The annual meeting of the United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues (UNPFII) is one of the most globally significant conferences for Indigenous peoples worldwide. Hundreds of Indigenous leaders from across the globe convene at the UN headquarters in New York City to weigh in during the annual convening.
Indigenous peoples have important stories to tell, but many are not accustomed to working with journalists and media. This contributes to Indigenous peoples, issues and the UNPFII not getting the media attention they deserve. To address this gap, the Indigenous Journalists Association (IJA) and Grist co-produced a media training program for Indigenous peoples during the UNPFII and are now offering it globally.
Training Details
Webinar
During this crash course webinar, participants will learn how to hone and craft their messages; learn about storytelling techniques and tools and understand the story components journalists want and how to communicate them effectively to journalists and media.
In-Person Program
Over the course of one full day, a team of Indigenous journalists will train participants to hone and craft their messages; learn storytelling techniques and tools, like developing metaphors or compelling examples; and to understand the story components journalists want and how to communicate them effectively. The training will include plenary sessions and facilitated group discussions that provide participants with the opportunity to practice what they’ve learned with live feedback from trainers and other participants. Participants will also develop relationships with Indigenous journalists from a variety of media outlets across the U.S. and Canada.
Who is this training for?
Both the webinar and in-person training are designed for Indigenous people who are grassroots organizers, youth leaders and elected officials.
Previous Facilitator/Trainers:
- Tristan Ahtone (Kiowa), editor at large, Grist.
- Graham Lee Brewer (Cherokee), race and ethnicity team, focusing on Indigenous communities and tribal nations, Associated Press.
- Angel Moore (Peguis First Nation), video journalist, APTN News.
- Joseph Lee (Aquinnah Wampanoag), freelance writer.
- Francine Compton (Anishinaabe), associate director, Indigenous Journalists Association.
- Lenard Monkman (Aninshinaabe, Lake Manitoba First Nation), creative producer, CBC Kids.
- Jillian Taylor (Fisher River Cree Nation), executive producer, CBC Manitoba.