Hello, I’m Meral.

I’m a journalist in Nunavut via Ottawa. Originally South Asian from the United Arab Emirates, I’m an independent journalist based in Iqaluit, where I write news and feature stories from Inuit and Indigenous communities across Canada’s North.

I’ve covered local, national, and international news for various Canadian publications. In Canada, my work's been featured in The Globe and Mail, CBC North, Canadian Geographic, Briarpatch, Broadview and other publications. I’ve also written for international publications including Undark, The Guardian, Al Jazeera and The Weather Network.

I’ve been a frequent (and the youngest) guest on the Unexpected Elements podcast by the BBC, where I’ve shared stories about local conservation initiatives, the significance of Nunavut Day and the history of territory as it moves towards devolution in 2027, among others.

Most recently, I’ve reported on Indigenous law in relation to energy, resource extraction, climate action and stewardship with IndigiNews. As well, on climate change in Canada’s North through the Persephone Miel fellowship with the Pulitzer Center on Crisis Reporting.

I’m passionate about producing journalism that is grounded in community, that dives deep and sees wide. I want to share stories that are respectful, responsible, rooted in reconciliation and reflect the resilience of diverse communities back to themselves.

I’m a graduate of the School of Journalism at Carleton University (Class of 2021), holding a bachelor of journalism (honours) with a minor in history.