Ideas Journalist Connie Walker on uncovering her family's dark history
Jun 20, 2025
Connie Walker, an award-winning Indigenous journalist, shares her remarkable journey through journalism and her personal connection to the painful legacy of residential schools. She discusses the vital role of Indigenous storytelling in media and the need for authentic narratives to achieve reconciliation. Walker reflects on uncovering her family's history, revealing complex emotions and the significance of sharing survivor stories. The conversation also touches on the evolution of media coverage regarding Indigenous issues and the hope for future generations to embrace their identities.
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Inspiration from Marie Wilson
- Connie Walker was inspired by broadcaster Marie Wilson to widen the scope of Indigenous stories beyond just the murder cases.
- She changed the podcast approach to include deeper historical context, linking current stories with residential schools' legacy.
Humanizing Indigenous Stories
- Connie Walker’s journalism aims to reveal the shared humanity of Indigenous people often ignored in media.
- She challenges stereotypes and creates empathy by telling Indigenous stories with depth and dignity.
Discovering Family's Residential School Past
- Connie learned about her grandfather's residential school experience late in life through an oral history class assignment.
- Despite close family bonds, the residential school history was largely unspoken during her upbringing.
