600 members. 

If you believe news organizations should report to their readers, not advertisers or shareholders, please become a monthly member of The Narwhal today.

“I think [The Narwhal] really fills a need that a lot of mainstream outlets wouldn’t have the capacity or the expertise for,” author and journalist Chris Turner told the Ryerson Review.

The Ryerson Review of Journalism’s feature on The Narwhal included the voices of several experts who praised our publication for filling a void in media coverage.

“They can do deep dives into things that we can’t or don’t,” says columnist Jack Knox of the Victoria Times Colonist, which has republished our stories.

“I think mainstream journalism often underestimates its readers or listeners or viewers,” notes retired Mount Royal University journalism chair Ron MacDonald. “One of the great things about The Narwhal is that it does not do that. It regards its readers as intelligent, concerned, committed, engaged people and it writes to them.”

What was just a dream a little over two years ago is now the vanguard of non-profit media in Canada. But here’s the thing: we need to sign up 100 new members of The Narwhal by Sept. 30 to keep producing hard-hitting journalism. Can you become a member today for any amount you can afford?

With your support, we’ll be able to investigate Canada’s plans for a green recovery, how B.C.’s LNG ambitions line up with its climate promises and what the oil price crash means for Alberta.

We know there’s a pandemic going on and some of you may not be in a position to give right now, but if you’re able to, please consider chipping in whatever monthly amount you can afford by becoming a member today. Every bit counts. 

With gratitude,

Emma Gilchrist Editor-in-Chief

P.S. I know that these days the world’s problems can feel a *touch* overwhelming. It’s easy to feel like what we do doesn’t make any difference, but becoming a member of The Narwhal is one small way you truly can make a difference. Together, our 1,600 members contribute $260,000 a year, which means we can report hundreds of stories that would go untold otherwise. Please help us sign up 100 members by Sept. 30 by becoming a member today.  

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.