Author

Justin Brake

Justin Brake (settler, he/him) is a reporter and editor at The Independent, a role in which he previously served from 2012 to 2017. In recent years, he has worked as a contributing editor at The Breach and as a reporter and executive producer with APTN News. Justin was born in Gander and raised in Saskatchewan and Ontario. He returned home in 2007 to study at Memorial University and now lives with his partner and children in Benoit’s Cove, Bay of Islands. In addition to the channels below, you can also follow Justin on BlueSky.

Justin's Latest Articles

Toward reconciliation in Newfoundland and Labrador

Amelia Reimer, one of the province's most vocal advocates for Indigenous rights, fields questions about missing and murdered Indigenous women, residential schools, and the path toward reconciliation in N.L.

Support growing for fossil fuel divestment at MUN

Divest MUN says decision by university's Board of Regents to strike an advisory committee to study the question of fossil fuel divestment is a "positive sign".

Under Trudeau, Canada’s support for Israel still unwavering

A recent vote in Parliament to condemn support for the boycott, divestment and sanctions movement against Israel reveals Canada's new Liberal government is fundamentally aligned with Stephen Harper and the Tories on Israel and Palestine, say critics.

Skating club backs away from offensive costumes

Following concerns from members of the Mi'kmaq community, the Stephenville Figure Skating Club says it will not outfit its young skaters in costumes depicting Indigenous people and members of other marginalized groups. But the club has not acknowledge any problems with images shared in its Facebook group.

Working toward “ecological conversion”

MUN professor takes aim at consumer capitalism for its role in the ecological and climate crises, draws inspiration from Pope Francis in leading a local initiative to start "a new conversation" about ecology and sustainability.

“It’s opening up knowledge about our past”: Mi’kmaw Chief

Stephen Augustine, a Hereditary Chief on the Mi'kmaq Grand Council, says a new free online course he is teaching from Cape Breton University about Mi'kmaq history and culture presents an important opportunity for those exploring their Mi'kmaq heritage and identity.

More protests planned as City responds to budget backlash

City of St. John's finance committee chair says council will consider taking grant money from other sectors to reinstate its arts investment, but residents say that's not good enough.

10 gifts a’giving

Here are 10 last-minute gift ideas that will make our province a better place.

The State of the Arts: Fight or Flight?

The City of St. John’s recent handling of a public art installation and council’s arbitrary budget cuts to arts funding have spurred major resistance from artists in Canada’s most colourful and creative city. Some say decision-makers' disregard for the arts could prompt artists to leave Newfoundland altogether.

“Refugees Welcome”

People in St. John's rally in support of refugees, against racism and bigotry.