- Details
- By Neely Bardwell
The Native American Journalists Association (NAJA) announced today that the Native News Online team has been recognized by the 2022 National Native Media Awards.
Every year, NAJA recognizes the best coverage of Indian Country. Native News Online was recognized for its work in the category Print/Online - Best Digital Publication.
Native News Online received third place in this category.
“It's always an honor to be recognized by your peers. We are all working hard to amplify the needs and concerns of Indian Country. We are grateful for this award,” says publisher and editor, Levi Rickert. “We would like to send out a big congratulations to Indian Country Today and Kai Wai Ola for their first and second place awards.”
Last year, Rickert won best column, and Native News Online won first place for best digital publication.
2022 Print / Online – Best Digital Publication - Professional Division III
First Place
Mary Annette Pember, Meghan Sullivan, Joaqlin Estus, Kolby Kickingwoman, Kalle Benallie, Chris Aadland, Carina Dominguez, Jourdan Bennett-Begaye, Dianna Hunt, Dalton Walker
Enbridge, ANCSA, Disenrolled Nooksack, Homelands in peril and Portraits from the pandemic
ICT
Second Place
Alice Silbanuz, Lisette Fernandez-Akamine, Kaleena Patcho, Ed Kalama, Joshua Koh, Jason Lees, William “Trip” Rems
Ka Wai Ola News
Ka Wai Ola
Third Place
Native News Online Team
Native News Online
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Help us tell the stories that could save Native languages and food traditions
At a critical moment for Indian Country, Native News Online is embarking on our most ambitious reporting project yet: "Cultivating Culture," a three-year investigation into two forces shaping Native community survival—food sovereignty and language revitalization.
The devastating impact of COVID-19 accelerated the loss of Native elders and with them, irreplaceable cultural knowledge. Yet across tribal communities, innovative leaders are fighting back, reclaiming traditional food systems and breathing new life into Native languages. These aren't just cultural preservation efforts—they're powerful pathways to community health, healing, and resilience.
Our dedicated reporting team will spend three years documenting these stories through on-the-ground reporting in 18 tribal communities, producing over 200 in-depth stories, 18 podcast episodes, and multimedia content that amplifies Indigenous voices. We'll show policymakers, funders, and allies how cultural restoration directly impacts physical and mental wellness while celebrating successful models of sovereignty and self-determination.
This isn't corporate media parachuting into Indian Country for a quick story. This is sustained, relationship-based journalism by Native reporters who understand these communities. It's "Warrior Journalism"—fearless reporting that serves the 5.5 million readers who depend on us for news that mainstream media often ignores.
We need your help right now. While we've secured partial funding, we're still $450,000 short of our three-year budget. Our immediate goal is $25,000 this month to keep this critical work moving forward—funding reporter salaries, travel to remote communities, photography, and the deep reporting these stories deserve.
Every dollar directly supports Indigenous journalists telling Indigenous stories. Whether it's $5 or $50, your contribution ensures these vital narratives of resilience, innovation, and hope don't disappear into silence.
The stakes couldn't be higher. Native languages are being lost at an alarming rate. Food insecurity plagues many tribal communities. But solutions are emerging, and these stories need to be told.
Support independent Native journalism. Fund the stories that matter.
Levi Rickert (Potawatomi), Editor & Publisher
