FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

September 30, 2020

The Native American Journalists Association works to serve and empower Native journalists through programs and actions designed to enrich journalism and promote Native cultures. Each year, NAJA recognizes members’ coverage of Indian Country at the National Native Media Awards.

“These awards mean so much to me because they’re given by our Indigenous colleagues,” said Graham Lee Brewer, associate editor on the Indigenous affairs desk and an award winner himself. “Each one is an indication that we are writing for Indigenous communities and not just about them.”

High Country News earned awards in both the professional and associate categories for publications with a circulation of 10,000 readers or more.

“Our Indigenous Affairs desk works tirelessly to tell stories from Indian Country and to center Indigenous voices,” said Greg Hanscom, publisher and executive director at the publication. “It’s wonderful to see their work recognized.” 

The following stories and photos received awards.

Related

The Klamath River now has the legal rights of a person

Associate Divisions I & II Combined Categories – Print / Online

Print / Online – Best Environmental Coverage


Second Place

Anna V. Smith

The Klamath River now has the legal rights of a person 

Third Place

Anna V. Smith
 

How do tribal nations treaties figure into climate change? 

Associate Division III – Radio / Podcast

Radio / Podcast – Best Coverage of Native America


Third Place

Anna V. Smith
 

Associate Division III – Online

Online – Best News Story


Third Place

Nick Pachelli
Why was a study on trafficking in Indian Country canceled?

Online – Best Feature Story

First Place
Jessica Lussenhop
The woman in search of Indian Country’s missing

Associate Division III – Print

Print – Best Feature Story

First Place
Anna V. Smith
How an Arrow Lakes elk hunt became a case of tribal recognition

Associate Division III – Print / Online

Print / Online – Best News Story


Second Place

Susie Neilson

Feds give Navajo uranium contract to firm with sketchy past

Third Place

Laurence Du Sault

The Karuk Tribe fights a growing wildfire threat and a lack of funding 

Honorable Mention

Elena Saavedra Buckley


How Indigenous reporters are elevating true crime

Related

An Indigenous way of life for these California tribes breaks state laws

Professional Division III – Print

Print – Best Feature Story

First Place
Deb Krol
An Indigenous way of life for these California tribes breaks state laws

Professional Division III – Online

Online – Best News Story

First Place
Allison Herrera
When disaster strikes, Indigenous communities receive unequal recovery aid 

Second Place
Tripp Crouse
Young Indigenous activists lead climate justice action in Alaska

Professional Division III – Print / Online

Print / Online – Best Sports Story

First Place
Graham Lee Brewer
Stickball: Indigenous women show who’s got game

Related

When conservation provides a cover for anti-Indigenous sentiments

Print / Online – Best Editorial

First Place
Tristan Ahtone
Conservation provides a cover for anti-Indigenous sentiments

Third Place
Dina Gilio-Whitaker
How to Indigenize the Green New Deal and environmental justice

Honorable Mention
Rosalyn LaPier
The legacy of colonialism on public lands created the Mauna Kea conflict

Print / Online – Best Environmental Coverage

First Place
Debra Krol
Collaboration between High Country News and Roads and Kingdoms
An Indigenous way of life for these California tribes breaks state laws

Print / Online – Best News Photo


Third Place

Jolene Yazzie
A canoe journey to Alcatraz on Indigenous Peoples Day

Related

The U.S. stole generations of Indigenous children to open the West

Print / Online – Best Feature Story

First Place
Nick Estes
The U.S. stole generations of Indigenous children to open the West

Second Place

Allison Herrera

Indigenous educators fight for an accurate history of California

Third Place
Graham Lee Brewer
This Cherokee congressman is for Trump and Indian Country 

Print / Online – Best Multimedia


Third Place

Jason Asenap

Meet the Nizhóní Girls: the making of a desert surf rock band 

Print / Online – Best News Story

First Place
Kalen Goodluck
Far-right extremists appropriate Indigenous struggles for violent ends 

Third Place
Kalen Goodluck
Native American athletes and fans face ongoing racism 

Professional Division I, II & III – Print/Online

Print/Online – Best Column

First Place
Jason Asenap
Asenap’s Film Reviews

For 50 years, High Country News has reported the stories of the Western U.S. that are often overlooked by larger media outlets. The nonprofit news organization has won numerous awards over the years, including the Utne Media Award, the George Polk Award, the Science in Society Award, the Society of Environmental Journalists Award, and many others. 

For more information about High Country News, contact Associate Editor Graham Lee Brewer at grahamb@hcn.org or Publisher and Executive Director Greg Hanscom at greghanscom@hcn.org.

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High Country News wins 23 National Native media awards

by High Country News, High Country News
September 30, 2020

<h1>High Country News wins 23 National Native media awards</h1> <p class="byline">by High Country News, High Country News <br />September 30, 2020</p> <p>FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE</p> <p>September 30, 2020</p> <figure class="wp-block-image size-full alignright"><img src="https://www.hcn.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/alcatraz-winner.jpg?fit=1200%2C800&amp;ssl=1" alt="" class="wp-image-90778" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Jolen Yazzie won third place for Best News Photo for her photo taken for the article, “A canoe journey to Alcatraz on Indigenous Peoples’ Day”</figcaption></figure> <p>The Native American Journalists Association works to serve and empower Native journalists through programs and actions designed to enrich journalism and promote Native cultures. Each year, NAJA recognizes members’ coverage of Indian Country at the National Native Media Awards.</p> <p>“These awards mean so much to me because they’re given by our Indigenous colleagues,” said Graham Lee Brewer, associate editor on the Indigenous affairs desk and an award winner himself. “Each one is an indication that we are writing for Indigenous communities and not just about them.”</p> <p><em>High Country News</em>&nbsp;earned awards in both the professional and associate categories for publications with a circulation of 10,000 readers or more.</p> <p>“Our Indigenous Affairs desk works tirelessly to tell stories from Indian Country and to center Indigenous voices,” said Greg Hanscom, publisher and executive director at the publication. “It’s wonderful to see their work recognized.”&nbsp;</p> <p>The following stories and photos received awards.</p> <div class="wp-block-group is-style-border alignleft hcn-related-inline"> </div> <p><strong><u>Associate Divisions I &amp; II Combined Categories – Print / Online</u></strong></p> <p><strong>Print / Online – Best Environmental Coverage
</strong></p> <p>Second Place
<br />Anna V. Smith
<br /><a href="https://www.hcn.org/issues/51.18/tribal-affairs-the-klamath-river-now-has-the-legal-rights-of-a-person" data-linktype="external" data-val="https://www.hcn.org/issues/51.18/tribal-affairs-the-klamath-river-now-has-the-legal-rights-of-a-person">The Klamath River now has the legal rights of a person&nbsp;</a></p> <p>Third Place
<br />Anna V. Smith
 
<br /><a href="https://www.hcn.org/articles/tribal-affairs-how-do-tribal-nations-treaties-figure-into-climate-change" data-linktype="external" data-val="https://www.hcn.org/articles/tribal-affairs-how-do-tribal-nations-treaties-figure-into-climate-change">How do tribal nations treaties figure into climate change?&nbsp;</a></p> <p><strong><u>Associate Division III – Radio / Podcast</u></strong></p> <p><strong>Radio / Podcast – Best Coverage of Native America
</strong></p> <p>Third Place
<br /><a href="https://www.hcn.org/author_search?getAuthor=Anna%20V.%20Smith&amp;sort_on=PublicationDate&amp;sort_order=descending" data-linktype="external" data-val="https://www.hcn.org/author_search?getAuthor=Anna%20V.%20Smith&amp;sort_on=PublicationDate&amp;sort_order=descending">Anna V. Smith
&nbsp;</a></p> <p><strong><u>Associate Division III – Online</u></strong></p> <p><strong>Online – Best News Story
</strong></p> <p>Third Place
<br />Nick Pachelli<br /><a href="https://www.hcn.org/articles/tribal-affairs-how-trafficking-in-native-communities-has-been-ignored-under-the-trump-administration" data-linktype="external" data-val="https://www.hcn.org/articles/tribal-affairs-how-trafficking-in-native-communities-has-been-ignored-under-the-trump-administration">Why was a study on trafficking in Indian Country canceled?</a></p> <p><strong>Online – Best Feature Story</strong></p> <p>First Place<br />Jessica Lussenhop<br /><a href="https://www.hcn.org/articles/tribal-affairs-the-woman-who-searches-for-indian-countrys-missing" data-linktype="external" data-val="https://www.hcn.org/articles/tribal-affairs-the-woman-who-searches-for-indian-countrys-missing">The woman in search of Indian Country’s missing</a></p> <p><strong><u>Associate Division III – Print</u></strong></p> <p><strong>Print – Best Feature Story</strong></p> <p>First Place<br />Anna V. Smith<br /><a href="https://www.hcn.org/issues/51.18/indigenous-affairs-a-hunt-for-tribal-recognition-at-the-us-canada-border-sinixt-desautel" data-linktype="external" data-val="https://www.hcn.org/issues/51.18/indigenous-affairs-a-hunt-for-tribal-recognition-at-the-us-canada-border-sinixt-desautel">How an Arrow Lakes elk hunt became a case of tribal recognition</a></p> <p><strong><u>Associate Division III – Print / Online</u></strong></p> <p><strong>Print / Online – Best News Story
</strong></p> <p>Second Place
<br />Susie Neilson
<br /><a href="https://www.hcn.org/issues/51.20/indigenous-affairs-feds-give-navajo-uranium-clean-up-contract-to-firm-with-sketchy-past" data-linktype="external" data-val="https://www.hcn.org/issues/51.20/indigenous-affairs-feds-give-navajo-uranium-clean-up-contract-to-firm-with-sketchy-past">Feds give Navajo uranium contract to firm with sketchy past</a></p> <p>Third Place
<br />Laurence Du Sault
<br /><a href="https://www.hcn.org/issues/51.6/tribal-affairs-in-california-the-karuk-tribe-fights-a-growing-wildfire-threat-and-a-lack-of-funding" data-linktype="external" data-val="https://www.hcn.org/issues/51.6/tribal-affairs-in-california-the-karuk-tribe-fights-a-growing-wildfire-threat-and-a-lack-of-funding">The Karuk Tribe fights a growing wildfire threat and a lack of funding&nbsp;</a></p> <p>Honorable Mention
<br />Elena Saavedra Buckley

<br /><a href="https://www.hcn.org/issues/51.1/tribal-affairs-how-indigenous-reporters-are-elevating-true-crime" data-linktype="external" data-val="https://www.hcn.org/issues/51.1/tribal-affairs-how-indigenous-reporters-are-elevating-true-crime">How Indigenous reporters are elevating true crime</a></p> <div class="wp-block-group is-style-border alignright hcn-related-inline"> </div> <p><strong><u>Professional Division III – Print</u></strong></p> <p><strong>Print – Best Feature Story</strong></p> <p>First Place<br />Deb Krol<br /><a href="https://www.hcn.org/issues/51.17/tribal-affairs-an-indigenous-way-of-life-for-these-california-tribes-breaks-state-laws" data-linktype="external" data-val="https://www.hcn.org/issues/51.17/tribal-affairs-an-indigenous-way-of-life-for-these-california-tribes-breaks-state-laws">An Indigenous way of life for these California tribes breaks state laws</a></p> <p><strong><u>Professional Division III – Online</u></strong></p> <p><strong>Online – Best News Story</strong></p> <p>First Place<br />Allison Herrera<br /><a href="https://www.hcn.org/issues/51.21-22/indigenous-affairs-when-disaster-strikes-indigenous-communities-receive-unequal-recovery-aid" data-linktype="external" data-val="https://www.hcn.org/issues/51.21-22/indigenous-affairs-when-disaster-strikes-indigenous-communities-receive-unequal-recovery-aid">When disaster strikes, Indigenous communities receive unequal recovery aid&nbsp;</a></p> <p>Second Place<br />Tripp Crouse<br /><a href="https://www.hcn.org/issues/52.1/indigenous-affairs-young-indigenous-activists-lead-climate-justice-action-in-alaska" data-linktype="external" data-val="https://www.hcn.org/issues/52.1/indigenous-affairs-young-indigenous-activists-lead-climate-justice-action-in-alaska">Young Indigenous activists lead climate justice action in Alaska</a></p> <p><strong><u>Professional Division III – Print / Online</u></strong></p> <p><strong>Print / Online – Best Sports Story</strong></p> <p>First Place<br />Graham Lee Brewer<br /><a href="https://www.hcn.org/articles/tribal-affairs-stickball-indigenous-women-show-whos-got-game" data-linktype="external" data-val="https://www.hcn.org/articles/tribal-affairs-stickball-indigenous-women-show-whos-got-game">Stickball: Indigenous women show who’s got game</a></p> <div class="wp-block-group is-style-border alignleft hcn-related-inline"> </div> <p><strong>Print / Online – Best Editorial</strong></p> <p>First Place<br />Tristan Ahtone<br /><a href="https://www.hcn.org/articles/tribal-affairs-conservation-provides-a-cover-for-anti-indigenous-sentiments-stolen-land" data-linktype="external" data-val="https://www.hcn.org/articles/tribal-affairs-conservation-provides-a-cover-for-anti-indigenous-sentiments-stolen-land">Conservation provides a cover for anti-Indigenous sentiments</a></p> <p>Third Place<br />Dina Gilio-Whitaker<br /><a href="https://www.hcn.org/articles/tribal-affairs-how-to-indigenize-the-green-new-deal-and-environmental-justice" data-linktype="external" data-val="https://www.hcn.org/articles/tribal-affairs-how-to-indigenize-the-green-new-deal-and-environmental-justice">How to Indigenize the Green New Deal and environmental justice</a></p> <p>Honorable Mention<br />Rosalyn LaPier<br /><a href="https://www.hcn.org/issues/51.15/tribal-affairs-the-legacy-of-colonialism-on-public-lands-created-the-mauna-kea-conflict" data-linktype="external" data-val="https://www.hcn.org/issues/51.15/tribal-affairs-the-legacy-of-colonialism-on-public-lands-created-the-mauna-kea-conflict">The legacy of colonialism on public lands created the Mauna Kea conflict</a></p> <p><strong>Print / Online – Best Environmental Coverage</strong></p> <p>First Place<br />Debra Krol<br />Collaboration between <em>High Country News</em> and <em>Roads and Kingdoms</em><br /><a href="https://www.hcn.org/issues/51.17/tribal-affairs-an-indigenous-way-of-life-for-these-california-tribes-breaks-state-laws" data-linktype="external" data-val="https://www.hcn.org/issues/51.17/tribal-affairs-an-indigenous-way-of-life-for-these-california-tribes-breaks-state-laws">An Indigenous way of life for these California tribes breaks state laws</a></p> <p><strong>Print / Online – Best News Photo
</strong></p> <p>Third Place<br />
Jolene Yazzie<br /><a href="https://www.hcn.org/articles/photos-a-canoe-journey-to-alcatraz-on-indigenous-peoples-day-occupation-anniversary" data-linktype="external" data-val="https://www.hcn.org/articles/photos-a-canoe-journey-to-alcatraz-on-indigenous-peoples-day-occupation-anniversary">A canoe journey to Alcatraz on Indigenous Peoples Day</a></p> <div class="wp-block-group is-style-border alignright hcn-related-inline"> </div> <p><strong>Print / Online – Best Feature Story</strong></p> <p>First Place<br />Nick Estes<br /><a href="https://www.hcn.org/issues/51.17/indigenous-affairs-the-us-stole-generations-of-indigenous-children-to-open-the-west" data-linktype="external" data-val="https://www.hcn.org/issues/51.17/indigenous-affairs-the-us-stole-generations-of-indigenous-children-to-open-the-west">The U.S. stole generations of Indigenous children to open the West</a></p> <p>Second Place<br />
Allison Herrera<br />
<a href="https://www.hcn.org/issues/51.7/tribal-affairs-indigenous-educators-fight-for-an-accurate-history-of-california-missions" data-linktype="external" data-val="https://www.hcn.org/issues/51.7/tribal-affairs-indigenous-educators-fight-for-an-accurate-history-of-california-missions">Indigenous educators fight for an accurate history of California</a></p> <p>Third Place<br />Graham Lee Brewer<br /><a href="https://www.hcn.org/issues/51.21-22/indigenous-affairs-this-cherokee-congressman-is-for-trump-and-indian-country" data-linktype="external" data-val="https://www.hcn.org/issues/51.21-22/indigenous-affairs-this-cherokee-congressman-is-for-trump-and-indian-country">This Cherokee congressman is for Trump and Indian Country<strong>&nbsp;</strong></a></p> <p><strong>Print / Online – Best Multimedia
</strong></p> <p>Third Place<br />
Jason Asenap<br /><a href="https://www.hcn.org/issues/51.2/tribal-affairs-the-making-of-a-desert-surf-rock-band" data-linktype="external" data-val="https://www.hcn.org/issues/51.2/tribal-affairs-the-making-of-a-desert-surf-rock-band">
Meet the Nizhóní Girls: the making of a desert surf rock band<strong>&nbsp;</strong></a></p> <p><strong>Print / Online – Best News Story</strong></p> <p>First Place<br />Kalen Goodluck<br /><a href="https://www.hcn.org/issues/51.16/tribal-affairs-far-right-extremists-appropriate-indigenous-struggles-for-violent-ends" data-linktype="external" data-val="https://www.hcn.org/issues/51.16/tribal-affairs-far-right-extremists-appropriate-indigenous-struggles-for-violent-ends">Far-right extremists appropriate Indigenous struggles for violent ends&nbsp;</a></p> <p>Third Place<br />Kalen Goodluck<br /><a href="https://www.hcn.org/issues/51.7/tribal-affairs-native-american-athletes-and-fans-face-ongoing-racism" data-linktype="external" data-val="https://www.hcn.org/issues/51.7/tribal-affairs-native-american-athletes-and-fans-face-ongoing-racism">Native American athletes and fans face ongoing racism&nbsp;</a></p> <p><strong><u>Professional Division I, II &amp; III – Print/Online</u></strong></p> <p><strong>Print/Online – Best Column</strong></p> <p>First Place<br />Jason Asenap<br /><a href="https://www.hcn.org/author_search?getAuthor=Jason%20Asenap&amp;sort_on=PublicationDate&amp;sort_order=descending" data-linktype="external" data-val="https://www.hcn.org/author_search?getAuthor=Jason%20Asenap&amp;sort_on=PublicationDate&amp;sort_order=descending">Asenap’s Film Reviews</a></p> <p>For 50 years,&nbsp;<em>High Country News</em>&nbsp;has reported the stories of the Western U.S. that are often overlooked by larger media outlets.&nbsp;The nonprofit news organization has won numerous awards over the years, including the Utne Media Award, the George Polk Award, the Science in Society Award, the Society of Environmental Journalists Award, and many others.&nbsp;</p> <p>For more information about&nbsp;<em>High Country News</em>, contact Associate Editor Graham Lee Brewer at <a href="mailto:grahamb@hcn.org">grahamb@hcn.org</a>&nbsp;or Publisher and Executive Director Greg Hanscom at <a href="mailto:greghanscom@hcn.org">greghanscom@hcn.org</a>.</p> <p>###</p> <p>This <a target="_blank" href="https://www.hcn.org/media/2020/high-country-news-wins-23-national-native-media-awards/">article</a> first appeared on <a target="_blank" href="https://www.hcn.org">High Country News</a> and is republished here under a Creative Commons license.<img src="https://i0.wp.com/www.hcn.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/cropped-HCN_Logo-Monogram_White_Sq-2.png?fit=150%2C150&amp;ssl=1" style="width:1em;height:1em;margin-left:10px;"><img id="republication-tracker-tool-source" src="https://www.hcn.org/?republication-pixel=true&post=123956" style="width:1px;height:1px;"></p> Copy to Clipboard

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