How To Do a Profile Interview? Herald Cook

Regardless of the profile subject, it is important for the reader to understand the twist and turns and intricacies of human life." Walter Dawson,

Decisive movements or turning points.
What is the main idea of this profile? Why is this person newsworthy? Wht are you writing about this person now?


Since the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC)published its report in 2015 regarding the investigations of the crimes perpetrated in Indian Residential Schools in Canada, the Canadian public is anxious to know how they can be part of the "Reconciliation Process." Despite the official apology from Prime minister Harper and Vatican Church, the Canadian public is still largely unaware of what happened inside the Residential school and the stereotypes about the native population still prevail. TRC is trying hard to promote the awareness and collaborates with various institutions to initiate discussions in the masses.

Last week, Edmonton Public library organized an event where two of the TRC's Co-Chairs ie Dr. Marie Wilson and Wilton Little Child spoke to the public and answered their questions.   Some of the survivors were also there and spoke about their experiences informally during question-answer segment.

One of the survivors was Harold Cook, a victim of two sexual Assault at Grollier Hall Indian Residential School at Inuvik in North Western Territory who later became part of Canadian Cross Country Ski team and also worked with RCMP as a victim's advocate.

I want to do a profile of Cook as his life reveals many aspects of the Residential School victim and a special perspective of Reconciliation i.e. "the right to be believed." He says the supreme court hearing and the conviction of the abuser give him solace "that after 35 years someone in authority believed me."

My focus would be on what is the reconciliation for the actual victims and how do they feel.

. He says he carried the shame of the assault with him for about thirty-five years when finally he summoned the courage to speak against the crime in 2004. For him reconciliation is actually Right to be believed. As a child, he informed the Father and a nun at his school and both of them refused to believe his victimization.

Cook was later selected in Cross-country National Ski team. He also played Ice hockey and was offered by a private Hockey team in Sweden. He left University and moved to Sweden for four years. His story tells us the strength of character. He was healed by an indigenous healer. He left drinking and have been living a sober life since tehn.




Why is the person newsworthy?
What will be the focus of your profile?
What has this person done that would be interesting to readers?
Has this person received an award? started a new program? done something special? has he achieved an unusual accomplishment?
Have a backup plan for another interview. In case he cancels at some stage.

Background Research Before Interview

Check the internet / Social media sites
Get a Photo
Ask for a Resume

Ask co-worker, friends, relatives about that person.