About Us

The Canada Nepal Journalist Association (CNJA) is an organization established in 2022 that brings together, journalists from Canada and Nepal. It serves as a platform for Nepalese journalists working in both countries and those aspiring to contribute to Nepali journalism from Canada. The primary goal of CNJA is to highlight the development, advancement, and progress of Canada as well as the experiences and contributions of the Nepali community in Canada.

This includes the community’s role in Canada’s federation sectors, community’s impact on Canada’s economic, political, and social landscape. Additionally, CNJA aims to promote awareness of Nepal’s economic, social /political situation and to highlight its tourist attractions, encouraging foreign tourists to explore Nepal’s unique destinations.

How was CNJA formed?

The Canada Nepal Journalist Association (CNJA) was formed in response to the growing number of journalists and media workers of Nepali origin in Canada. After various informal gatherings and discussions aimed at uniting these individuals on a single platform, the first official gathering took place on Saturday, July 16, 2022, in Nepal, with simultaneous participation through a Zoom meeting in Canada. This gathering marked the establishment of CNJA, bringing together journalists from both countries under one umbrella. Following the meeting’s decision, CNJA was formally registered in 2022 with the District Administration Office Chitwan and Social Welfare Council in Kathmandu Nepal, as well as under the Ontario Not-for-Profit Corporations Act (CNJA) in Canada 2025.

Membership Procedure

Membership in the Canada Nepal Journalist Association (CNJA) is open to:

• Journalists and media workers of Nepali origin working in various media outlets in Canada.
• Teachers and students involved in journalism education in Canada who support the values of freedom of the press and align with CNJA’s principles.
• Journalists based in Nepal who cover international news and contribute to various media outlets in Canada, provided they adhere to CNJA’s rules and objectives.

Executive Committee Formation

CNJA is dedicated to fostering and developing communication networks between journalists and communities of Nepalese origin in both Canada and Nepal. Serving as a collaborative platform for journalists from both countries, CNJA plays a crucial role in connecting the Nepali community in Canada with its cultural and social roots.

CNJA holds a general meeting every year. Every three years, a convention is organized, during which a working committee of 9 to 15 members is elected according to the federation’s constitution and regulations.

Vision

CNJA envisions empowering journalists and promoting Nepali journalism in collaboration with the Nepali community and stakeholders in Canada’s arts and culture sectors. By fostering unity between journalists in Canada and Nepal, CNJA aims to strengthen Nepali journalism, making it a valuable asset to society. The organization also seeks to represent the voice of Nepali in Canada, working to create harmonious relations between Nepal and Canada to build a prosperous Nepali society.

Mission

CNJA’s mission is to protect, promote, and support Nepalese  journalists in Canada by building a robust communication network among journalists, media workers and media organizations.

Objectives

CNJA’s General objectives are to develop and enhance communication networks between Nepalese journalists and communities in both Canada and Nepal. Serving as a joint platform for journalists from both countries, CNJA aims to integrate the Nepalese community into the mainstream of Canadian society, ensuring their voices are heard and their contributions recognized.

Specific objectives:

1. Promotion of Nepali Journalism and Culture: To promote Nepali journalists and media workers in Canada and Nepal by exploring and understanding various aspects of Nepali journalism, art, literature, culture, sports, economy, trade, industries, politics, tourism, health, education and the diverse lifestyles of Nepal and Canada.
2. Advocacy for Independent Press: To advocate for the global recognition of independent press and professional journalism.
3. Protection of Journalists’ Rights: To promote, protect and develop the rights of journalists while supporting impartial journalism.
4. Ensuring Freedoms: To ensure press freedom, human rights, personal freedom, and freedom of expression by collaborating with communities, organizations and media outlets that share similar goals.
5. Educational Initiatives: To conduct discussions, debates, seminars, and meetings in coordination with various communities and social organizations.
6. Cultural Programs and Awards: To organize cultural programs, and provide awards, prizes, fellowships, and internships in collaboration with individuals, companies and  governmental/non-governmental organizations.
7. Media Engagement: To actively engage in bulletins, newspapers, radio, TV, news websites, and various publications to promote and highlight the journalism, art, culture and history of Nepali ethnicity and origin.
8. Networking and Representation: To join and represent various journalist associations, participating in their programs to gain national and international recognition.
9. Workshops and Trainings: To organize workshops and training sessions in Canada and Nepal on the sectors of  journalism, art, literature, culture, sports, economy, trade, industries, politics, tourism, health, education and the diverse lifestyles to promote skills, learning and exchanging experiences, addressing common challenges between two countries.

Major Achievements

1. Awards and Recognition: In collaboration with the Federation of Nepali Journalists (FNJ Nepal) and various media houses, CNJA has successfully awarded journalists working in Nepal and Canada, as well as individuals who have excelled in various fields. These awards and prizes are given annually, recognizing outstanding contributions to journalism and other sectors.
2. Specialized Awards: CNJA has established various awards to honor journalists and media workers who contribute to the Nepali Canadian community through their reporting, further encouraging excellence in journalism.
3. Community Engagement: CNJA has actively participated in and organized numerous public debates, discussions and interaction programs in collaboration with the Non-Resident Nepali Association (NRNA) and other community organizations. These events, including blood donation drives, cleanliness campaigns, sports competitions, seminars and symposiums, have strengthened ties within the Nepali community based across different cities.
4. Collaboration with Organizations: CNJA has fostered strong relationships with local, national, and international organizations, as well as with government agencies and stakeholders, ensuring effective coordination and cooperation on various initiatives.
5. Media and Community Cooperation: The association has facilitated communication and cooperation among various communities, media houses, journalists, media workers, media organizations, enhancing the network and support system within the Nepali journalism community.
6. Support in Times of Need: CNJA has provided assistance and coordination in cases of death, illness or other challenges faced by journalists or media personnel, ensuring that members receive necessary support during difficult times.
7. Education and Health : The Canada Nepal Journalists Association (CNJA) plans to collaborate with various social organizations to provide support in the fields of education and health.
8. Regular Meetings and Conventions: The organization has consistently held its annual general meetings and conventions, maintaining a strong governance structure and ensuring active participation from its members.

The Executive Committee 2026-2029

1. President: Shishir Simkhada
2. Executive Director: Gokarna Lamichhane 
3. Executive Director: Kamal Gnawali
4. Executive Director: Sharad Chandra Sapkota
5. Executive Director: Dhruba Mani Poudel
6. Executive Director: Narayan Parajuli
7. Executive Director: Subash Khanal
8. Executive Director: Rabi Regmi
9. Executive Director: Kabi Raj Giri
10. Advisory Coordinator: Ghanshyam Bhattarai
11. Legal Advisor: Keshab Dahal
12. Advisor: Dhruba Bhattarai