Thaioronióhte Dan David, a respected Kanien’kehá:ka journalist known for his role in founding the news department of the Aboriginal Peoples Television Network (APTN), has passed away at the age of 73 after battling cancer. His sister, Marie David, confirmed his death on January 12.
Karyn Pugliese, a host and producer at APTN and a close friend of David, described his death as a significant loss for the Indigenous journalism community. Pugliese referred to David as the “father of APTN News,” highlighting his pivotal role in shaping Indigenous storytelling practices.
David played a key role in establishing APTN News in 2000, previously known as InVision News, to revolutionize the portrayal of Indigenous narratives. His motivation stemmed from witnessing the misrepresentation of his community, Kanehsatà:ke, during the Oka Crisis in 1990.
During the 78-day standoff of the Oka Crisis, where Kanien’kehá:ka protesters clashed with authorities over land disputes, David, who was reporting for CBC at the time, was prohibited from covering the events due to perceived bias. This experience fueled his commitment to truthful and inclusive journalism.
After his time at CBC, David was instrumental in launching the South African Broadcasting Corporation in the post-apartheid era. This experience equipped him with the skills and insights necessary to establish APTN’s news division, where he mentored a new generation of Indigenous journalists.
Described as a humorous and compassionate leader, David valued the perspectives of his team members and emphasized the importance of humility in journalism. His dedication to empowering others through education and mentorship left a lasting impact on the industry.
Throughout his extensive career, David also held positions at Toronto Metropolitan University and the University of Toronto, where he championed diversity and journalism education. Remembered fondly by many for his generosity and wisdom, David’s legacy continues to inspire and guide aspiring journalists in Canada and beyond.