Sometimes it seems like only yesterday that I met Alex Roslin for the first time. We were just starting up the Nation in those days. Our first issue hadn’t even come out. It was the classic start-up that you’re always warned about by people. No business plan, no grants, just a borrowed computer and a thousand dollar ad to spur us on. It was at that time that one of our friends mentioned they knew someone who was available and best of all would cost us nothing. We looked at Alex’s credentials and they were just what we were looking for, an experienced news editor who knew how to do lay-out. Ernie and I had news experience but not in print media, so Alex was a godsend.

Through the years Alex taught us about writing the news rather than talking the news. One of the earliest comments I remember him making was how he felt about being a part of the Nation. He said that he felt he was making a difference in the world, something he hadn’t felt that much in mainstream media. He knew that he was reporting on things that mattered to the people reading the Nation. We all knew what he meant. We felt it too. As an independent news magazine we matter to the Cree communities we serve.

The Nation was and is a collection of people with varied talents. Alex added to that and freely helped us master his talents for the better of all.

Now Alex is moving on to other things in life. I was a little surprised when he told us he would be leaving, but I and others respect his wishes and wish him the best. It will be hard adjusting in some ways, but the lessons that we have learnt from his journalistic professionalism will make it easier than it would have been in the past. While Alex will not be working with us full-time he has agreed to do the occasional free-lance article, so he’ll be showing up every now and again. He has told me that he has enjoyed meeting the Cree and being a part of the Cree world.

I know we, at the Nation, have certainly enjoyed the years he has spent with us. Alex has been more than a co-worker, he has been a true friend.

We all thank Alex for the years that he has spent with us, and for his dedication to reporting the facts to the Crees.