Our Vision
A world where democracy thrives for Indigenous people through an independent press.
Akwesasne’s community newspaper faces financial headwinds April 23, 2024 - An anchor media outlet in the Mohawk community of Akwesasne is facing financial troubles. Indian Time newspaper has suspended publication for a month as it restructures and prepares a new business plan. Its goal is to resume publication at least online in the next few weeks. Indian Time started in 1983. It was an offshoot of Akwesasne Notes, a groundbreaking indigenous-owned and -written publication born from the American Indian Movement of the 1970s. Indian Time editor Marjorie Kaniehtonkie Skidders told David Sommerstein her paper was born during a time of internal conflict in Akwesasne. Their conversation has been lightly edited for clarity. MARJORIE KANIEHTONKIE SKIDDERS: We were not reporting on ourselves. It was all mainstream media reporting on Native nations in Akwesasne and across… Continue Reading
Indigenous Media Initiative Sunshine Week survey March 25, 2024 - Indigenous Journalists Association surveying Indigenous members on free press experiences The Indigenous Journalists Association’s 2024 Indigenous Media Initiative Survey, launched in coordination with Sunshine Week March 11-15, is now open through May 3. The survey is aimed at helping IJA better understand the value and status of free press and open government among Indigenous peoples and nations to inform its advocacy efforts. Hosted by the Brechner Freedom of Information Project, Sunshine Week highlights the importance of open government and the dangers of excessive and unnecessary secrecy. Indigenous peoples depend on tribal and Indigenous-owned media outlets for essential news and information about their communities. Because many Indigenous communities reside in places without an independent local media outlet, organizations supported and influenced by tribal and Indigenous nations… Continue Reading
Access to spaces that enrich civic life tied to greater participation, better health March 22, 2024 - New data show counties that make it easier for residents to participate in civic activities and provide ample information sources – such as broadband or public libraries – are often healthier. These counties are often located in the Northeast and Western regions of the country and tend to also experience more social and economic opportunities and longer life expectancy, according to County Health Rankings & Roadmaps’ National Findings Report released today. The places where communities connect and share information – the civic infrastructure of a community – make participation possible. Counties with more access to public libraries, broadband and local news sources also have higher voter participation and greater union membership. The research also found that counties with well-resourced civic infrastructure had lower rates of… Continue Reading
Unveiling the new Indigenous Media Freedom Alliance logo March 14, 2023 - It’s been several years since we designed our first logo. We were a new organization without an image to represent the Indigenous Media Freedom Alliance. I had attended a nonprofit organization workshop and they had a presenter on hand who was helping folks with marketing. I had a few rough… Continue Reading