Indigenous Journalists Association student member Carrie Johnson addresses United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues calling for support of independent tribal media
On behalf of the Indigenous Journalists Association, student member Carrie Johnson (Chickasaw Nation / Pawnee Nation) delivered an intervention to members of the United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues (UNPFII) at UN headquarters in New York on April 23.
Johnson’s statement highlighted how press freedom in Indigenous communities aligns with Article 16 of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. UNDRIP states Indigenous communities have the right “to establish their own media in their own languages and to have access to all forms of non-Indigenous media without discrimination.”
She encouraged states to legally recognize the rights of Indigenous media and fully fund Indigenous owned media; to develop culturally-aware relationships with sovereign nations and to encourage tribal governments to commit to press freedom for outlets serving as the primary source of information for tribal citizens.
“We make these calls to the members – to support Indigenous peoples’ right to free press and self-determination through our journalism.”
Johnson is a graduate student at New York University and IJA fellow. She is currently directing the documentary, “A Breath on the Flames” and works for the Chickasaw Nation.
As part of the week’s events, IJA and Grist also co-hosted, “Share Your Story: Communicate Effectively with Journalists” for Indigenous leaders attending the UNPFII. During the free in-person training, participants learned to craft their messages; hone storytelling techniques and tools, and understand essential story components journalists need to communicate effectively.
To date, IJA has trained more than 200 members from Indigenous communities around the world. The program is supported by CCUNESCO, Cultural Survival and Project Access Indigenous Partnership.
About the UN Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues:
The UNPFII is an advisory body to the Economic and Social Council with a specific mandate on Indigenous issues related to economic and social development, culture, environment, education, health and human rights. According to its mandate, the Permanent Forum:
- Provides expert advice and recommendations on Indigenous issues to the Council, as well as to programmes, funds and agencies of the United Nations, through the council.
- Raise awareness and promote integration and coordination of activities related to Indigenous issues within the UN system.
- Prepares and shares information on Indigenous issues.
About IJA:
The Indigenous Journalists Association (IJA) empowers members representing tribal, nonprofit, freelance and mainstream media professionals in promoting accurate coverage of Indigenous communities, supporting newsroom diversity and defending challenges to free press, speech and expression. IJA addresses these challenges by fostering the development of new talent and activating a powerful membership. IJA is a registered 501(c)3 nonprofit organization.
