Well since I have all this time to kill...I will take this time to reflect on my time at the Native American Journalists Association conference this week. I said it last night to everyone, but Ill say it again...I feel so privileged to have been surrounded by passionate Native American journalists. I feel like I’ve had exposure to many different ethnic groups in this country, but I’ve never had any encounters with Native Americans, and certainly not a large group of them. I learned some useful journalism skills, but I also learned a lot of cultural things (not to box everyone in a Pan-Indian category). I heard the beauty and steady cadence of indigenous languages. I got asked, “What’s your tribe?” several times. I got a heavy dose of Oklahoman accents. I admired the Native-designed jewelry and accessories of the girls. There was talk of frybread and Indian tacos. We jammed to a Tribe Called Red. I’m going home with a list of Native American journalism sites to keep tabs on. I know I still have a lot to learn about this community. All I can say is keep working hard in this field – there’s a lot of ignorant people out there and we need to work to educate them. And last but not least, shout out to all the mentors who graciously gave their time, money, blood, sweat & tears to make the student project a success. Thank you to my fellow students - its very rare that you mesh with strangers so easily. Keep hustling, I want to see everyone succeeding in the future. I hope to see everyone again soon. I hear the conference will be in DC next year. Let’s keep in touch and I’d love to meet you all in the city for dinner or something! Or you can come to my house for some Filipino food, lol!!! Ohhhhhhh! (1 down, 4 more to go) #NAJA30 #Tradigital #nativemedia14
Posted on: Sun, 13 Jul 2014 00:36:37 +0000
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