Dave’s contribution to the TruNorth Naturals’ team will go beyond his keen eye for photography and well-honed story-telling skills. As well as offering a mature approach to teamwork, he brings 40 year’s of journalism and media business experience to the table – most of which was gained in Northern Ontario and North Bay.

His specialities and interests include Indigenous affairs, environmental issues, cross-cultural learning and natural food trends. Areas of experience include podcast and content development, capacity planning, political analysis and community networking.

“I’ve always embraced challenges and opportunities for growth. My instinct is to say ‘yes’ when the universe brings me a choice – it’s an attitude toward career-building that’s paid off in spades.”

The most unique section of his resume is a seven-year stretch as the non-Indigenous managing editor of the Anishinabek News 1993 to 2000, a monthly tabloid published by the Union of Ontario Indians. By the end of his tenure (which involved visiting most of the 43 member First Nations stretching from Thunder Bay to Sarnia to Ottawa), he had gained priceless knowledge regarding treaty law, governmental relations, economic development planning and community engagement strategies.

He also worked in Kapuskasing, Ontario 1990 to 1992, when the Spruce Falls Paper Company was purchased by the employees to avoid the collapse of a one-horse community dependent on forestry.

If you want to learn more, see Dave Dale’s Small Town Times YouTube channel, his website at www.smalltowntimes.ca or peruse the Echo Essentials podcasts at www.northbayecho.ca between September 2023 to August 2025.