b'JOURNALISMas I can to clear my mind, take in someHer first major assignment as a 19-year-oldhow shed forge meaningful connections ceremony when I can, be gentle withreportercovering a protest on Buffalowith attendees in such a restricted environ-myself and do a lot of self-care because youPoint First Nationwasnt headline- ment. As she scanned the crowd, a couple need it, House admits. Nobody teachesbreaking, but it was transformational. Sheseemed to walk directly towards her, as you how to handle that type of trauma. Butasked a bold question about the chiefif drawn by purpose. They agreed to an those are stories that you want to tell. allegedly withholding social assistanceinterview, speaking in Anishinaabemowin cheques, earning cheers from membersand sharing their story in what became Thats Tina House: resilient, relentlessof the community. For the first time ever,an unforgettable and deeply meaningful and rooted in a family legacy of Mtissomeone was asking a question for them,exchange. Comptons resulting coverage leadership and truth-telling. Her grand- she says. Since that memorable debut,honoured a personal, intimate moment mother co-founded the British ColumbiaCompton has maintained a reputation as athat centered Indigenous language amid Association of Non-Status Indianstrusted voice to amplify sensitive stories.the formality and frenzy of an inter-(BCANSI) in 1969, and her late father lednational media event.the organization as president for moreThat trust was reaffirmed while covering than 30 years. the papal mass in Quebec City. ComptonThroughout a 26-year career, Compton stood at the media barricade, doubtinghas seen significant progress in how Though House made history as the first Indigenous journalist to win the Canadian Screen Award for Best National Reporter, her family remains her greatest honour: The proudest words I can ever say is that Im Fred Houses daughter.FRANCINE COMPTON, ANISHINAABE, ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR OF THE IJAFor Francine Compton, journalism was more than a career choiceit was a legacy she was born into. As an Anishinaabe woman, Comptons journey began with childhood admiration for her father, Jim Compton, a trailblazing Indigenous jour-nalist. We would run up to the TV and kiss the screen, she recalls. He said, Go to Tec-Voc and take broadcasting because were gonna have our own television network one day. That dream came true with the launch of APTN, and Compton became part of its first wave.Francine Compton.HOW WE CAN HELP:Support & AccompanimentPublic Education(HOSPITAL, POLICE, COURT, OTHER) & WorkshopsAdvocacy Outreach Services toCounselling & Peer Support First Nation CommunitiesInformation & Referral Crisis Line Training24/7 CRISIS LINE:807-468-SAFE (7233) |TOLL FREE:1-800-565-6161 101 Chipman Street, Kenora, ONP9N 1V7www.kenorasexualassaultcentre.caOntario Native Womens Association17'