rabble is pleased to officially welcome Roxann Shapwaykeesic as the 2021 Jack Layton Journalism for Change Fellow.
Born and raised on the beautiful north shores of Lake Superior in Thunder Bay, Roxann Shapwaykeesic is an Ojibwe from Eabametoong First Nation who has focused her career in the Nishnawbe Aski Nation communities of Treaty 9. Her experience includes supportive rolls in education, communications, trades, sports and wellness.
She is a 2021 graduate of the Indigenous Reporters Program by Journalism for Human Rights as well as a Registered Graphic Designer of Ontario since 2011. She enjoys telling stories through photography, creative writing and journalism, and is always in pursuit of learning new skills.
Roxann will cover systemic racism against Indigenous people in Thunder Bay within the criminal justice system with an emphasis on Indigenous voices, perspectives and experiences and rabble is very excited to welcome her to the team.
“My focus will be to include as much of the ‘other side of the story’ as possible,” Roxann said.
“I am incredibly excited to welcome Roxann to the rabble team. She brings a unique perspective and a distinct drive to uncover injustice in her community. While focusing on local stories, Roxann will be tapping into an important conversation about accountability that we need to be having across the country,” said rabble.ca editor Chelsea Nash.
Named after the late former leader of the federal New Democratic Party who inspired people by example, the fellowship was first launched in 2017 in partnership with the Institute for Change Leaders.
Jack Layton demonstrated that working together for social and economic justice is possible and achievable. The fellowship supports emerging writers and journalists who are passionate and engaged in developing unique voices in social change reporting.
It is a unique opportunity to strengthen media democracy in Canada while offering mentorship and growth for new voices. Previous fellows have included Lidia Abraha, Olivia Robinson and Phillip Dwight Morgan.
Look for Roxann’s series in the coming months, and sign up now for our weekly newsletter so you don’t miss a thing.
You can support the Jack Layton Fellowship, either as an individual or organization. You can donate at: rabble.ca/donate
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