TORONTO – The Canadian Journalism Foundation’s 2021 Lifetime Achievement Award will go to Thaioronióhte Dan David, the CJF announced today.
He is being recognized for launching the Aboriginal Peoples Television Network’s (APTN) news service, the world’s first national Indigenous-led news network, and for his life-long support of journalism initiatives around the world.
“After centuries in which the stories and reality of Indigenous people were oppressed, we Canadians are now living in a time where those realities and those stories are finally being told,” said selection jury member Hamlin Grange, a veteran broadcast journalist, now principal consultant of DiversiPro, in the press release.
“Dan David, as founding head of APTN news, played a key role in making this possible. To set up the news arm of APTN, Dan sought out, trained and mentored Indigenous journalists. He was ahead of the curve in considering journalism’s role in human rights and reconciliation with First Nations people. His work internationally and with journalism students are examples of his commitment to journalism, his impact on the industry and society.”
David is Kanienke:haka (Mohawk), Bear Clan, based in Kanehsatà:ke near Oka, Que. “Prior to the 2000 launch of Winnipeg-based APTN news, he helped transform the South Africa Broadcasting Corporation from a government-controlled broadcaster into a public news service before the country’s first democratic elections—a formative experience that would help shape his views on the role of journalism. Later, he became head of television journalism at the Institute for the Advancement of Journalism in Johannesburg,” adds the press release.
Before moving to South Africa, he worked across Canada with CBC Radio and TV, becoming the first national Native Affairs broadcaster. He also worked as a producer at TVOntario and VisionTV.
David joins a distinguished group of CJF Lifetime Achievement Award winners including: Kim Bolan, John Honderich, Peter Mansbridge, Jean Pelletier, Lloyd Robertson, Michel Auger, Peter Bregg, Jack Sigvaldason, Lise Bissonnette, Joe Schlesinger, Sally Armstrong, Knowlton Nash, June Callwood and Trina McQueen, among others.
He will be honoured at the CJF Awards virtual ceremony on June 9 at 7 p.m. ET. To sign up to watch the free virtual event and for sponsorship opportunities, visit the CJF Awards page.
