Merritt Herald Acquired by Indigenous-Owned K'en T'em Limited Partnership

K'en T'em Limited Partnership, a 100% Indigenous-owned company, has purchased the Merritt Herald from Glacier Media. The paper, founded in 1905, will continue to serve the Nicola Valley community while opening doors for inclusive, locally grounded journalism. The acquisition reflects a broader shift towards Indigenous leadership in media and the meaningful partnerships that make it possible.

The Merritt Herald, a longstanding newspaper in the Nicola Valley, has entered a new chapter under Indigenous ownership. K'en T'em Limited Partnership, a 100% Indigenous-owned company, has acquired the paper from Glacier Media, marking a significant milestone in both the paper's history and the broader movement toward Indigenous leadership in Canadian media [1].

The acquisition was guided by a shared vision between K'en T'em and Glacier Media, focusing on continuity, collaboration, and long-term community benefit. K'en T'em Limited Partnership is the economic development arm of the Citxw Nlaka’pamux Assembly (CNA), which represents eight Nlaka’pamux communities in the region [1].

Nicole Johnny, acting general manager of K'en T'em and Executive Director of CNA, expressed excitement about the opportunity to support local journalism in a way that reflects the region and its people. The company aims to grow the Merritt Herald sustainably and collaboratively, creating space for new ideas and shared success [1].

The Merritt Herald, founded in 1905, will continue to serve the community while opening new doors for inclusive, locally grounded journalism. The acquisition reflects a broader shift toward Indigenous leadership in media and the meaningful partnerships that make it possible [1].

Day-to-day operations at the Herald will remain the same, with a new joint committee made up of K'en T'em and Herald staff guiding collaboration and identifying opportunities to strengthen the paper's role in the region [1].

This acquisition is not just about business; it is about visibility and ensuring that the voices of the nłeʔképmx people are part of the conversation and the future of the region. Chief Lindsay Tighe of Shackan, director on the K'en T'em Board, noted that this partnership can create space for stories that reflect the community's unique identity [1].

References:
[1] https://www.merrittherald.com/merritt-herald-marks-new-chapter-under-indigenous-ownership-by-ken-tem/