Chris Brodeur
Chris first caught the newspaper bug while attending McGill
University where he worked as a freelance photographer for the student
newspaper from 1970 to 1972. Back in the days when Robert Mugabe was a
hero to left wing campus newspaper types, newspapering was a socially
acceptable way to comfort the afflicted and afflict the comfortable; a
good fit for Chris. After graduating Chris came North in 1972 for a
summer job on the Mackenzie River and was approached by Don Taylor, the
publisher of the TAPWE newspaper, and offered the job of assistant
editor. Chris worked there until he bought the Hay River Hub in 1975 at
the ripe old age of 27.
The Hub had been started in 1973 by Pat Engbers and had been produced with Jack Sigvaldason’s assistance for a period of time.
The Hub came with a house which was fortunate as Chris’s first child was born in March 1975. His new title: publisher, delivery driver, photographer, editor, reporter, layout man, darkroom tech, babysitter and janitor — the other two staff did everything else.
Chris embraced the community of Hay River and the newspaper business. In his 2nd year as editor and publisher he placed 2nd in a CCNA national editorial award competition and his editor came 1st several years later. He has served as a director of AWNA several times, representing our northern interests at the board level.
Chris has served the north well as a volunteer fireman, NWT legal aid representative, NWT student assistance board member, Chamber of Commerce director and president, a governor on the Arctic college board, and he has served on the St. Andrews Church vestry, to name a few of his civic accomplishments.
Chris has been active in sports organizations and started the Ptub cross-country ski races, now in their 25th year and the Great Slave marathon and road races. In 2005 he also became a board member of the Alberta Snowboarding Association.
Chris has been the publisher of the Hay River Hub from 1975 to present and says that he has enjoyed working with wonderful people and had lot of fun for the first 38 years in the newspaper business. He wishes the days were longer!