The Canadian Ethnic Journalists’ and Writers’ Club is an organization for professionals engaged in the field of print and electronic journalism and creative writing.

CEJWC upholds the principles of Canadian citizenship and multiculturalism and maintains no ethnocentric or political bias.

The emphasis of CEJWC is on the exchange of ideas rather than lobbying, although when necessary, statements are made on pressing topics to whomever they may concern such as a CRTC decision in 2000 to deny Greater Vancouver a multilingual, multicultural television station providing free over-the-air service This decision precluded job opportunities for ethnic journalists.

CEJWC operates as an independent organization, without financial support from governments.

Background

In 1978, Sierhey Khmara (Marian) Ziniak, editor/publisher of the Byelorussian Voice, poet and essayist, founded the Canadian Ethnic Journalists’ and Writers’ Club. Until that time, existing ethnic press associations were for publishers of print media only and excluded editors and reporters. Marian Ziniak believed there should be an inclusive organization for ethnic journalists who practiced in all media: print, radio and television. He also felt that there should be a place in the Club for men and women writers of poetry, non-fiction and fiction.

Shortly after it’s founding, the Board of Directors of CEJWC decided to create an annual awards program. Each spring, the club presents awards to journalists for excellence in their field, and the competition is open to all journalists—in any language—whether or not they are members of the Club. In addition, the Sierhey Khmara Ziniak Award, in honour of the founder, goes to a single person based on a body of work celebrating Canada’s diversity