The Native American Journalists Association (NAJA) unveiled a new logo concept during a membership luncheon meeting at the 2022 National Native Media Conference in Phoenix Arizona on Aug. 25.

Although the name change isn’t yet official, the presentation of a new logo concept comes after more than two years of board discussions and consultation with membership.

“It was very exciting to present the new logo concept to members in-person because the idea of changing the name to ‘Indigenous Journalists Association’ has been talked about since before I became a board member,” said NAJA Board President Francine Compton.

In order to change the organization’s legal name, a majority of the voting NAJA membership must vote in favor of the name change question, which will be included on the 2023 election ballot. 

NAJA first introduced the potential name change to Indigenous Journalists Association in 2021 by surveying membership. The survey launched on Feb. 28 and was open for 31 days. An open consultation meeting with members was held during the survey period in virtual Q & A on March 18.

Prior to membership consultation, NAJA started using “Indigenous” for program and partnership language in 2020 with the launch of the Indigenous Voice Fund and in 2021 with the Indigenous Investigative Collective. NAJA also partnered with the Global Investigative Journalism Network on a guide for Indigenous investigative journalism in 2019.

NAJA will release a 2022 membership survey later this year to gather additional feedback from members, which will inform the 2023-2025 strategic plan, and outline the process for a proposed name change. 

Once a new name is officially adopted, NAJA will update all corresponding language in the bylaws and policies to reflect the rebranding.

Current Logo:

New Logo Concept: