Norman, Okla. — Indigenous Journalists Association President Sunnie Clahchischiligi (Diné) appointed Brian Bull (Nez Perce Tribe) to fill the vacancy left by Alyssa London (Tlingit) who stepped down from the board of directors last month. The board voted to affirm Bull during the March 5 board meeting to fill the vacancy until the next board of directors election is held.
Brian Bull is a proud citizen of the Nez Perce Tribe who’s been active in journalism for 30 years. Currently a senior reporter for Buffalo’s Fire, his path also includes stints at National Public Radio, South Dakota Public Radio, Wisconsin Public Radio, and KLCC in Eugene, Ore.
He is a substitute host for National Native News and his digital/print/photographic work has been featured in Indian Country Today, The Oregonian, and People Magazine. He’s been a longtime mentor with the Next Generation Radio Project, as well as a former Snowden Fellow mentor and journalism professor at the University of Oregon. Bull’s work has netted him more than a hundred accolades, including the Best Radio Journalist Award from the Indigenous Journalists Association in 2001, four national Edward R. Murrow awards from the RTDNA, Ohio AP’s Best Reporter Award in 2013, and a free bag of coffee for presenting at a local SPJ panel in 2018.
Bull is an alum of Macalester College, and 2025 recipient of the institution’s Catharine Lealtad Service to Society Award. He has a Master’s Degree in American Journalism Online at New York University. Bull enjoys sharing the voices of underrepresented communities and occasionally wandering the forests, looking for Bigfoot. He has three kids, a wife, and five unruly cats who keep him in his place.
“I am appreciative of the time and effort Alyssa has dedicated to our organization and our members,” Clahchischiligi said. “And I am delighted to welcome Brian to the board of directors. He has been instrumental in the planning of our upcoming conference while serving on the conference committee, and brings a wealth of experience and resources to IJA.”
The remaining officers and members will continue to serve on the board of directors for the duration of their elected terms.
2025 IJA Board of Directors
- Sunnie R. Clahchischiligi (Diné), president
- Angel Ellis (Muscogee Nation), vice president
- Joseph Lee (Aquinnah Wampanoag), treasurer
- Roselynn Yazzie (Shoshone-Bannock / Diné), secretary
- Melissa Greene-Blye (Miami Tribe of Oklahoma)
- Angel Moore (Cree, Peguis First Nation)
- Bryan Pollard (Cherokee Nation)
- Eden Fineday (Cree, Sweetgrass First Nation)
