TMU says goodbye to Rogers Journalist in Residence Duncan McCue

Award-winning journalist Duncan McCue first came to the School of Journalism in May 2016 when he led a professional development workshop offered to journalism instructors in the Toronto area. 

Over the last six years, McCue guided journalism students on how to tell ethical and accurate stories about Indigenous communities. 

McCue curated trauma-informed reporting methods for students to practice. 

“It is very important to me to be a resource to TMU students,” says McCue.

McCue helped create workshops and course contention Indigenous issues for journalism courses.

“It has been wonderful working with students and staff who care to shed light on Indigenous issues and explore them in courses,” says McCue, “I have many fond memories.” 

McCue worked closely with associate professor Nicole Blanchett and J-School Indigenous student Gabrielle McMann, on developing the Reconciling Journalism website.

 “In the time I've known Duncan, he's been an invaluable resource in developing our Reconciling Journalism website,” says Blanchett. “His wisdom runs deep, and his contribution to the program is incalculable.” 

Reconciling Journalism was created as part of J-School’s efforts to respond to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission Call to Action #86. 

“Working closely with Duncan and seeing how he approaches journalism  has given me a mentor to look up to,” says McMann. 

McCue has been a guest speaker in several J-School classes and led numerous workshops for students, helping develop and change their conceptions.

“Duncan’s storytelling talent as a broadcast journalist has clearly translated to teaching,” says J-School’s former chair, Janice Neil, who recommended McCue be appointed the Rogers Visiting Journalist.

“He inspired faculty to take responsibility to engage in our own acts of reconciliation by learning how to dismantle stereotypes.”

During his time at TMU, McCue worked as the host of Helluva Story  (external link) on CBC Radio-One and Kuper Island, (external link)  an eight part podcast on residential schools for CBC Podcasts.  

“Duncan is a disciplined professional, enthusiastic to share his knowledge with a warm humanity,” says Neil, an associate professor in the J-School.  “He is dedicated to ensuring the colonial press truly becomes a thing of the past.”

McCue is starting his career with Carleton University in the fall as a professor of Indigenous Journalism and storytelling. 

McCue’s goal is to teach students how to report in indigenous communities through a course  in which students will have the opportunity to do reporting with the local First Nations in the area.