23 Jun Aboriginal Terminology Guide for Canadian Newsrooms
Ever found yourself plodding toward deadline, and wondering why that interviewee kept referring to “the Sixties Scoop”? Or have you wished you had someone you could ask, “what exactly is a ‘medicine wheel'”? Well – here it is: the online Aboriginal Key Terminology Guidebook by the Strategic Alliance of Broadcasters for Aboriginal Reflection.
It’s a very helpful tool for journalists who need some answers on terminology and lexicon when writing about Aboriginal issues. In fact, RIIC’s Terminology and Lexicon section is based on it. I was also one of many asked by SABAR to review early drafts, so I know it’s a product of wide consultation. Bookmark it! Here’s SABAR’s press release:
SABAR Launches Aboriginal Key Terminology Guide
TORONTO, June 21, 2012 /CNW/ – The Strategic Alliance of Broadcasters for Aboriginal Reflection (SABAR) believes that media has the power to change perceptions and attitudes and continues to work with news organizations and other forms of media to emphasize the relevance and embrace the contributions of Aboriginal people in Canadian society.
SABAR saw a need for a standard to be established in reporting on Aboriginal issues across the country. In response, SABAR has created a bilingual Aboriginal Key Terminology Guidebook, in collaboration with Stanford University and Aboriginal consultation. This document provides a glossary of terminology as well as ways to connect with the Aboriginal community to ensure a respectful and balanced approach to news telling.
SABAR Chair, Brenda Nadjiwan says, “SABAR works to build Aboriginal voices in all aspects of the media, and ensure that if it is not Aboriginal voices who are doing the reporting that the language that is used is fair and accurate. We are hoping that this glossary is one step toward that end.”
Topics covered in the Guide include identity and citizenship; culture and traditions; governance; and rights, policy, and politics with a variety of information on proper language usage essential to properly reporting on Aboriginal communities in Canada. It has been produced with the intention of building skills, sensibilities and approaches toward increasing a more accurate reflection of Aboriginal people in Canada, starting with the words, first.
The searchable Guide (in English and French) is available online at www.sabar.ca/key-terms.
Background:
The Strategic Alliance of Broadcasters for Aboriginal Reflection (SABAR) is a group of Canadian broadcasters and Aboriginal organizations working to increase the contribution and reflection of Aboriginal people on screen and behind the scenes in all aspects of the Canadian broadcast industry.
Jointly initiated by a diverse group of broadcasters and industry-related organizations in 2003, SABAR examines opportunities for Aboriginal participation in areas such as internship, scholarship, and direct hiring; they work in partnership with organizations such as the Indspire, formerly NAAF, to outreach to high schools through Industry in the Classroom, a curriculum development initiative designed to introduce broadcasting careers to Aboriginal youth.