2026 Indigenous Journalism Fellowship — Now Accepting Applications

The Indigenous Journalists Association is excited to open applications for the 2026 Indigenous Journalism Fellowship! This opportunity supports Indigenous student journalists and media professionals looking to grow their skills, deepen their storytelling and connect with Indigenous media leaders.

Who Should Apply

Fellows:
Indigenous, Native American, Alaska Native, Native Hawaiian, Pacific Islander, First Nation, Inuit or Métis undergraduate, master’s students, or recent graduates (within 12 months) pursuing journalism or media studies. Preference is given to upperclassmen and master’s students. Applicants must be current IJA members.

Mentors:
Indigenous media professionals interested in supporting student fellows as mentors. Mentors must be current IJA members and committed to coaching and guiding fellows.

Program Expectations

2026 Indigenous Journalism Fellows Will:

Attend monthly virtual meetings and trainings from March to August 2026.
Join and actively participate in the IJF Slack channel.
Attend the 2026 Indigenous Media Conference in Portland, Oregon, July 22-24, with a content planning day and kickoff dinner on July 21.
Complete a feedback survey and final debrief session in August 2026.
Uphold professional conduct and comply with the IJF Code of Conduct.

2026 Indigenous Journalism Mentors Will:

Attend monthly virtual meetings and support fellows throughout the program.
Join the IJF Slack channel and assist fellows during the Indigenous Media Conference (July 21–24, 2026).
Complete a feedback survey and mentee assessment by August 1, 2026.
Provide professional guidance and encouragement to their assigned fellow.

Support & Benefits

Fellows will receive travel assistance, hotel accommodations, ground transportation, conference registration, and a $500 stipend for the week of the conference.
Mentors receive complimentary conference registration.

Deadlines & Process

🗓 Applications due: February 13, 2026 (no late or incomplete applications accepted).
🗓 Interviews via Zoom: February 23–24, 2026.
📣 Notification of decisions: no later than February 27, 2026.

Fellow Application

Mentor Application

For questions or more information, contact Melissa Greene-Blye, IJA Education Committee Chair, at melissagreene-blye@ku.edu, or Sheena Roetman-Wynn, IJA Director of Membership, at sheena@indigenousjournalists.org.