SAG-AFTRA Panel Spotlights Amplifying Indigenous Voices

SAG-AFTRA was a sponsor of the 2019 National Native Media Conference from Sept. 15–18 in Prior Lake, Minnesota. Hosted by the Native American Journalists Association, the conference, now in its 35th year, brings together journalists from indigenous tribes, with a focus on training, career development and diversity.

In addition to its sponsorship, SAG-AFTRA also presented a panel called Going Viral: Leveraging Social Media to Amplify Indigenous Stories on Sept. 18. The panel was a tutorial for journalists navigating an ever-changing digital world. Featured speakers included Cherokee performer and National Native American Committee Chair DeLanna Studi, Chicago Local Broadcast Business Representative Jayne Bower and members from Minnesota Public Radio: political reporter Briana Bierschbach, photojournalist Evan Frost and digital producer Matt Mikus. Throughout the session, speakers highlighted the use of social media and other digital platforms to engage indigenous and non-indigenous audiences and spotlight their work.

Photo: From left, Broadcast Business Representative Jayne Bower, Minnesota Public Radio political reporter Briana Bierschbach, MPR photojournalist Evan Frost, MPR digital producer Matt Mikus and SAG-AFTRA National Native American Committee Chair DeLanna Studi.