JHR is thrilled to welcome the second cohort of fellows in the 2025 Growing Indigenous Storytellers Fellowship! Jointly developed with the Indigenous Journalists Association (IJA) and APTN News, with support from the Google News Initiative, this program equips First Nations, Inuit, and Métis people to pursue careers in journalism in what is currently known as Canada.
The three fellows will complete six-month placements at APTN News, fly to Albuquerque to attend IJA’s 2025 Indigenous Media Conference, and participate in workshops exploring a variety of journalistic topics. These workshops will be open to the broader journalism community; follow JHR’s social media accounts and stay tuned for more info!
In the meantime, learn more about the fellows:
Rose Jacobs, Halifax
Rose Jacobs is Anishinaabe Kwe from the Chippewas of Kettle and Stony Point First Nation, but was raised by the Michi Saagiig of Curve Lake First Nation. Rose is a born storyteller who practices story writing and amateur short film making. She is a recent graduate of the Bachelor of Arts Program in Indigenous Studies at Trent University, and has always wanted to pursue journalism. She hopes to utilize her passion for writing to contribute to resurgence, reclamation, and language revitalization by honouring oral traditions and storytelling.
Ryan Cunningham, Vancouver
Ryan Cunningham is status Nehiyaw (ᓀᐦᐃᔭᐤ)/Cree/Metis from Amiskwacîwâskahikan (Edmonton). For over 30 years, Ryan has been an actor, producer, writer, director, and live-event creator. In 2009, Ryan co-founded Alberta Aboriginal Performing Arts, and from 2014-2017, Ryan proudly served as the artistic director at Native Earth Performing Arts in Tkaronto.
Julia (Jules) Ross, Winnipeg
Jules Ross is an emerging Indigenous journalist and storyteller from Pinaymootang First Nation who is currently living in Winnipeg. With a background in theatre and film, she has broken away from acting and has focused on writing, directing, and producing her own work for the past four years. Jules has a passion for creating and sharing Indigenous stories.
View the first cohort here.
