Event: Share Your Story: Communicate effectively with journalists
Date: Saturday, April 20
Time: 10:00 - 5:00
Location: American Indian Community House (275 Madison Ave #2014, New York, NY 10016)
Indigenous leaders and grassroots organizers have important stories to tell, but many are not accustomed to working with journalists and media. This contributes to Indigenous peoples, issues, and the UNPFII not getting the media attention they deserve. To address this gap, the Indigenous Journalists Association (IJA), Grist and CCUNESCO are co-producing a media training program for Indigenous leaders.
Over the course of one full day, participants will learn how to hone and craft their messages; learn storytelling techniques and tools, like developing metaphors or compelling examples; and understand the story components journalists want and how to communicate them effectively to journalists and media. Participants will develop relationships with Indigenous journalists from a variety of media outlets across the U.S., and Canada.
This training is limited to 20 people due to it being a hands-on experience and will be led in English. Lunch and snacks will be provided.
Facilitator/Trainers:
- Tristan Ahtone (Kiowa), Editor at Large, Grist, Facilitator
- Graham Lee Brewer (Cherokee), National reporter, race and ethnicity, Associated Press
- Joseph Lee (Aquinnah Wampanoag), Author and Adjunct Instructor, Mercy College
- Angel Moore (Swampy Cree, Peguis First Nation), Video Journalist, APTN News
- Zoya Tierstein, Staff Writer, Grist
Email Francine Compton at fcompton@naja.com with any questions.
About the Indigenous Journalists Association
The Indigenous Journalists Association’s mission is centered on the idea that accurate and contextual reporting about Indigenous people and communities is necessary to overcome biases and stereotypes portrayed in popular and mainstream media. Expanding access to accurate news and information is essential to an informed citizenry and healthy democracy, across tribal, local, state and national levels.
For more than 40 years, Indigenous journalists across the United States and Canada have worked to support and sustain IJA. Originally formed as the Native American Press Association in 1983, the organization has grown from a handful of reporters to a powerful network of members which includes Indigenous journalists, associates, educators and partners.
About Grist
Grist is a nonprofit, independent media organization dedicated to telling stories of climate solutions and a just future. Our goal is to use the power of storytelling to illuminate the way toward a better world, inspire millions of people to walk that path with us, and show that the time for action is now. In 2021, Grist launched the nation’s first environmentally focused Indigenous Affairs Desk, which produces journalism by and about Indigenous people, communities, and issues — from sovereignty to disproportionate climate impacts to Indigenous rights and stewardship.
