Native Public Media Celebrates 40 Under 40 Honoree and Advocates for Missing and Endangered Indigenous Persons at RES 2025
by Ellery Charley
Las Vegas, NV—Native Public Media (NPM) proudly participated in the Reservation Economic Summit (RES) 2025, hosted by the National Center for American Indian Enterprise Development (NCAIED). This premier event brought together Tribal leaders, entrepreneurs, and advocates to drive economic and cultural prosperity across Indian Country. As part of its ongoing mission to amplify Indigenous voices, NPM used the summit to highlight its core programs and celebrate a remarkable achievement within its leadership.
Brian Wadsworth, Chief Operating Officer of Native Public Media, was honored with the prestigious NCAIED 40 Under 40 Award, recognizing emerging Native leaders who demonstrate excellence, innovation, and a deep commitment to their communities. Wadsworth’s leadership has been instrumental in advancing NPM’s strategic initiatives, fostering partnerships, and strengthening Tribal media’s role in economic development.
“This award is an incredible honor, not just for me but for my Numa people,” said Wadsworth. “Being recognized among such outstanding Indigenous leaders is humbling, and I look forward to continuing the work of empowering Tribal communities through media and advocacy.”
Wadsworth’s recognition underscores Native Public Media’s commitment to excellence and critical role in ensuring Tribal media remains a powerful force for change. By elevating Indigenous voices and addressing the most pressing issues in Indian Country, NPM continues to drive impact extending far beyond broadcast airwaves.
“The 2025 class of Native American 40 Under 40 awardees reflects the depth of talent, dedication, and leadership within our communities,” said Lillian Sparks Robinson, Vice Chair of the National Center’s Board of Directors. “These individuals are shaping the future of Indian Country and setting a powerful example for generations to come.”
At RES 2025, NPM spotlighted its Missing and Endangered Persons (MEP) Alert Code, set to launch nationwide on radio and television in September 2025. Developed with the support of the National Congress of American Indians (NCAI) and unanimously approved by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) in August 2024, the MEP Alert is a groundbreaking initiative designed to rapidly disseminate information about missing and endangered adults and minors, particularly in Tribal communities where delays in response times are common.
The recent case of Emily Pike, the latest Missing and Murdered Indigenous Relatives (MMIR) victim in Arizona, underscores this initiative. Pike’s story is a tragic reminder of the epidemic of missing Indigenous persons and the critical need for real-time emergency communication tools like the MEP Alert.
“This is the most important booth here—this is what our people need,” remarked one RES attendee, reflecting the overwhelming support NPM received at the summit. Many visitors emphasized the need to expand the MEP Alert beyond U.S. borders, extending its life-saving capabilities to First Nations communities in Canada.
The MEP Alert represents more than a technological advancement; it is a lifeline for families in crisis and a vital step toward justice, safety, and equity. By amplifying awareness at RES 2025, NPM reinforced the importance of nationwide and cross-border collaboration to combat the MMIR crisis effectively.
In addition to its advocacy efforts, NPM showcased its Broadcast Service Program (BSP), which provides Tribal licensed stations with essential resources and technical assistance in revenue generation. NPM is a one-stop shop for buyers to purchase airtime over sixty stations across Indian Country. Ensuring that Indigenous broadcasters remain competitive and sustainable as media landscapes evolve is paramount to preserving Native voices and stories.
The impact of Native Public Media’s work reflects the organization’s unwavering dedication to Indian Country, from recognizing excellence in leadership to championing urgent public safety initiatives. The connections made, and awareness raised at RES 2025 will serve as a foundation for continued growth, ensuring that Tribal media remains a beacon of empowerment, safety, and resilience for generations to come.
About Native Public Media
Native Public Media is a national organization to empowering Tribal communities through media policy, capacity building, and innovative solutions that support Indigenous voices and sovereignty. Learn more at www.nativepublicmedia.org