Native American Journalists Association

Native American Journalists Association is a professional organization that aims to support and promote Native American journalists, as well as to improve the coverage of Native American communities by the media. The organization was founded in 1983 by a group of Native American journalists, including Wilma Mankiller, Vine Deloria Jr., and Tim Giago. The association is headquartered in Norman, Oklahoma, and has members from various Native American tribes, including the Navajo Nation, Cherokee Nation, and Seminole Tribe of Florida. The organization works closely with other media organizations, such as the Society of Professional Journalists, National Association of Black Journalists, and National Association of Hispanic Journalists.

● History

The organization was established in 1983, with the goal of promoting diversity and inclusion in the media industry, and to provide a platform for Native American journalists to share their stories and perspectives. The association's early years were marked by the leadership of prominent Native American journalists, such as Tim Giago, who served as the organization's first president, and Wilma Mankiller, who was a founding member and later became the principal chief of the Cherokee Nation. The organization has also been supported by other notable Native American leaders, including Suzan Shown Harjo, Vine Deloria Jr., and Dennis Banks. Over the years, the association has worked with various media outlets, including Indian Country Today, Native American Times, and The Navajo Times, to promote accurate and nuanced coverage of Native American communities.

● Mission_and_Objectives

The organization's mission is to support and promote Native American journalists, and to improve the coverage of Native American communities by the media. The association's objectives include increasing the number of Native American journalists in the media industry, providing training and professional development opportunities for its members, and promoting diversity and inclusion in newsrooms across the country. The organization also works to address issues related to media representation, stereotyping, and cultural sensitivity, and has partnered with organizations such as the Poynter Institute, Investigative Reporters and Editors, and The New York Times to achieve its goals. The association's members have also been recognized for their work, including Sarah Kendzior, who was a finalist for the Pulitzer Prize, and Glenn Greenwald, who was a key figure in the Edward Snowden story.

● Membership_and_Chapters

The organization has members from various Native American tribes, including the Navajo Nation, Cherokee Nation, and Seminole Tribe of Florida. The association also has chapters in several states, including Oklahoma, Arizona, and New Mexico, and has partnered with universities such as University of Oklahoma, University of Arizona, and University of New Mexico to promote journalism education and training. The organization's members include journalists working in various media outlets, including print journalism, broadcast journalism, and online journalism, and have worked with notable media organizations such as CNN, NBC News, and The Washington Post. The association also provides opportunities for its members to network and share their experiences, and has hosted events featuring prominent Native American journalists, such as Nicholas Kristof, Sarah Kendzior, and Glenn Greenwald.

● Awards_and_Recognition

The organization presents several awards to recognize excellence in Native American journalism, including the Richard LaCourse Award and the Lisa Ellwood Award. The association also recognizes outstanding Native American journalists with its NAJA Media Awards, which honor journalists who have made significant contributions to the field of Native American journalism. The organization's members have also been recognized for their work, including Tim Giago, who was awarded the Elijah Parish Lovejoy Award, and Wilma Mankiller, who was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom. The association has also partnered with organizations such as the Society of Professional Journalists, National Association of Black Journalists, and National Association of Hispanic Journalists to promote diversity and inclusion in the media industry.

● Conferences_and_Training

The organization hosts an annual conference, which brings together Native American journalists and media professionals to discuss issues related to Native American journalism and to provide training and professional development opportunities. The association also offers workshops and training sessions throughout the year, which cover topics such as investigative journalism, data journalism, and social media journalism. The organization has partnered with universities such as University of Oklahoma, University of Arizona, and University of New Mexico to provide journalism education and training, and has worked with notable media organizations such as The New York Times, The Washington Post, and NPR to promote excellence in Native American journalism. The association's conferences have featured prominent Native American journalists, such as Sarah Kendzior, Glenn Greenwald, and Nicholas Kristof, and have provided opportunities for its members to network and share their experiences.

● Advocacy_and_Initiatives

The organization advocates for issues related to Native American journalism, including media representation, stereotyping, and cultural sensitivity. The association has worked with organizations such as the Federal Communications Commission, National Congress of American Indians, and Native American Rights Fund to promote diversity and inclusion in the media industry. The organization has also launched initiatives to support Native American journalists, including its NAJA Fellowship Program, which provides funding and training for Native American journalists to pursue investigative reporting projects. The association has also partnered with organizations such as the Poynter Institute, Investigative Reporters and Editors, and The New York Times to promote excellence in Native American journalism, and has worked with notable Native American leaders, including Suzan Shown Harjo, Vine Deloria Jr., and Dennis Banks, to promote accurate and nuanced coverage of Native American communities. The organization's advocacy efforts have also been recognized by organizations such as the Society of Professional Journalists, National Association of Black Journalists, and National Association of Hispanic Journalists.

Category:Journalism organizations