The Canadian Journalism Foundation (CJF), in partnership with CBC, is inviting applications for the 2026 CJF-CBC Indigenous Journalism Fellowship. This prestigious program is open to First Nation, Inuit, and Métis journalists with one to ten years of experience. The fellowship offers a four-month residency at CBC Indigenous, providing participants with a $30,000 stipend to explore and produce a journalistic series on an issue of interest. The initiative is designed to improve the comprehension of Indigenous issues within Canada’s major media landscape. The application deadline is January 23, 2026.
CJF-CBC Indigenous Journalism Fellowship 2026 Summary Table
| Detail | Value |
|---|---|
| Host Organization | The Canadian Journalism Foundation (CJF) |
| Media Partner | CBC/Radio-Canada (CBC Indigenous) |
| Stipend Amount | $30,000 |
| Duration | 4 Months |
| Target Group | First Nation, Inuit, and Métis Journalists |
| Experience Level | 1 to 10 Years |
| Application Deadline | January 23, 2026 |
CJF-CBC Indigenous Journalism Fellowship 2026 Details
Established to address the historical underrepresentation of Indigenous voices in mainstream Canadian media, the CJF-CBC Indigenous Journalism Fellowship provides a powerful platform for Indigenous storytellers. This program allows journalists to move beyond surface-level reporting and dive deep into complex issues affecting First Nation, Inuit, and Métis communities.
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During the four-month residency, fellows are embedded within the CBC Indigenous team, gaining access to the resources and mentorship of Canada’s national public broadcaster. The fellowship culminates in the creation of a significant piece of journalism—whether written, digital, or broadcast—that is considered for publication by CBC News, ensuring the fellow’s work reaches a national audience.
Benefits and Specific Scholarship Awards of the CJF-CBC Indigenous Journalism Fellowship 2026
The fellowship is structured to support the financial and professional needs of journalists while they focus on high-impact storytelling.
Tier 1: Financial Support ($30,000)
- Direct Stipend: A total of $30,000 provided by the CJF to cover living expenses and research costs during the four-month period.
- Economic Security: The stipend allows journalists to step away from regular employment to focus exclusively on their fellowship project.
Tier 2: Institutional Placement & Publication
- CBC Residency: Four months spent working directly with the CBC Indigenous unit.
- National Broadcast Opportunity: Completion of a series or investigative piece that will be considered for national broadcast or publication by CBC News.
- Professional Mentorship: Direct access to CBC editors and producers to refine investigative and storytelling techniques.
Tier 3: Industry Recognition
- Gala Presence: Opportunity to be celebrated within the broader CJF awards program, connecting with industry leaders and top journalists from across Canada.
- Portfolio Advancement: Establishing a professional credit with the country’s most recognized news organization.
Eligibility Requirements for the CJF-CBC Indigenous Journalism Fellowship 2026
- Academic/Leadership: Applicants must be of First Nation, Inuit, or Métis heritage and demonstrate a strong commitment to excellence in journalism.
- Experience Level: Open to journalists with a minimum of one year and a maximum of ten years of professional experience.
- Project Focus: Candidates must propose an issue of interest that contributes to a better comprehension of Indigenous issues in Canada.
- Residency: Must be a Canadian resident and able to commit to the four-month residency at a CBC location.
How to Apply for the CJF-CBC Indigenous Journalism Fellowship 2026 (Step by Step)
- Apply for Program: Visit the CJF awards portal and select the Indigenous Journalism Fellowship category.
- Project Proposal: Draft a detailed plan for the issue you wish to explore during your residency.
- Portfolio Submission: Provide examples of previous journalistic work (text, audio, or video) that demonstrates your storytelling ability.
- Notification of Award: Successful applicants will be selected by a jury of media professionals and notified following the January 23 deadline.
Application Deadline: January 23, 2026 (11:59 pm ET)
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Who is eligible for the CJF-CBC Indigenous Fellowship?
The program is exclusively for First Nation, Inuit, or Métis journalists with 1 to 10 years of experience.
2. How much is the fellowship stipend?
The selected fellow receives a $30,000 stipend to cover the four-month fellowship period.
3. Do I need to be a student to apply?
No, the fellowship is for working journalists (early to mid-career) with professional experience.
4. Where is the fellowship located?
The fellow is hosted for four months at a CBC location, typically with the CBC Indigenous team.
5. Can I produce a video series instead of a written piece?
Yes, the fellowship supports written, digital, or broadcast/video projects for CBC News.
6. Is the stipend paid all at once?
Stipends are typically disbursed in installments over the four-month residency, though specific schedules are confirmed upon award.
7. Does the fellowship provide housing?
No, the fellow is responsible for their own accommodation in the host city, using the $30,000 stipend to cover costs.
8. What kind of topics should I propose?
Topics should explore Indigenous issues in Canada that require deeper comprehension or investigative focus in mainstream media.
9. When does the residency start?
Specific dates are coordinated between the successful applicant and the CJF/CBC, usually taking place within the 2026 calendar year.
10. When is the application deadline?
The deadline for all submissions is January 23, 2026, at 11:59 pm ET.
