When IndigiNews launched a campaign to keep its full-time syilx Okanagan reporter in the community, the Community Foundation of the South Okanagan Similkameen was proud to help get it started with a $10,000 contribution.
The syilx Okanagan was IndigiNews’s first reporting beat when the Indigenous-led news outlet began reporting in 2020. Its coverage explores issues affecting communities throughout the region, from water conservation and climate change to land stewardship, resource extraction and community successes.
Aaron has been an IndigiNews storyteller since 2022 and is based in snpink’tn (Penticton). His reporting focuses on Indigenous land stewardship, land defence, environmental injustice and community successes throughout unceded syilx territory, with an emphasis on relationship-building, care and accountability.
At the bottom of kɬúsx̌nítkʷ (Okanagan Lake) in snpink’tn (Penticton) on Aug. 26, community members sing and pray for the health of the land and for those affected by wildfires this summer. Photo by Aaron Hemens
Following changes to federal journalism funding, IndigiNews launched a campaign to raise $35,000 to keep Aaron reporting full time. CFSOS contributed the first $10,000 to kick-start the campaign and encourage others to join in.
The community responded, and the Community Foundation of the North Okanagan stepped forward with the final $10,000 needed to reach the $35,000 goal.
Together with contributions from other supporters, the two community foundations helped bookend a successful campaign and ensure dedicated Indigenous-led reporting can continue in the syilx Okanagan.
For CFSOS, supporting the campaign means helping ensure important local stories continue to be told with connection, care and accountability.
