Yá’át’ééh (hello), relatives!
It’s budget season at ICT. In my third year with the organization, when I was deputy managing editor, I remember my predecessor Mark Trahant telling our first managing editor and I to do the newsroom budget. It was so new to us. We laughed and said, “Really? How?” We threw a Google document together and did the best we could. It was a learning experience to say the least.
I lean on that experience and those after during this time. When I became managing editor, budget season seemed a lot like a final paper for college. Staying up late, drinking coffee and making sure all the numbers aligned. So much to do in a short time frame.
However, as I’ve gained more experience and we’ve added more editors (whose help I’m so thankful for), the budgeting process for the following calendar year has become less of a nightmare. I do have a love-hate relationship with it but it’s more love than hate at this point.
Building a budget for the following year is a time for our team to dream. As editors, we make a wish list. It can include new hires, office supplies, subscriptions, freelancers, new software, equipment, travel assignments or possibly projects we could do. Some big projects on our minds are our bureau expansion, our national internship program, and the 2024 presidential election. I found that when I reframe this part of the job, it’s easier and more fun to accomplish.
It’s also a great time to reflect on our growth. At the end of September, we had a total of 34 employees within our organization in four different departments. That’s quite a leap from three people starting the newsroom in 2018. We’ve also had approximately 20 interns and fellows who started their careers with us. A handful of those interns and fellows were hired.
Once the budget is approved, it’s game time for us.
This is where we need your help in building the largest Indigenous newsroom in the country. Besides philanthropic contributions and advertising, we rely on individual donations. We believe we are a public service and want you to be part of our story. A donation as little as $10 will go a long way in helping us tell Indigenous stories by Indigenous journalists.
We are forever grateful for you. Back to the spreadsheets I go.
Ahéhee’ (thank you),
Jourdan Bennett-Begaye
Editor, ICT
