b'JOURNALISMIndigenous stories are covered. Still, sheTaylors path reflects the layered challenges says, We need more of our own storytellersIndigenous women face, often balancing in newsrooms across Turtle Island. Thecaregiving responsibilities, limited resources road hasnt been without its challenges and cultural expectations, all while pushing lacking a university degree made provinginto professional spaces not built with her credibility harderbut with work ethicthem in mind. Taylor initially trained at and determination, Compton has built aNunavut Sivuniksavut in Ottawa, where powerful resume. learning about Inuit history and land claims Now, Compton sees her role as a womantransformed her confidence. Why couldnt in journalism as an opportunity to lead byI host Northbeat? she recalls thinking. I examplemaintaining professionalism,could do anything!uplifting other women and inspiring theTaylors lived experience has made her next generation. Her advice is clear: Dontreporting deeply resonant, and the stories shy away from any of the types of positionsshe reports vary both in tone and in scope. in this industryseek women mentorsFrom covering devastating plane crashes and join journalism networks such as thein the North to following Inuit delega-Indigenous Journalists Association (IJA)tions to the Vatican and France seeking and the Indigenous Media Association ofjustice for residential school and sexualJuanita Taylor guest hosting on CBC Canada (IMAC). assault survivors, Taylor brings authenticityNews Network. Credit: Phil Williams.Comptons story is one of representationand empathy few can replicate. I have and reclamation, proving that Indigenouslived experiences in most stories wetiring. But at the same time, it is educating women bring not only critical voices to jour- cover, she explains. People respect andothers and broadening their knowledge of nalism, but a perspective and approach thatappreciate that. what Inuit went through and expanding changes the narrative for the better. their understanding.Taylors role as the first Inuk to host national shows like CBCs The National,Her advice to aspiring Indigenous women JUANITA TAYLOR, INUIT, Morning Live, World Report and The Currentjournalists is grounded in humility CBC NATIONAL has broken barriers, but has also broughtand strength: Listen to people telling Juanita Taylor is an Inuk journalist fromresponsibility. Inuit seeing Inuit on TVyou their stories and listen well. Always Arviat, Nunavut, whose entry into journalismor hearing them on radio makes a differ- remember this is their story and not yours. wasnt so much a sudden leap as it was aenceand a good difference at that, sheShow respect and that they matter. lifelong calling. The passion of curiosity,says. She continues to tell stories that might storytelling and hosting brought me intootherwise be overlooked or misunderstood,Through her work and words, and the journalism, she says. Even as a child, ratherincluding forced sterilization cases andexample led by northerners telling than play Barbie Dreamhouse with herhousing crises in the North. northern stories, Taylor reminds us of sister, she dreamt instead of one day hostingthe value and visibility in our own voices. Northbeat, CBC Norths iconic program.As Taylor reflects on nearly two decadesStand your ground and hold that head That dream came true decades later, after ain journalism, she notes how slow culturalup high! she concludes. Aim for the winding journey through education, govern- change can be. Inuit are still having tostars. Believe in yourself. Love life. And ment work and raising a family. educate non-Inuit, she says, and that getslove yourself. We are #AeconProud to continueto partner with Indigenouscommunities on the developmentof industry-leading infrastructure.READ OUR RECONCILIATION ACTION PLAN:aecon.com/IndigenousRelations18 Spring/Summer 2025'