Mi'kmaw Journalism Cohort Initiative

The University of King’s College, situated in Kjipuktuk, recognizes the importance of Mi’kmaw voices and perspectives in journalism. For too long, the Mi’kmaq have been marginalized in mainstream media and journalism education. The university has an important role to play in fostering change.

In the Fall of 2022, King’s announced the Mi’kmaw Cohort Initiative; a key step toward answering the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action.

The University of King’s College will cover tuition costs for up to three Mi’kmaw students per year in the Bachelor of Journalism (Honours) program and encourage L’nu’k from Mi’kma’ki with lived experience to apply.

To hear more about this initiative, we invite Mi’kmaw students, their families and teachers to register for one of our online info sessions, happening November 28 and December 13.

In addition to meeting the Bachelor of Journalism (Honours) admission requirements, applicants must indicate interest in the Mi’kmaw Cohort Initiative by answering the question on the application and send in the additional documents listed below by March 1, 2024.

We recognize Mi’kma’ki is a large territory and extends across modern colonial provincial borders. This initiative is open to L’nu’k from the seven districts, Kespukwitk, Sipekni’katik, Eskikewa’kik, Unama’kik (including Ktaqmkuk), Epekwitk aq Piktuk, Siknikt and Kespek.

Applicants who would like to be considered for the Mi’kmaw Cohort, must then provide the required following supporting documents.

1. The applicant must write a letter not to exceed 500 words describing their Mi’kmaw identity and outlining connection to community and lived experience. The University of King’s College recognizes the ongoing harms of colonial policies such as gender discrimination in the Indian Act, the Sixties Scoop, residential schools, enfranchisement and the Millennial Scoop. The generational impact on identity, culture and language will be taken into consideration.
2. AND one of the following:
   1. Proof of enrollment in Wula Na Kinu;
      OR
   2. Membership card from a recognized Mi’kmaw organization (i.e., Native Council of Nova Scotia);
      OR
   3. A copy of a valid Indian Status card.
3. AND a letter of support from a Mi’kmaw community leader, representative of a recognized Mi’kmaw organization, or a Mi’kmaw relative, or Indigenous Support Staff at your high school or university.
   1. This step is optional but recommended for applicants with proof of status or community membership.

NOTE: These documents may be subject to verification by members of the Mawaknutma’tinej–Mi’kmaw/Indigenous Advisory Circle.

Steps to Apply for the Mi’kmaw Cohort

1. Submit an online admission application for the Bachelor of Journalism (Honours) program and indicate interest in this cohort by answering the question on the application.
2. Provide supporting documents to the Bachelor of Journalism (Honours) program. For more information on supporting documents required to be considered for the journalism degree, please visit Undergraduate Admission Requirements.
3. Provide the Mi’kmaw Cohort supporting documentation outlined above.

Please submit all supporting documents to admissions@ukings.ca by March 1, 2024. If there is available space in this program after March 1, applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.

Students’ applications for this cohort will be reviewed after they have received an offer of admission to the Bachelor of Journalism (Honours) degree. Decisions for this cohort will be sent to applicants independently of their offer to the journalism degree.

Questions about the admissions process? Connect with us at admissions@ukings.ca.