First Indigenous Journalism BA Students Graduate

The first-ever graduates of the innovative Bachelor of Arts in Indigenous Journalism and Communication Arts program received their degrees from the First Nations University of Canada on Saturday, November 15, 2025.

The graduates include Brittany Boschman from Cross Lake First Nation, Manitoba; Lori Deets from Pine House; Tyrone Perreault from Cowessess First Nation; Darla Ponace from Zagime Anishinabek First Nation; and Hannah Scott from Regina.

The Bachelor of Arts in Indigenous Journalism and Communication Arts (BA INCA) was launched just a year earlier, in March 2024, developed with expert guidance from Dr. Trish Elliott, who created the Master of Journalism program at the University of Regina in 2015, and under the strong leadership of Audrey Dreaver, the coordinator of the Indigenous Fine Arts program.

Students and others are now advocating for a Master’s program in INCA, which is the next project for the Indigenous Journalism and Communication Arts department.

“The students have demonstrated incredible passion and commitment throughout the program and will graduate ahead of schedule due to their hard work in coursework and summer internships,” said Shannon Avison, Associate Professor of Indigenous Journalism and Communication Arts (INCA).

Avison remarked that students have long aspired to complete their journalism education at FNUniv without the need to transfer to other universities for their final two years. “The day we dreamed about is here, exceeding our best expectations,” she stated. She also expressed her pleasure that the graduates have already secured jobs. “There is a growing demand for journalists and communicators who understand Indigenous issues and languages. The First Nations University of Canada combines cultural learning with essential media skills,” she explained.

The INCA faculty includes program coordinator Shannon Avison, Dr. Merelda Fiddler-Potter (who also teaches in the Indigenous Business and Public Administration program), and INCA alumnus Nelson Bird, who had a 27-year career as a reporter, host, and assignment editor at CTV before returning to INCA as a faculty member.

The FNUniv Graduation Ceremony took place at Prairieland Park in Saskatoon.