Thaioronióhte Dan David, a respected Kanien’kehá:ka journalist known for his role in establishing the news department of the Aboriginal Peoples Television Network, has passed away at the age of 73 after battling cancer. Described as the “father of APTN News,” David was instrumental in mentoring and launching the careers of numerous Indigenous journalists, leaving a lasting impact on the field of Indigenous journalism in Canada.
In 2000, David co-founded APTN News (then known as InVision News) with the aim of revolutionizing the narrative of Indigenous stories in media. His inspiration stemmed from witnessing the misrepresentation of his community of Kanehsatà:ke during the Oka Crisis in 1990, a 78-day standoff involving Kanien’kehá:ka protesters, Quebec police, RCMP, and the army over disputed lands.
Former colleagues praised David for his dedication to journalism and his efforts to challenge mainstream media stereotypes about Indigenous people. He was known for his passion for journalism and his commitment to training the next generation of reporters.
Following his impactful career at CBC, David played a pivotal role in establishing the news department of the South African Broadcasting Corporation post-apartheid. This experience equipped him with valuable insights that he later imparted to journalists at APTN.
In addition to his professional achievements, David was remembered for his sense of humor, empathetic leadership, and humility. His legacy lives on through the journalists he mentored and the stories he helped bring to light.
Throughout his nearly five-decade career, David also held positions at Toronto Metropolitan University and the University of Toronto. Fondly remembered by his family and colleagues, he was recognized for his contributions to journalism and his dedication to cancer research fundraising in his later years.