Winnipeg, Man. – The Indigenous Media Association of Canada (IMAC) formally incorporated on January 6, 2025, marking a historic milestone in the advancement of Indigenous storytelling and media representation from coast to coast to coast.
IMAC was formed to unify Indigenous media professionals and advocate for First Nations, Inuit, and Métis storytellers, this includes all broadcasters and journalists. Its mission is to ensure safe, culturally supported spaces for truth-tellers, create a stronger and more inclusive media ecosystem, and amplify Indigenous voices in national and international dialogues.
The association will prioritize Indigenous media sovereignty by providing representation at the federal level, advocating for the implementation of UNDRIP Article 16, and pushing for accurate and contextual coverage of Indigenous communities by mainstream media.
Leadership Announcement
On December 30, 2024, five First Nations women with decades of collective experience in journalism and broadcasting came together to elect interim leadership for IMAC. These positions will guide the organization through its foundational stages until an assembly of Indigenous storytellers is convened to elect a full executive committee.
The founding board members:
- Kerry Benjoe (Saulteaux), Interim President
- Maureen Googoo (Mi’kmaq), Interim Vice-President
- Eden Fineday (Cree), Interim Secretary
- Katherine Ross (Cree), Interim Treasurer
- Francine Compton (Anishinaabe), Interim Director
“As a collective, we want to make certain there will always be space for Indigenous stories being told by Indigenous people for years to come,” said Kerry Benjoe, IMAC interim president.
“The only way this can happen is if we have an equal seat at the table when decisions are made regarding policy, funding and special projects,” she said.
IMAC’s mission is rooted in the belief that storytelling is an inherent right of Indigenous peoples, a core part of self-determination and freedom of expression. The organization will work to ensure Indigenous peoples are represented at decision-making tables and that no one speaks on behalf of Indigenous communities except Indigenous peoples themselves.
“Indigenous media is not just about journalism—it is about cultural sovereignty and the protection of our stories, traditions, and identities,” said Katherine Ross, IMAC Interim treasurer.
Key areas IMAC will work towards:
- fostering culturally supportive environments for Indigenous youth to tell their stories,
- building pathways for sustainable careers in media
- creating a better media ecosystem where Indigenous media professionals are at the forefront of telling the stories of their own communities.
- By creating unity within the Indigenous media landscape, IMAC aims to amplify the voices of storytellers and advocate for structural changes within Canada’s media industry to better reflect the truths and realities of Indigenous peoples.
The Indigenous Media Association of Canada is ready to advocate for Indigenous media professionals, support Indigenous youth, and create a space where storytelling sovereignty and freedom of expression thrive.
IMAC invites Indigenous storytellers across Canada to join the movement, contribute to the dialogue, and shape the future of Indigenous media together (info@indigenousmac.org)