Syllabics
FNUniv’s Senior Data Analyst interviewed Shannon Avison, a long-time faculty member, with the Indigenous Communications Arts (INCA) Program, Regina Campus. Here’s a bit of info to get to know Shannon a little more!
Where are you from?
I am ‘from’ FNUniv – I have been here for 40 years. I am originally from Whitehorse (Yukon), but I have been here since 1981. I still have ties in Whitehorse though… that is my homeland, where I grew up.
What is something we don’t know about you?
I just became a grandma! I have a granddaughter who was born on December 17th – she is about 4 and a half months old. All of my attention is on that. It is the thing that brings me the most joy. I call myself “Grandma” but she has many kokums.
What is your area of study?
Really it is Indigenous media and strategic communications for Indigenous communities (PR). Indigenous media, theoretically and in practice – I work and talk every day with Indigenous communities. I teach Indigenous media and I teach a course that I love on how Indigenous media and organizations can get attention for the things that they do and deal with the challenges that they face. Mostly, they have to deal with the profound lack of understanding about the challenges that [Indigenous people and communities] face, rooted in stereotypes and racism. [They] have to explain so many things that are obvious.
What do you research? Do you publish or have books (and do you want to talk about your publications?)
My publications are almost entirely media pubs. I haven’t done a lot of academic publishing. There is a new faculty member for that (Merelda Fiddler-Potter) who does academic publishing – I have produced documentaries and several magazines for FNUniv, countless articles, radio podcasts, and many television pieces.
What are you most proud of?
I am really proud of the 7-day Pre-INCA Crash course that was offered by the Indigenous Communication and Arts program at FNUniv. It gave youth an opportunity to produce radio streeters (short radio interviews of public event attendees) and interviews that were included in the live broadcast of the Spring Celebration Powwow 2025 Grand Entry.
Do you have a 5-year plan? What does it include?
I do! It includes:
Advance the BA in Journalism and Communication Arts.
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(the good path through life)
(the good path through life)