From WTIP North Shore Community Radio - June 22, 2026

The WTIP program Anishinaabe Bizindamoo Makak has received a Regional Edward R. Murrow Award for Excellence in Diversity, Equity and Inclusion. The winning episode was produced in 2025 and features Ojibwe first-speaker Nancy Jones. The program is hosted by Erik Redix and produced by Staci Drouillard as a partnership between the Grand Portage Band of Ojibwe and WTIP. Said Redix about the program:

 “Anishinaabe Bizindamoo Makak has been an important resource for the Grand Portage Band’s language revitalization efforts, as well as for Ojibwe language learners throughout the US and Canada. We have preserved conversations of first speakers of the Border Lakes dialect that future generations can refer to. We have also done innovative work by documenting first speakers talking about more modern topics in the Ojibwe language, such as building a house. In addition, because we are a bi-lingual program, all listeners can enjoy our guests' perspectives on Ojibwe history and culture.” 

 Erik Redix, photo by Chuck Olsen

 Nancy Jones, Nigigoonsiminikaaning elder and first-speaker

The RTDNA Edward R. Murrow Awards are among the most respected journalism awards in the world. Regional winners advance to the national round of the competition with National winners announced in August.

Additionally, the WTIP News Department received three, third-place awards at the Minnesota Society of Professional Journalists’ Page One award dinner on June 16, 2026. The winning features were produced by Kalli Hawkins and were won in three different categories: 

• Environmental News: Loons entangled in fishing tackle on two Gunflint Trail lakes highlight human impact

• Breaking News: Woman and dog rescued from partially submerged vehicle on Poplar Lake
• General News Reporting: After 50 years, printing of News Herald returns to Cook County with a new look

“These awards reflect the depth and diversity of stories across our region and WTIP’s commitment to reporting on the people, issues, and events that matter most to our community. I’m thankful for the opportunity to tell these stories and honored to see the work recognized,” said News Director Kalli Hawkins.                                               

WTIP North Shore Community Radio is an independent, community station that serves the North Shore of Lake Superior. To listen to the award-winning features and learn more about WTIP’s efforts, visit wtip.org.