The Indigenous Journalists Association (IJA) will attend an upcoming multi-stakeholder event on Indigenous Peoples and the Media at UNESCO Headquarters in Paris Nov. 26-27 as an organizer and contributing stakeholder.
The meeting and forum will bring together leading Indigenous and non-Indigenous media organizations, including public broadcasters, media regulators, private and community media, public organizations, members of the United Nations mechanisms on Indigenous issues, as well as academics and representatives of UN system entities.
‘IJA is excited to be part of the expert meeting and we expect that our recommendations will be taken seriously and included in the study’s final report to the UN Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues. But more importantly, our recommendations will be implemented to uplift and embolden Indigenous storytellers worldwide.’ said Francine Compton (Anishinaabe, Sandy Bay Ojibway First Nation), Associate Director, IJA. Compton will be attending the event in-person as a designated IJA representative along with former NAJA Presidents Bryan Pollard and Tristan Ahtone.
‘As an Indigenous journalist who has worked on Native American press issues for nearly two decades, the opportunity UNESCO has provided to meet other Indigenous journalists from around the world with a common purpose is awesome and inspiring. I look forward to joining this new global community.’ said Bryan Pollard (Cherokee) Grant Operations Manager, Associated Press.
‘It’s crucial to the practice of Indigenous journalism for us to be working with our colleagues and allies from around the world. At a time when journalists face serious challenges, international recognition and support for Indigenous reporting is key to supporting self-determination and sovereignty.’ said Tristan Ahtone (Kiowa), Editor at Large, Grist.
Experts in the meeting will discuss the status and challenges of Indigenous issues in the media, identify new opportunities for collaborative journalism, content production and dissemination, learn about new ways to monitor the impact of media coverage using advanced technology and AI-based solutions and promote the professional development of and partnerships between Indigenous media professionals and media organizations.
The Expert Meeting on Nov. 26 is closed to the public however IJA invites members to tune into the public portion on Nov. 27. Watch The Media Partnership Forum livestreamed on Nov. 27. The link will be active on the day of the event.
Both events will feed into the study on “Indigenous Peoples and the Media,” conducted by UNESCO in collaboration with Indigenous Peoples and other UN entities, at the request of the United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues (UNPFII, E/2023/43-E/C.19/2023/7, paragraph 10).
IJA members interested in joining IJA’s Global committee or for any questions, please email contact@naja.com.
