Remembering Rosalynn Carter: A Legacy of Compassion and Change

The late Rosalynn Carter and journalism mentor David Bjerklie after a presentation on mental health journalism at the Carter Center and the Rosalynn Carter Fellowship for Mental Health Journalism.
The late Rosalynn Carter and journalism mentor David Bjerklie after a presentation on mental health journalism at the Carter Center and the Rosalynn Carter Fellowship for Mental Health Journalism.

On November 19, 2023, the world lost a deeply impactful leader, Rosalynn Carter. As a pioneering advocate for mental health, a champion for the rights of marginalized communities, and a tireless advocate for social justice, Mrs. Carter’s work transcended political lines and left a lasting mark on countless lives, including those of us from the Arviat Film Society. Today, as we reflect on her extraordinary legacy, we want to honor her memory and the profound impact she had on our journey, particularly through the Rosalynn Carter Fellowship for Mental Health Journalism.

In 2016, our community in Nunavut was given a unique and transformative opportunity through the Rosalynn Carter Fellowship. The Fellowship was created to support journalists and storytellers who focused on mental health issues, helping them raise awareness and shift public perceptions about mental illness. When our former Arviat Film Society was able to learn about the Carter Center and the work of our good friend David Bjerklie, a fellow from the program, we embarked on a journey that would forever change our community.

This year's Journalism, Oral History and Storytelling program builds on experiences supported by the Rosalynn Carter Fellowship for Mental Health Journalism and the Arviat Film Society.
In 2016, we were honoured to be able to work with David Bjerklie from the Rosalynn Carter Fellowship for Mental Health Journalism.

At that time, our youth in the Arctic were grappling with immense challenges. Nunavut had some of the highest suicide rates in the world, a crisis that cast a long shadow over our lives. But through the Fellowship, we found hope – key theme across many of our projects. The Carter Center’s support allowed us to shift the narrative, turning our focus from tragedy to empowerment. Mrs. Carter’s vision in creating the fellowship helped shape our space for our youth to use their voices and creativity to speak out on mental health issues, sharing stories of resilience, strength, and healing.

In the years since, the impacts of the Fellowship have been nothing short of transformative. The opportunity allowed our youth to engage in media arts, filmmaking, and journalism in new ways, focusing on local mental health issues that are often overlooked. We even wound up with an awesome feature in TIME. Through the Fellowship’s support, our young people were not just telling stories—they were able to reclaim their own narratives, amplify local knowledge, and share their lived experiences with the world. They found power in storytelling, and the ripple effect of that power will be felt across generations.

The late Rosalynn Carter and journalism mentor David Bjerklie after a presentation on mental health journalism at the Carter Center and the Rosalynn Carter Fellowship for Mental Health Journalism.
The late Rosalynn Carter and journalism mentor David Bjerklie after a presentation on mental health journalism at the Carter Center and the Rosalynn Carter Fellowship for Mental Health Journalism.

One of the most powerful moments during our partnership with the Carter Center came when Mrs. Carter personally met with our mentor, David Bjerklie. She called the work of the Arviat Film Society, which had been part of that special project, “enthralling.” Her words were a validation of the hard work and dedication that our youth had poured into their projects, but more importantly, they were a reminder of the importance of kindness, compassion, and the deep connection between mental health and the stories we tell.

The Fellowship’s focus on mental health journalism was deeply aligned with Mrs. Carter’s lifelong commitment to breaking the silence surrounding mental illness. For decades, she worked to remove the stigma, advocating for better access to care, and supporting those struggling with mental health challenges. Her tireless efforts helped lay the groundwork for the field of mental health journalism, where stories can bridge the gap between suffering and healing, between isolation and connection.

We spent many hours of conversation with our mentor, David Bjerklie talking about traditional knowledge, film and television, and media arts.
We spent many hours of conversation with our mentor, David Bjerklie talking about traditional knowledge, film and television, and media arts.

Her passing is a monumental loss, but her spirit lives on in the countless lives she touched and the lasting change she brought about. The Rosalynn Carter Fellowship continues to be a beacon of hope for many, providing opportunities for journalists to shed light on the darkest corners of mental health, and to build communities of care and understanding.

Exploring the power of journalism and storytelling with the Arviat Film Society.

For us, the experience learning from the Fellowship became more than just a program we learned from. It was a catalyst for change that allowed us to take control of our stories and be the change we wish to see in the world. Mrs. Carter’s legacy will continue to inspire us every day as we continue the work she so generously supported.

As we honor her memory, we send our condolences and deepest thanks to the Carter Center, Mr. Carter and the Carter family. Mrs. Carter’s work has shaped our community and us and will continue to shape future generations of storytellers, artists, and advocates for change. We are forever grateful for her kindness, her vision, and her commitment to making the world a better, more compassionate place for all.

Rest in peace, Mrs. Carter. Your legacy lives on in all of us who continue the work of kindness, storytelling, and mental health advocacy.

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