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January 2026 Workshop: Indigenous Journalism, Responsibility, and the Weight of Story

Featuring Tchadas Leo of Homalco First Nation & Stillaguamish Tribe of Indians

Tchadas Leo is a national multi award-winning Indigenous journalist, podcaster, and filmmaker committed to reconciliation and positive Indigenous storytelling. A graduate of BCIT’s Broadcast and Journalism program, Leo began his media journey at just 12 years old. He now hosts Our Native Land, a nationally recognized podcast and TV series that explores Indigenous cultures, languages, and contemporary issues with authenticity and pride. Leo’s work has earned multiple accolades, including “Outstanding Indigenous Series” at the Canadian Podcast Awards and the 2024 RTDNA Canada Emerging Journalist Award. His reporting on the deteriorating road access to Ditidaht First Nation earned the 2025 CAJ/JHR Emerging Indigenous Journalist Award, highlighting his dedication to human-rights-centered journalism that gives voice to community concerns. At CHEK News, Leo is a multimedia journalist who researches, shoots, edits, and delivers impactful stories with a focus on Indigenous representation. He helped pioneer CHEK’s Indigenous-language name writing initiative—advocating for respectful name usage on-air and behind the scenes. As a 2023–24 CJF–CBC Indigenous Journalism Fellow, he deepened his investigative focus on reconciliation and the lived experiences of Indigenous communities across Canada over 1 month at CBC Winnipeg. Leo spearheaded the self-publishing of Xwemalhkwu Hero Stories, a graphic novel that brings to life traditional tales and contemporary narratives from the Xwemalhkwu First Nation through vivid illustration and culturally grounded storytelling. The book highlights Indigenous Elders, youth along with themes of resilience, identity, and community, resonating with readers of all ages. Within just six months of its release, the project generated over $7,000 in profit for the Xwemalhkwu First Nation, marking a successful milestone in Indigenous-led publishing. The Novel is now used widely in school districts across the province. Leo is extremely passionate about educating both Indigenous and non-Indigenous audiences, believing that informed storytelling can drive understanding and healing. He uses journalism and filmmaking as powerful tools to amplify Indigenous voices and highlight stories of strength, resilience, and culture. His goal is to inspire the next generation of Indigenous media makers while continuing to foster truth, respect, and representation.

Event Details

🗓 Date: Jan 21, 2026
Time: 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM PDT
📍 Location: Online Webinar


Workshop Description

Join award-winning Indigenous journalist Tchadas Leo for a timely and thought-provoking workshop that explores the realities of journalism in and alongside Indigenous communities. This session invites participants into an honest conversation about the sensitivities of telling Indigenous stories — what it means to report with respect, how to navigate what can be shared publicly and what must be protected, and the responsibilities that come with holding community stories. Tchadas will speak to the often unseen labour of this work, including the emotional toll, the impact of denialism, and the pressures Indigenous journalists face when challenging dominant narratives. Drawing on real-world experiences, the workshop will also explore how to navigate stories in complex and politicized spaces — including moments when Nations are in opposition, when external groups attempt to undermine Indigenous truth-telling, and when journalists are targeted for centering Indigenous voices. Participants will be invited to reflect on ethical decision-making, relationship-based journalism, and how to remain grounded when the work becomes difficult. This workshop is especially relevant for journalists, communicators, storytellers, and allies who want to engage Indigenous stories with care, accountability, and integrity — and who understand that responsible storytelling is not neutral work, but deeply relational work.