Utoo Radio - Eagle Feather News is ceasing to publish its newspaper after 27 years in operation.

The announcement follows Editor-in-Chief Kerry Benjoe's statement that their revenue from ad sales has been steadily declining since the Online News Act was introduced in June 2023.

"We worked for the duration that we could. We released the December paper, but upon reviewing our finances, we realized that it was not financially viable and that we were unable to proceed," she clarified.

The outlet's financial difficulties prevented it from printing a copy in January or February.

"It was probably one of the hardest things I've had to do because I had to come to the realization that, you know, maybe we wouldn't be able to survive this," Benjoe said. "I wrote an editorial just explaining where we are at."

According to a professor at the First Nations University of Canada, this break is significant for everyone, not just the Indigenous population.

It seems a little like you've finally been seated at the table and they're burning down the restaurant when you consider Eagle Feather News taking a break. Merelda Fiddler-Potter, an assistant professor at the First Nations University of Canada, stated, "I think we just need the people to see. Media seems to find a way.

While Eagle Feather News is not going away, it is still in need of further funding.

"This is a big deal, and hopefully some advertisers out there recognize the value in a publication like Eagle Feather News," Fiddler-Potter said.

The publication will keep the community informed about Eagle Feather News's future status even though it is uncertain how long it will be on hiatus.