Commemorating Indigenous History at Columbia Journalism School
This Native American Heritage Month, the J-School honors their significant contributions while nurturing the next wave of journalists.
Tristan Ahtone, '08 M.S., Shines Light on Equity in Keynote Address
Tristan Ahtone '08 M.S., recently delivered the keynote address at AccessFest24, Investigative Reporters and Editors' (IRE) fourth virtual-by-design conference, held from October 17–19.
He is a past president of the Indigenous Journalists Association (formerly the Native American Journalists Association). Focusing on belonging, equity and inclusion in journalism, Ahtone — the editor-at-large at the nonprofit news organization Grist — engaged in a vital discussion with leading reporters on Indigenous issues.
“Bad Press” at CJS: Teaching How to Cover Diverse Communities
On October 1, 2024, the J-School hosted a screening and Q&A with the creative team behind “Bad Press,” an award-winning documentary following one journalist’s quest to reinstate free and independent press in the Muscogee (Creek) Nation.
The screening offered student journalists valuable insights into covering diverse communities, with two panels featuring co-directors Rebecca Landsberry-Baker and Joe Peeler, and journalist Angela Ellis. The team also delivered exclusive video training to M.S. Documentary classes, equipping them with practical skills and valuable industry insights.
Alastair Lee Bitsóí, '24 M.S., Honored by Indigenous Journalists Association
Alastair Lee Bitsóí, '24 M.S., recently won IJA’s 2024 Indigenous Media Award for “Best Health Coverage in Print/Online” media.
His High Country News article showed how “Native mental health providers seek to heal boarding school scars with informed and appropriate treatment.”
“For Native children growing up in the Intermountain West in the wake of World War II, the link between trauma and blood memory is often tied to their experience in federally funded boarding schools,” Bitsóí wrote.
Dart Center Research on the Emotional Toll of Covering Trauma for Indigenous Reporters
In the wake of the 2021 discovery of thousands of Indigenous remains on the grounds of former residential schools, the Dart Center for Journalism and Trauma looked into how Indigenous reporters can prioritize their well-being while reporting on upsetting subjects.
Every newsroom in your country should be asking themselves, what kind of training are we giving to our staff, our reporters, about covering diverse communities?
— Duncan McCue
Plus, the Dart Center produced a video as part of our Trauma Aware Journalism project featuring Connie Walker, a Cree journalist, former Ochberg Fellow, and 2023 Pulitzer winner.
"Stolen: Surviving St. Michael's" Wins 2023 duPont-Columbia Award
Okanese First Nation (Cree) investigative reporter Connie Walker won a silver baton for her eight-episode podcast, which uncovers deep abuses endured by her father at a Canadian residential school in the 1960s, exposing the role of school administrators in these harrowing experiences. The podcast is also a 2023 Pulitzer Prize winner.
Maureen Googoo, '07 M.S., Provides Independent News for Over a Decade
Maureen GooGoo '07 M.S., is the owner, editor, and founder of Ku’Ku’Kwes News, an independent news site committed to covering the stories of Indigenous residents in Atlantic Canada.
Recognizing a systemic lack of coverage, GooGoo — an award-winning journalist with over 30 years of experience — launched the site to highlight the often overlooked narratives of her community.
“Your Spirit Animal is Jackass”: Simon Moya-Smith, '13 M.S., Writes New Book on Indigenous Culture
Simon Moya-Smith ’13 M.S., is a freelance journalist and writer whose work has been published in NBC News, Insider News, and The Nation. A professor of Indigenous Studies at the University of Colorado, Moya-Smith’s forthcoming book, “Your Spirit Animal is Jackass” tackles false histories and cultural appropriation faced by the Indigenous community.
Tracy Wholf, '10 M.S., Awarded for Television Coverage of Indigenous Communities
Tracy Wholf, '10 M.S., won second place at IJA’s 2024 Indigenous Media Awards for “Best Television Coverage of Indigenous Communities” for her work on “Our America: Rebirth of the Range.” With ABC OTV/ABC News and the BIR and team members Kira Kay, Jason Malone, Michael Janowski, Justin Allen, Chris Drew and Adrienne Anderson, Wholf investigated the return of 19,000 acres of National Bison Range land to tribal leadership.
To learn more about Diversity, Equity and Inclusion at the Journalism School, click here.