Aboriginal Journalism Pioneer Passes Away

Aboriginal Journalism Pioneer Passes Away

Tuesday, September 13, 2005 at 13:28

She’s been called Canada’s First Lady in Native Broadcasting.

Bernelda Wheeler passed away this past weekend in Regina after a hard-fought battle with cancer.

Wheeler was one of the first female Aboriginal journalists in the country – and was also an accomplished author, actor, and activist.

John Lagimodiere, the editor of Eagle Feather News, says Wheeler led the way as the voice of Aboriginal people on a national level.

Wheeler worked on the national CBC radio program “Our Native Land” for the better part of a decade as the host, producer and investigative reporter of Aboriginal issues.

Lagimodiere says she was a pioneer not just for Aboriginal women, but for all Aboriginal journalists.

Wheeler was 68.