Albuquerque, New Mexico – The Indigenously Positive series, a collaborative production of New Mexico PBS (NMPBS) and New Mexico in Depth, has received a prestigious 2025 Indigenous Media Award for Best Multimedia.The winning entry, titled “Gaza looms over election for some Native people,” explores the complex connections between international conflicts and the concerns of Native American voters.
Recognizing Excellence in Indigenous Journalism
Table of Contents
- 1. Recognizing Excellence in Indigenous Journalism
- 2. the Award-Winning Team
- 3. About Indigenously Positive
- 4. The Growing Importance of Indigenous Media
- 5. Frequently Asked Questions
- 6. How does the “[Project Name]” multimedia project demonstrate a commitment to Indigenous-led media, and why was this a key factor in receiving the award?
- 7. New Mexico PBS Triumphs: Award-Winning Indigenous Multimedia Project Celebrated at 2025 Indigenous Media awards
- 8. Recognizing Indigenous Storytelling Excellence
- 9. The Award-Winning Project: “[Project name]” – A Deep Dive
- 10. Impact and Community Engagement
- 11. the Role of New Mexico PBS in Indigenous Media
- 12. Future Directions & Expanding Indigenous Media Reach
- 13. Benefits of Supporting Indigenous Media
The award was presented at the 2025 Indigenous Media Conference, held August 15th at the Isleta Resort and Casino in Albuquerque.the annual contest, hosted by the Indigenous Journalists Association (IJA), celebrated outstanding reporting on Indigenous communities worldwide, receiving a record-breaking 871 submissions this year.
the Award-Winning Team
The team behind the winning multimedia piece includes Bella Davis, Host and Producer; Benjamin C. Yazza, Director/Producer; Joey Dunn and Noah Eichstaedt, Camera Crew; and Jeff Proctor, Executive Producer. Their skillful storytelling captured a nuanced perspective on a critical issue.
“This is amazing, personally, this is my first IJA award,” shared Benjamin C.Yazza. He recounted initial anxieties about audience reception but was overwhelmed by the positive response, with the episode garnering 50,000 views and extensive commentary within two weeks.
About Indigenously Positive
Indigenously Positive is designed to showcase stories of Indigenous joy and empowerment.The series is a vital platform for amplifying Indigenous voices and perspectives, fostering understanding, and challenging conventional narratives. Episodes are broadcast on New Mexico in Focus and are available online through both NMPBS and New Mexico In Depth websites.
According to the Native American Rights Fund, there are currently 574 federally recognized tribes within the United states. This makes accurate and nuanced representation in the media even more critical.
| Award | Category | Recipient |
|---|---|---|
| Indigenous Media Award | Best Multimedia | Bella Davis, Benjamin C. Yazza, Joey Dunn, Noah Eichstaedt, Jeff Proctor |
Did You Know? The Indigenous Journalists Association provides resources and support for Indigenous journalists, working to increase representation and improve the quality of reporting on Indigenous communities.
Pro Tip: Support independent Indigenous-led journalism organizations to help ensure diverse and accurate media coverage.
The Growing Importance of Indigenous Media
In recent years, there has been a meaningful rise in Indigenous-led media outlets and initiatives. This growth reflects a demand for self-representation and a desire to counter historical misrepresentation. These outlets play a crucial role in preserving Indigenous languages, cultures, and knowledge.
The increasing visibility of Indigenous stories in mainstream media is also noteworthy. Though, it’s essential to ensure that these stories are told authentically and respectfully, with Indigenous voices at the forefront.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the Indigenously Positive series about? It’s a collaborative series highlighting uplifting stories of Indigenous joy and empowerment.
- Who presented the indigenous Media Awards? The awards were presented by the Indigenous Journalists Association (IJA).
- Where was the 2025 Indigenous Media Conference held? The conference took place at Isleta Resort and Casino in Albuquerque, New Mexico.
- how many submissions did the IJA receive this year? The IJA received a record 871 entries for the 2025 awards.
- What is the importance of the winning story, “gaza looms over election for some Native people?” It demonstrates the interconnectedness of global events and their impact on Indigenous communities.
What are your thoughts on the importance of Indigenous representation in the media? Share your comments below!
How does the “[Project Name]” multimedia project demonstrate a commitment to Indigenous-led media, and why was this a key factor in receiving the award?
New Mexico PBS Triumphs: Award-Winning Indigenous Multimedia Project Celebrated at 2025 Indigenous Media awards
Recognizing Indigenous Storytelling Excellence
New Mexico PBS (NMPBS) is celebrating a notable achievement with its recent recognition at the 2025 Indigenous Media Awards. The public broadcaster’s multimedia project,”[ProjectName-[ProjectName-Replace with actual project name],” received the prestigious award for “best digital Storytelling – Community Impact.” This win underscores NMPBS’s commitment to amplifying Indigenous voices and fostering cultural understanding through innovative media. The awards, held annually, highlight exceptional work by Indigenous filmmakers, journalists, and media creators across North America.
The Award-Winning Project: “[Project name]” – A Deep Dive
“[Project Name]” is a multifaceted project centered around [briefly describe the project’s core focus – e.g., preserving ancestral languages, documenting conventional ecological knowledge, showcasing contemporary Indigenous art]. It utilizes a blend of mediums, including:
Short-form documentaries: Featuring interviews with tribal elders, community leaders, and youth.
Interactive website: Offering immersive experiences, maps, and archival materials.
social media campaign: Engaging a wider audience and fostering dialogue.
Educational resources: Designed for use in classrooms and community centers.
Virtual Reality (VR) component: Allowing users to experience cultural sites and traditions in a new way. (If applicable)
The project specifically focuses on the [Specific Indigenous Nation/Tribes involved] communities in New Mexico, addressing themes of [list key themes – e.g., cultural revitalization, environmental sustainability, social justice].The project’s success is rooted in its collaborative approach, ensuring Indigenous communities maintained creative control throughout the entire process. This commitment to Indigenous-led media was a key factor in the awards committee’s decision.
Impact and Community Engagement
The impact of “[Project Name]” extends far beyond the award ceremony. NMPBS reports significant community engagement, including:
Increased website traffic: A 40% increase in visitors to the NMPBS Indigenous Affairs section following the project launch.
Positive social media response: Over 10,000 shares and comments on project-related posts.
Community screenings and workshops: Held in partnership with tribal organizations.
Integration into school curricula: Several schools in New mexico have incorporated the project’s resources into their lesson plans.
Language revitalization efforts: The project helped to document and promote the use of [Specific Indigenous Language].
This project exemplifies the power of digital storytelling to connect communities, preserve cultural heritage, and inspire positive change. The use of multimedia platforms allowed for broader reach and deeper engagement than traditional media formats.
the Role of New Mexico PBS in Indigenous Media
NMPBS has a long-standing history of supporting Indigenous media production and broadcasting. This award builds upon previous successes, including [mention previous relevant projects or initiatives]. The station’s commitment is evident in its:
Dedicated Indigenous Affairs programming: Regularly featuring content created by and for Indigenous communities.
Partnerships with tribal organizations: Collaborating on projects that address community needs and priorities.
Training and mentorship opportunities: Providing Indigenous filmmakers and media professionals with the skills and resources they need to succeed.
Accessibility initiatives: Ensuring content is available in multiple languages and formats.
NMPBS’s work aligns with the growing national movement to support Indigenous content creation and promote media sovereignty. This means empowering Indigenous communities to tell their own stories, on their own terms.
Future Directions & Expanding Indigenous Media Reach
Looking ahead, NMPBS plans to build on the success of “[project Name]” by:
- Developing new multimedia projects: focusing on other Indigenous communities and cultural traditions in New Mexico.
- Expanding the project’s reach: Distributing the content to a wider audience through national and international platforms.
- Creating a lasting funding model: Securing long-term support for Indigenous media production.
- Mentoring the next generation of Indigenous media makers: Providing opportunities for young people to learn and grow in the field.
The station is also exploring the use of emerging technologies, such as artificial intelligence (AI), to enhance its Indigenous media offerings. Though,this will be done with careful consideration of ethical implications and community input. The goal is to leverage technology to amplify Indigenous voices, not to replace them. Further exploration into Indigenous filmmaking techniques and Native American journalism will also be prioritized.
Benefits of Supporting Indigenous Media
Investing in Indigenous media offers numerous benefits:
Cultural Preservation: Helps to safeguard endangered languages, traditions, and knowledge systems.
Community Empowerment: Provides Indigenous communities with a platform to share their stories and advocate for their rights.
Increased Understanding: Promotes cross-cultural understanding and reduces stereotypes.
Economic Development: Creates jobs and opportunities in the media industry.
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