Storytelling Through Journalism

Summary

Janessa Drake Lucas and Mike Graham discuss journalism as a form of storytelling, particularly from an indigenous perspective. Janessa, of Interior Salish and Metis descent, and Mike, a white settler, share their personal journeys into journalism and the importance of representing indigenous voices and stories. They emphasize the power of storytelling for community and future generations, the need for consent and cultural protocols in journalism, and the responsibility of non-indigenous storytellers to avoid extractive practices and the white savior complex.

Takeaways

• 📍 Janessa Drake Lucas is of Interior Salish and Metis descent and grew up in BC, Canada.
• 🏔 Mike Graham is a white settler whose ancestors arrived in the 1800s and acknowledges the lands of the Musqueam, Squamish, and Tsleil-Waututh First Nations.
• 🌿 Janessa's interest in journalism was sparked by a university professor and she now focuses on indigenous topics such as child welfare and education.
• 🌳 Mike's career path was influenced by witnessing a logging blockade, which led to a realization of his role in resource extraction and systemic issues.
• 📸 Both Janessa and Mike emphasize the importance of storytelling in journalism to share community narratives and educate future generations.
• 🤔 Janessa discusses how journalism can be adapted into a storytelling format, which allows for a more personal and powerful narrative.
• 🔍 Mike uses photography to amplify silenced voices and shed light on invisible systemic structures, aiming to humanize experiences affected by these structures.
• 🏛️ There's a cautionary note on the 'white savior complex' and the importance of white settlers asking for consent and listening to the needs of affected communities.
• 🧘‍♂️ The concept of 'trauma-informed journalism' is introduced, which involves recognizing and respecting the trauma that can be associated with certain stories.
• 🤝 The importance of cultural protocols is highlighted, with a reminder that each nation and community has its own unique set of protocols.
• 🌟 Janessa and Mike express hope in the next generation of journalists who are self-aware and committed to telling stories that respect and uplift the communities they represent.

Q & A

What is the significance of Janessa Drake Lucas's background in her approach to journalism?

Janessa Drake Lucas comes from an interior Salish and Metis descent with Dutch ancestry. Her background and the impact of child welfare on her family shape her perspective and storytelling approach in journalism, particularly when covering indigenous topics such as child welfare and education.

How does Mike Graham's ancestry and upbringing influence his storytelling?

Mike Graham is a white settler whose ancestors benefited from stolen indigenous lands. His awareness of this privilege influences his storytelling, especially in his photojournalism work, where he focuses on amplifying voices that have been silenced and addressing systemic issues.

What was the pivotal moment that led Mike Graham towards journalism?

Mike Graham's pivotal moment was when he worked in the logging industry and realized he was part of a system that was extracting resources without the consent of the local indigenous people, the Ktunaxa. This realization led him to explore storytelling as a means to address such issues.

How did Janessa Drake Lucas initially get involved in journalism?

Janessa Drake Lucas was studying writing and music at university when a professor suggested she submit a story to an outlet. Although it wasn't published, the experience opened her mind to journalism, leading her to apply for and secure an internship, which helped her find her voice in journalism.

What are the main topics Janessa Drake Lucas writes about?

Janessa Drake Lucas primarily writes about indigenous topics, focusing on child welfare and education. She also occasionally writes about environmental and agricultural issues.

What is Mike Graham's view on the role of photography in storytelling?

Mike Graham believes that photography can draw people in and make them want to learn more about issues. He sees it as a way to amplify silenced voices, illuminate invisible structures, and humanize experiences affected by systemic forces.

Why is it important for Mike Graham to be cautious as a white settler when documenting indigenous stories?

Mike Graham emphasizes the importance of avoiding the 'white savior complex' and ensuring he has consent to document stories. He stresses the need to listen to the needs of those affected by systemic forces and to be aware of the broader systems and structures at play.

What does Janessa Drake Lucas mean by 'trauma-informed journalism'?

Trauma-informed journalism, as described by Janessa Drake Lucas, involves recognizing the potential trauma associated with the topics journalists cover. It's about reporting on these topics as safely as possible, ensuring the storytelling process is sensitive and respectful to the individuals and communities involved.

How do Janessa Drake Lucas and Mike Graham approach cultural protocols in their work?

Both Janessa Drake Lucas and Mike Graham emphasize the importance of understanding and respecting cultural protocols specific to each indigenous nation and community. They advocate for asking for consent and being aware of personal and community-specific protocols before documenting or writing about certain subjects.

What is the concept of 'gifting' in the context of storytelling as discussed by Janessa Drake Lucas?

The concept of 'gifting' refers to the idea that when individuals or communities share their stories with journalists or storytellers, they are giving a gift. Janessa Drake Lucas stresses the importance of handling these stories with care and respect, acknowledging the trust and power given by the story's originators.

How do Janessa Drake Lucas and Mike Graham feel about the future of journalism and storytelling?

Both Janessa Drake Lucas and Mike Graham express hope and optimism for the future of journalism and storytelling. They are encouraged by the awareness and self-reflection they see in the next generation of journalists and storytellers, who are committed to ethical practices and addressing systemic issues.