On this week’s episode of Native Bidaské, host Levi Rickert sits down with Crystal Echo Hawk (Pawnee) to talk about her newest project, Power in Numbers, a video podcast series that pairs rigorous data with the lived experiences of Native communities.
Echo Hawk, founder of Indigenous House and the visionary behind the groundbreaking narrative-change organization IllumiNative, has spent years using public opinion research to get inside “the minds of Americans” and understand what they think they know about Native peoples and what’s missing.
In this Native Bidaské episode, Echo Hawk explains how “Power in Numbers” grew out of IllumiNative’s final research push before the organization sunset at the end of last year. Instead of letting that data sit on a shelf, she wanted to create “something living and breathing” that could:
- Translate complex data into accessible stories
- Inform strategy, organizing, and advocacy in Native communities
- Challenge stereotypes and historical tropes by centering contemporary Native life
- Highlight the diversity, beauty, and innovation of Native peoples in the 21st century
“Power in Numbers” does just that by bringing together experts, advocates, and community voices to unpack the forces shaping the lives of both Native and non-Native people in the United States. Each episode dives into key findings, from top issues impacting Native communities to views on voting, the economy, and community priorities—and connects them to real people and real stories on the ground.
Launched earlier this week, Power in Numbers aims to cut through the noise of today’s fast-moving political, cultural, and economic landscape and offer clarity, context, and connection.
Tune in to this episode of Native Bidaské to hear Crystal Echo Hawk share why this moment demanded a new kind of podcast, and how data, when rooted in community, can help shift narratives and power for Native peoples across the country.
Watch the full episode of Native Bidaské on Friday, May 8th at 12 PM ET on YouTube, NativeNewsOnline.net, and TikTok.
Watch past episodes: https://www.youtube.com/@NativeNewsOnline/streams