Journalists for Human Rights (JHR) is proud to announce the summer 2017 recipients of the organization's Indigenous Reporter Scholarships

TORONTO, Sept. 6, 2017 /CNW/ - Funded by the J.W. McConnell Family Foundation, the RBC Foundation and the Donner Canadian Foundation, the scholarships are an integral part of JHR's wider Indigenous Reporters Program that works to increase the quality and quantity of Indigenous stories and voices in Canadian media. The scholarships are designed to support Indigenous students studying journalism or media and alleviate a portion of the financial burden associated with obtaining their degree or advanced diploma.

JHR's Executive Director Rachel Pulfer believes this scholarship will increase opportunities for Indigenous people to pursue post-secondary studies in journalism.

"Journalists for Human Rights is thrilled to support emerging Indigenous journalism talent in this way," says Pulfer. "We look forward to their progress and are honoured to play a part in launching their careers as journalists and media practitioners."

Janice Neil, Chair of the Ryerson School of Journalism where two of the scholars are currently studying, stated, "We're so proud of these two student journalists, and we look forward to the contributions they will make as student journalists to bring stories about their communities and Indigenous Peoples to Canadian audiences."

Of the four scholarships awarded, one was provided to an Indigenous student studying at Loyalist College in Belleville, Ontario. The JHR & Loyalist College Emerging Indigenous Reporters Scholarship recognizes an outstanding Indigenous student at the College who is committed to truthful storytelling.

"We are proud to be part of JHR's Emerging Indigenous Reporter Scholarship initiative," said Kathleen Bazkur, Dean of the School of Media, Arts + Design and Continuing Education at Loyalist College. "In addition to financial support, the recipients receive valuable recognition for their storytelling abilities and encouragement as future journalists who will provide Indigenous perspectives."

Since 2014, JHR's Emerging Indigenous Reporter Scholarship Program has supported 27 Indigenous students who are completing post-secondary education in journalism or media. Scholars have hailed from universities and colleges across Canada. Scholars are ambitious, engaged in their community and tenaciously working towards having their voice and stories heard in the Canadian media and communications sector.

The summer 2017 recipients of JHR's Emerging Indigenous Reporter Scholarships are:

1. Amanda Pope – Ryerson University
2. Nwtanis Piapot – University of Regina
3. Nick Wapachee – Ryerson University

The winner of the 2017 JHR & Loyalist College Emerging Indigenous Reporter Scholarship is:

1. Shelby Lisk – Loyalist College

For more information on the Summer 2017 Emerging Indigenous Reporter Scholarship recipients please visit: http://www.jhr.ca/en/2017/08/10/supporting-emerging-indigenous-reporters-summer-2017-scholarships/

• Our thanks to CNW Group for sponsoring this announcement

Notes for Editors:

About JHR: is Canada's leading media development organization. JHR helps journalists build their capacity to report ethically and effectively on human rights and governance issues in their communities. Since 2002, JHR has trained over 14,500 journalists across 28 countries whose stories have reached over 50 million people worldwide.
JHR currently operates projects in Jordan, South Sudan, Syria, South Africa, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Canada.

About Loyalist: Located on more than 200 acres in the beautiful Bay of Quinte region, Loyalist College is a close-knit community where students and their success come first. Loyalist provides personalized attention in small classes, rewarding field placements and superior student services. To prepare students for in-demand careers, Loyalist offers more than 65 full-time programs; apprenticeships; and hundreds of online, distance and in-class courses, as well as opportunities for continuing education through more than 70 university transfer agreements. The College's wide selection of advanced diplomas, diplomas and certificates aligns with market-driven disciplines including applied sciences, biosciences, building sciences, business and management studies, health sciences, human studies, justice studies, media, arts and design, and skills and technology. In Ontario, the College's new Digital Media Centre and The Bay of Quinte Skills Centre, which is LEED® Silver certified, are training centres of choice for students, as well as College business and industry partners. The College is a key driver of the social and economic health and prosperity of the area and contributes 5.4 percent to the Gross Regional Product. This represents an overall effect on the regional economy of $530 million annually – based on a 2014 Report by Economic Modeling Specialists International (EMSI). For more information on the College's Belleville, Bancroft and Port Hope campuses, visit loyalistcollege.com.

SOURCE Journalists for Human Rights (JHR)

Hannah Clifford, Programs Manager, [e-mail], [phone] x 201