The Native American Journalists Affiliation voted to alter the identify of the group to the Indigenous Journalists Affiliation

WINNIPEG, CANADA, August 11, 2023/EINPresswire.com/ — The Native American Journalists Affiliation voted to alter the identify of the group to the Indigenous Journalists Affiliation

Members of the Native American Journalists Affiliation (NAJA) voted to alter the group’s identify and elected the 2023-2024 Board of Administrators in the course of the 2023 Nationwide Native Media Convention held this week in Winnipeg, Canada. By a vote of 89–55, or almost 62 %, the membership voted to alter the identify to the Indigenous Journalists Affiliation (IJA), unveiling the brand new identify and emblem in the course of the NAJA Membership Luncheon.

“It is so inspiring to see Indigenous journalists world wide asserting themselves in newsrooms and taking their place because the rightful storytellers of their very own narratives. It is lengthy overdue, and we’re so proud and excited to be part of that motion,” stated NAJA/IJA President Graham Lee Brewer. “Connecting with our brothers and sisters throughout the globe, from Canada to New Zealand, has made it clear that as Indigenous peoples the struggles we face on this trade are common.”

The group started in 1983 when a number of Native American journalists met to type the Native American Press Affiliation. In 1990, the group modified its identify to NAJA to broaden help for Native voices throughout all media platforms and guarantee correct and contextual reporting about Native communities.

“Regardless of the colonial framework that has warped our histories and shapes the tales instructed about us right now or the challenges of working inside buildings that weren’t designed for us to thrive, we see Indigenous journalists at each stage doing the necessary work of representing their individuals. We dwell in a time when it’s attainable to attach and create deep, significant relationships with Indigenous journalists irrespective of the place they’re, and we stay up for serving to them discover one another to share their information and help,” Brewer stated.

NAJA/IJA acknowledges Indigenous peoples as distinct teams primarily based on custom and tradition. On this spirit, NAJA/IJA educates and unifies its membership by journalism applications that promote variety and defends challenges to free press, speech, and expression. The group is dedicated to rising the illustration of Indigenous journalists in mainstream media and encourages mainstream and Indigenous media to realize the very best requirements of professionalism, ethics, and accountability.

Sunnie Clahchischiligi (Diné) and Joseph Lee (Wampanoag Tribe of Homosexual Head) have been newly elected to serve on the board of administrators. Jourdan Bennett-Begaye (Diné) is a returning board.

Angel Ellis (Muscogee Creek Nation), Savannah Maher (Mashpee Wampanoag), Angel Moore (Peguis First Nation), Shondiin Silversmith (Diné), Jodi Rave Noticed Bear (Mandan, Hidatsa and Arikara Nation / Lakota) and Christine Trudeau (Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation) will stay seated all through their phrases.

NAJA/IJA Govt Director Rebecca Landsberry-Baker stated the operation has been getting ready for the proposed rebrand for the final yr, together with creating a brand new web site.

“As soon as once more, our members have thoughtfully thought-about a reputation change to be extra inclusive of Indigenous journalists globally. I’m wanting ahead to increasing help for our members and the communities we serve over IJA’s subsequent 40 years,” Landsberry-Baker stated.

For extra details about the group and its enlargement, go to www.naja.com or the brand new web site at www.indigenousjournalists.org.

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Randy D Gibson
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