Oh, to be brand new to the world of journalism.
In a career-sense, that is - considering I have consumed vast quantities of Dougall Media news since I moved to Thunder Bay 10 years ago.
And there is a lot of news.
I feel honoured that the universe granted me this opportunity to help others tell their stories - communities in the region, marginalized voices, up-and-coming entrepreneurs, and the list only grows.
Working across the “Superior North” region (aka everything east of Thunder Bay) has been and continues to be a privilege.
When our intrepid news director came to us with the idea of choosing our top five favourite stories or those that mean the most to us, I felt hard pressed to only choose five.
Getting out into the region has been a real highlight, starting with a big trip to Marathon and Biigtigong Nishnaabeg First Nation where I spoke to local leaders and learned about how Biigtigong Nishnaabeg is delivering a unique blend of land-based and ministry-set curriculum.
I also learned about the impact major mining operations such as the new Generation PGM project have on nearby communities - including the risks disproportionately faced by indigenous women and girls when there’s an influx of transient workers.
On that note, initiatives to prevent and end gender-based violence remain a large focus for me as a journalist.
Having the opportunity to interview Dawn Charbonneau, a frontline crisis worker at CHADWIC Home in Wawa, and connecting with executive director Paula Valois about Wawa’s Take Back The Night march was an absolute highlight of my first three months as a journalist.
Speaking of health and safety, speaking with Jim Greenaway - commander of community safety and planning at Superior North EMS - about Beardmore’s community paramedicine program opened my eyes to the depth of healthcare challenges faced by residents of the North and all of the hard work healthcare professionals are doing to fill-in gaps where they can.
But what could I possibly choose as my number one story?
Every one of these stories is number one in my eyes.
However, being a massive nerd - and unashamedly so - I think that the infectious positivity and excitement that head librarian Tammy Langevin exhibited during our interview about the Manitouwadge Public Library undergoing renovations reminded me that there will always be stories that just keep you smiling.
An especially gleeful note to end on considering the spirit of the season, I think.
Happy Holidays! And to all a safe and happy New Year!
Here's to all of the stories just waiting to be written in 2024.
