TORONTO, April 8, 2020 /CNW/ - The co-hosts of the Indigenous-focused weekly radio show One Dish, One Mic, Sean Vanderklis and Karl Dockstader, are the recipients of this year's CJF-CBC Indigenous Journalism Fellowships, established to encourage Indigenous voices and a better understanding of Indigenous issues.

The one-hour program is broadcast on Niagara's Newstalk Radio network serving Ontario's Niagara region.

The award allows two early-career Indigenous journalists to explore issues of interest while being hosted by CBC News for one month at its Indigenous Centre in Winnipeg (http://www.cbc.ca/news/indigenous).

"During this unprecedented time of social distancing and isolation, the power of radio connects us now more than ever," says Tanya Talaga, selection jury member and an award-winning journalist, author, speaker and filmmaker. "We see this every day with the exploding growth and importance of podcasts.

"With this in mind, Sean and Karl are the perfect choice for the CJF-CBC Indigenous Journalism Fellowships. Their One Dish, One Mic has brought Indigenous storytelling to the Niagara and Six Nations territory, and they should be given the resources and room to learn and grow."

Vanderklis is a Mississauga of the Curve Lake First Nation who lives in St. Catharines, while Dockstader is a Haudenosaunee member of the Oneida, Bear Clan living in Niagara Falls. Both have worked as social service providers before launching their podcast aimed at building understanding between Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities across southern Ontario.

Seeking to help facilitate the reconciliation process, they are looking to the fellowship experience to hone their journalism skills and broaden their understanding of issues affecting indigenous people.

"Without any formal reporting training, Sean and Karl are doing a wonderful job providing entertaining and enlightening Indigenous content to their local community," says Duncan McCue, jury co-chair and host of CBC Radio's Cross Country Checkup. "The mentorship opportunity at CBC Indigenous will help them refine their journalism talents and further encourage their broadcast storytelling."

The story or series resulting from the fellowship experiences will be considered for publication or broadcast by CBC News. CJF provides each fellow a $3,000 stipend, all associated travel and accommodation costs, a per diem for meals and other reasonable expenses.

The awards will be presented at the CJF Awards (#CJFawards) on October 30 in Toronto at The Ritz-Carlton. Tickets, tables and sponsorship opportunities are available.

Jury
Co-chair - Duncan McCue, host, Cross Country Checkup, CBC Radio
Co-chair - Bob Lewis, honorary governor, The Canadian Journalism Foundation
Norma Dunning, writer, scholar, researcher
Karyn Pugliese, assistant professor of journalism at Ryerson University and 2020 Martin Wise Goodman Canadian Nieman Fellow
Tanya Talaga, journalist, author, speaker, filmmaker

Thank you to RBC and CJF honorary governor Isabel Bassett, former chair and CEO of TVO, for their generous support of these fellowships.

About The Canadian Journalism Foundation
Founded in 1990, The Canadian Journalism Foundation promotes, celebrates and facilitates excellence in journalism. The foundation runs a prestigious awards and fellowships program featuring an industry gala where news leaders, journalists and corporate Canada gather to celebrate outstanding journalistic achievement and the value of professional journalism. Through monthly J-Talks, a public speakers' series, the CJF facilitates dialogue among journalists, business people, academics and students about the role of the media in Canadian society and the ongoing challenges for media in the digital era. The foundation also fosters opportunities for journalism education, training and research.

SOURCE Canadian Journalism Foundation

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