Lynda Powless
Lynda Powless, Publisher/Editor
Company: The Turtle Island News, Ohsweken, Ontario
Contact Info: Tel: 519-445-0868; e-mail: lynda@theturtleislandnews.com
Description: Turtle Island News is the only national native weekly newspaper (circulation 10,000) in the country, wholly aboriginal-owned and located at the Grand River Territory of the Six Nations, one of the most progressive aboriginal communities in Canada and home to the Hodenosaunne/Iroquoian peoples. It was started in 1994 in the basement of publisher/editor Lynda Powless' home and today employs 12 people. In celebration of its 10th anniversary, the paper recently launched its first book, Ten Years of Editorial Cartoons, a well-received collection of politically-motivated cartoons on aboriginal issues.
Background: A multi-award winner for news coverage, Lynda began her journalism career writing for weekly newspapers and then worked for just about every major daily in Ontario before getting a job with CBC. When the daily commute to CBC's Toronto office became too onerous for this single parent, she knew it was time to make a decision about whether or not to move there and raise her three little boys in the city. "It had always been a dream of mine to have my own paper, so I decided to try it." With the help of a loan from RBC Royal Bank, Lynda started the paper from her home in Ohsweken, initially keeping her day job.
Unique Feature: Having broken new ground in native journalism with its incisive approach to covering aboriginal news across the country and its challenge to aboriginal politicians to be accountable for their actions, Turtle Island News is the only national weekly publication of its kind. "Nobody else does this," Lynda explains, proud of the impact the paper has had. "Back when we started, I recall going into coffee shops on the Reserve to discuss issues in the community and was met with blank stares. If you go into those coffee shops today, people are talking because they know what's going on now. I think the paper brought that educational process to the community."
Competitive Advantage: "We've garnered a good reputation in a short period of time as a timely newspaper out there telling people what's really happening rather than being a propaganda machine reporting that all is wonderful. Publications prior to this were published infrequently and only featured little fluffy stories. Readers from across the country call us when they have stories or there is a problem."
Honours: Right from the get-go, Turtle Island News made an impact. In its first year, the newspaper won the Native American Journalists' Association (NAJA) "Best Weekly Newspaper in North America" award in three categories: news, design and layout, and features. "We entered it just so they'd know we were here!" The paper has since won many more awards. Perhaps the most prestigious has been the NAJA Lifetime Achievement Award for Aboriginal Journalism. Lynda is the youngest recipient and the only Canadian to ever receive it.
Business High: It's gratifying to Lynda to reflect on how, through the paper, "the rights of the public - our readers - are being reinforced." She recalls when the paper was prohibited from attending band council sessions on health issues. "I tried to get in to every one of those meetings and even got arrested twice." At one point, newspapers from the surrounding area came to a council meeting in support. Council thus put it to a vote and the decision was made to open the meetings. "That felt good. Not only could people in the community attend those meetings, but the paper was able to report on health issues affecting them. It's a new idea in aboriginal communities to hold open meetings at the political level - and we were right there at the forefront. To help open those doors has been remarkable."
How RBC Helps: After running the paper for five years in her basement, Lynda received a loan from the bank to buy the building in which the paper currently resides. "Quite frankly, I don't think we'd be here if it hadn't been for RBC Royal Bank, which gave me a small loan at start-up and has supported me ever since. My account manager had faith in us and truly saw the future of the business. I certainly appreciate that, particularly since I could not get any financing through various government programs." Lynda regularly turns to her account manager for advice and support, describing her as 'my financial advisor'. "I get a lot of help from her and always talk to her before I launch projects to get her feedback and review the numbers. She's been wonderful." Since Turtle Island News was Lynda's first business venture, she found it difficult to approach people for help. "But the bank was very open and inviting and it was easy to talk to them."
Other Support: Lynda has a strong family support system. Her sister, a teacher, writes sports stories for the paper, and her sons are a part of the business as well - the eldest working full-time as her computer technician and her two teenage boys helping out after school. Having raised them with the paper, it's likely they will take over the business one day. "When I look through our family photo album, I see that my boys went everywhere with me, including just about every political event or protest. "I believe they have a stronger understanding of human rights as a result." She even remembers giving them her lawyer's phone number in case she ever got arrested. "They certainly grew up appreciating there are two sides to owning a newspaper!" People in the community have been extremely supportive to Lynda as well. For example, when the shooting incident occurred, "All kinds of people came here to make sure we were ok."
Growth Tips:
- "Be prepared to put in a lot of hours."
- "Have a good strong financial plan."
- "Seek the advice of your banker and others who can support you."
Future Plans: This past year, Turtle Island News opened its first bureau in London, Ontario and Lynda hopes to gradually expand, beginning north of Toronto. "We're concentrating on the Ontario market first, then we'll look at New York State with its Iroquoian communities that love our paper as well." Within five years, she plans to purchase a new building and a printing press.
Personal Interests: Lynda would like to write a book someday about aboriginal politics and her experiences of the past decade. "But, in the meantime, I love to garden. That's how I de-stress - if you want to talk to me on a Sunday in the summertime, just come to my garden!"
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