Proposing new media narratives to create an ethical space of engagement between Indigenous and non-Indigenous people in Canada

Abstract

The media narratives of Indigenous people in Canada have traditionally been based in the colonial policies of late nineteenth-century Canada, showing racist attitudes and echoing the assimilation policy of the federal government. Recent media narratives are less obvious in their racist portrayals, but long-held attitudes are still demonstrated in media framing and agenda-setting. This thesis uses narrative inquiry, archival research and interviews with professionals concerned with this issue to trace the roots of today's media narrative, assesses the factors that affect the current narrative, and assesses where we are on the path to an ethical space of engagement (Ermine, 2007). It concludes that the media narrative has changed significantly due to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, but real change is most likely to come when Indigenous people find a way to influence the news agenda and set their own media frames in a peaceful and non-threatening manner.