Deadline: 23-Jan-2026
The CJF-CBC Indigenous Journalism Fellowship offers a four-month in-person opportunity for First Nation, Inuit, or Métis journalists with 1–10 years of experience. Fellows work with CBC Indigenous, gain newsroom exposure, and produce a reportable piece on Indigenous issues. The program provides a $30,000 stipend and runs from September to December 2026, with applications due January 23, 2026.
Overview of the Fellowship
The CJF-CBC Indigenous Journalism Fellowship is designed to support emerging Indigenous journalists in exploring issues of interest and increasing coverage of Indigenous topics in Canadian media. Hosted at a CBC location, the fellowship offers professional newsroom experience, editorial guidance, and a platform for national reporting.
Key Objectives
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Provide practical newsroom experience to Indigenous journalists.
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Encourage reporting on Indigenous issues in national media.
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Foster professional growth and mentorship within CBC Indigenous.
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Enhance the presence of Indigenous voices in Canada’s media landscape.
Fellowship Details
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Duration: Four months (September–December 2026)
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Location: In-person at a designated CBC location
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Stipend: $30,000, paid in semi-monthly installments by The Canadian Journalism Foundation
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Output: Write or produce a story or series to be considered for publication/broadcast by CBC News
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Post-Fellowship: Submission of a report highlighting work and experience, published on the CJF website
Who is Eligible?
Eligible applicants must:
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Be a First Nation, Inuit, or Métis journalist.
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Have 1–10 years of professional journalism experience.
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Be able to work in person at the host CBC location.
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Be responsible for securing their own accommodation in the host city.
How the Fellowship Works
Step 1: Application
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Complete the fellowship application with personal, professional, and journalistic background information.
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Include samples of previous work demonstrating reporting experience.
Step 2: Selection
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Applications are reviewed based on journalistic experience, interest in Indigenous issues, and proposed project relevance.
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Successful applicants are notified and matched with a host CBC location.
Step 3: Fellowship Period
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Engage in four months of newsroom experience, working alongside CBC Indigenous journalists.
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Produce a reportable story or series on an Indigenous issue.
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Receive stipend payments semi-monthly.
Step 4: Post-Fellowship Reporting
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Submit a post-fellowship report summarizing work and learnings.
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CJF publishes the report on their website and shares through communications.
Common Tips and Considerations
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Ensure that your journalism samples showcase strong reporting skills.
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Plan for in-person participation and associated accommodation costs.
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Focus your proposed project on Indigenous issues with clear relevance and impact.
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Prepare to produce publishable or broadcast-ready work during the fellowship.
FAQs
1. Who can apply for the fellowship? First Nation, Inuit, or Métis journalists with 1–10 years of experience.
2. What is the fellowship duration? Four months, from September to December 2026.
3. Where does the fellowship take place? In-person at a designated CBC location.
4. What is the stipend amount? $30,000, paid in semi-monthly installments.
5. Are accommodation costs covered? No, fellows are responsible for securing their own accommodation.
6. What is required after the fellowship? Submission of a post-fellowship report for publication on the CJF website.
7. When is the application deadline? January 23, 2026, at 11:59 pm ET.
Key Takeaways
The CJF-CBC Indigenous Journalism Fellowship provides emerging Indigenous journalists with a unique opportunity to gain professional newsroom experience, report on issues affecting Indigenous communities, and showcase their work on a national platform. The fellowship supports career development, enhances visibility of Indigenous issues, and fosters media diversity and representation in Canada.
For more information, visit CJF.
