Comox Valley Record reporter Erin Haluschak is a finalist for a Jack Webster Award.

Her article, Valley woman makes historic name change for truth and reconciliation, has been named in the Excellence in Diversity & Inclusion Reporting.

The article highlighted Danita Bilozaze91裸聊视频檚 efforts to reclaim her family name, which had been changed by the residential school system.

91裸聊视频淚 first came across Danita Bilozaze91裸聊视频檚 story on social media; I saw a post she made in the spring about her experience trying to get a passport,91裸聊视频� said Haluschak. 91裸聊视频淚n addition to the massive bureaucratic hurdles and colonial roadblocks she described, she also mentioned she was the first person in Canada to reclaim her Indigenous name on the document. Just by reading her post online, I was shocked by what she went through and the tenacity she displayed to fight for her rights 91裸聊视频� a fight that she shouldn91裸聊视频檛 have to do.

91裸聊视频淎lso, to be the first person in the country who resides in the Valley to have her new passport through the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada Calls to Action is incredible, along with her willingness and desire to share her story.91裸聊视频�

Haluschak said she was impressed by Bilozaze91裸聊视频檚 openness and willingness to discuss the topic, when the two met for an interview.

91裸聊视频淎s I met Danita for coffee we talked about her experience with various levels of government and if sharing her story would be another layer of responsibility placed on her in order to unnecessarily educate others,91裸聊视频� said Haluschak. 91裸聊视频淗er grace, resilience, determination and willingness to not only bring about change on a federal level but to openly share her story for others to hear and learn is something not only to be admired, but to learn from and remember.91裸聊视频�

This is the second nomination for Haluschak, who was also named as a finalist in 2015 for her three-part I91裸聊视频檛ustolagalis 91裸聊视频� Rising Up, Together series, which covered the reconciliation ceremony and demolition of St. Michael91裸聊视频檚 Residential School in Alert Bay.

Haluschak said she recognizes the importance of being a voice for her community.

91裸聊视频淚 think particularly as journalists, it is imperative that we tell stories reflective of our community and amplify the voices of those around us, in a variety of ways,91裸聊视频� she said. 91裸聊视频淧articularly as a non-Indigenous journalist, I have committed to the ongoing work of learning and listening, objectively looking at the stories, power and privilege in media and to find ways to improve my interactions and storytelling in ways that are healthy and respectable to the community I am working in.91裸聊视频�

Haluschak is the only Black Press reporter named as a finalist for a Jack Webster this year.

The Webster Awards honour the best journalism in print, radio, television and online in British Columbia.