Emma_Saganash_1950x1700

RTDNA Canada recognizes Emma Saganash with a Central Region Lifetime Achievement Award

Toronto, ON – (June 9, 2020) – RTDNA Canada is pleased to honour Emma Saganash with an RTDNA Canada Lifetime Achievement Award for her outstanding service and continued excellence in her journalism career.

“I am thrilled that Emma is being so rightly honoured for her work and leadership,” said RTDNA Canada President, Fiona Conway. “Emma’s work is at the very foundation of Indigenous journalism in Canada. Her story telling was done with a deep humility and a sense of humour, and I am told she is still missed at CBC North since her retirement. Her legacy continues with the many journalists she mentored.”

A special video celebrating Emma’s incredible career contributions is available below.

It is hard to overstate the impact of Emma Saganash’s career on the progress of the Quebec Cree Nation, the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation, and frankly, on the growth of Indigenous journalism across Canada.

In 2018, she retired from CBC North’s Cree unit in Montreal, after a career spanning more than 40 years, in radio, television and management. For many years, she tirelessly shared the stories of her people as the host of the Cree-language television show Maamuitaau. In 2003, Emma moved into her role as CBC North’s area manager in Quebec. During her time with CBC, Emma played a key role in educating others within the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation on the realities and the needs of Indigenous populations.

As a manager, she mentored countless Cree youth into the profession – some of whom continued working in the field, but many others who went on to help build the Quebec Cree Nation in other ways.

Emma Saganash’s work is at the very foundation of Indigenous journalism in Canada, much of it accomplished long before the increased understanding created by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission.

A residential school survivor herself, Emma did it all with a deep humility, humanity and a sense of humour that is still missed at CBC North Quebec. She is very deserving of this honour.

Highlight Reel