Ian Stewart

Ian Stewart is quite literally a survivor. While working as a correspondent for the Associated Press more than ten years ago Stewart was shot in the head by a child soldier armed with a Kalashnikov assault rifle on the war torn streets of Freetown, Sierra Leone. Severe brain damage left him unable to walk, speak or write. The injury reduced him to infancy. After years of rehab and counseling he has, however, reclaimed a life despite permanent disabilities, emotional scars and a seizure disorder.

During his 7-year career as a war correspondent and Bureau Chief for the AP and UPI Stewart travelled and worked in more than 40 countries and covered 7 conflicts in Asia, the Middle East and Africa. His injury redefined not only his career, but also his outlook on the value of life. In the weeks and months after his shooting, Stewart was diagnosed with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), depression and survivor guilt. He has overcome all these d challenges to resume a healthy, normal life with a newfound mantra that professes acceptance and reconciliation. Although no longer a journalist, Stewart has maintained his reporters inquisitiveness and a passion for writing. He is the author of Ambushed: A War Reporters Life on the Line and a film adaptation of that best-selling memoir. He has also written many newspaper and magazine editorials and articles. Stewart has dedicated his life to understanding the historical origins of conflict and employing that insight toward conflict prevention and resolution. He is a PhD candidate from the University of Michigan working on a dissertation focused on the wars in Sierra Leone and Liberia and the victimization of children in those conflicts. A sought after commentator on journalism, Africa, post-Cold War violence and his strategies for rebuilding from a life-altering tragedy. Stewart has appeared on the Oprah Winfrey Show, PrimeTime Thursday, CNN, National Public Radio, BBC Worldwide radio service and most major news outlets in his native Canada; he has also been interviewed for many publications and Web sites, including the New York Times, Toronto Star, the Globe and Mail, Village Voice, San Francisco Chronicle, Newshour.org, iVillage.com, Salon.com and Brills Content. He has lectured at universities, conventions, conferences, historical societies and other venues in the United States and abroad. With a diverse range of life and professional experience, Stewart offers intuitive and inspirational insight on a range of topics including:

His own compelling story of survival and recovery. War on the front lines through a reporters lens. The role of the media in contemporary society. Africa in the post-Cold War era. Contemporary forms of slavery and exploitation, including child soldiery and diamond-mining. Insight into a traumatic brain injury (TBI) and the ramifications for survivors and their loved-ones. Life with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).