Indigenous Media Conference: Empowering Voices and Shaping Narratives

By Kyler Edsitty

[Oklahoma, OK, July 30, 2024] – In a vibrant celebration of culture, reporting, and storytelling, the Indigenous Journalists Association (IJA) hosted the first annual Indigenous Media Conference, drawing over 400 journalists, media professionals, and advocates from across the globe. This year's theme, "Guiding Indigenous Voices," emphasized Indigenous journalists' crucial role in transforming media landscapes and amplifying diverse perspectives.

From July 25 - 27, the conference featured a dynamic roster of speakers, workshops, and panels to foster collaboration and skill-building among Indigenous media professionals. Highlights included keynote addresses from prominent figures such as Oklahoma City Mayor David Holt and Osage News Editor Shannon Shaw Duty.

One notable panel, "Matriarchs in Media," explored the increase of Indigenous women in newsroom leadership roles across the United States and Canada. IJA Board Vice President and Indian Country Today Executive Editor Jourdan Bennett-Begaye highlighted women while providing invaluable advice to young women starting their journalism careers.

“I’m glad I hosted this panel because it was meant for younger people who wonder if management or leading a newsroom is in their future,” said Bennett-Begaye. “I wish somebody had those conversations with me because you get a sense of the success and challenges that come with that responsibility. Attendees said they loved the energy and felt empowered.”  

Bennett-Begaye also serves as the Director of the Indigenous Journalism Fellowship. The fellowship is for aspiring Indigenous journalists who wish to deepen and harness their reporting and media skills while learning from Tribal journalists and professionals across the United States. Fellows work one-on-one with mentors to develop content while completing six weeks of virtual curriculum. Fellows also attended the conference to widen their network

“We bring the students here to network with other folks because they need jobs, internships, and fellowships,” Bennett-Begaye said. “We show them there is a community here to uplift them, give them a way to feel supported, and give them a nudge to network because it can be intimidating. The fellows loved the experience, and we received gratitude and great feedback.”  

Indigenous journalists' achievements were also honored. Mary Hudetz received the Richard LaCourse Award for Investigative Journalism, and Brandi Morin received the Tim Giago Free Press Award.

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