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It was ironic because everything he had just shared happened to mirror my own journey through recovery.
But as an Indigenous man speaking to a non-Indigenous reporter, he had good reason to err on the side of caution. Legacy media has a poor track record covering Indigenous communities — especially with stories on substance use.
We need to do better.
The first step in this journey — like in recovery — is taking accountability for our actions and making amends with those we have wronged. But this conversation isn't going to fit into a single column.
However, here are some lessons I’ve learned that are worth considering:
When reporting out of an Indigenous community, ask yourself: How am I connected to this community? Am I building genuine relationships or just using sources to get to a story?
Working for an Indigenous-owned newspaper has allowed me to build a level of trust with my sources that most reporters will never get. But anyone can learn from this by taking the time to meaningfully engage with the communities you're working with.
Another thing to keep in mind is your framing. Researchers Eve Tuck and K. Wayne Yang coined the term “damage-centered research” to describe work that focuses on trauma or loss in marginalized communities.
As journalists, we fall into the same trap: Overfixating on "damaged-centered" narratives.
Try to balance your reporting out with strength-based narratives that highlight resilience and healing. Both types of stories have their place. But knowing when to use which comes from listening to your sources. However your subject interprets their personal narrative, reflect it in your reporting.
It’s also important to know when not to report on substance abuse. Legacy media has a habit of inserting it in stories it doesn’t belong: like in profiles on athletes and artists. Include it only when it’s relevant to the story.
Avoid speculation in missing persons cases. If someone has gone missing or passed away, the first question should never be, did they have drugs or alcohol in their system?
The most important thing to remember is that while dehumanization is inherent in reporting on substance use, it is especially so when covering Indigenous stories. So make sure you're presenting your subjects for who they are in their entirety — not just as an “addict.”
When I wrote my story, I chose to describe him with the words that his community had used:
- A good father.
- A hard worker.
- A man who, despite all odds, managed to turn his life around.
Because he was never just an alcoholic, because I was never just an alcoholic. We have always been more than that.
For anyone seeking support with substance abuse, please reach out to the Journalists Recovery Network anytime. Click here for additional resources.
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