- Details
- By Native News Online Staff
Seven-year-old Isabelle Murphy (Cherokee) wants to grow up to be a geologist. But before that she wants to chosen to be on the Sun-Maid's Board of Imagination where she would get to weigh in on the creation of potential new products for the Sun-Maid brand. In order to get to that goal, she needs your vote to be chosen to sit on the board. The Oklahoman girl has been named a finalist in a competition that began with just over 1,000 children who entered into the contest.
Through this coming Friday, June 23, the public can vote for Isabelle once daily to help her secure one of the five Board spots.
“This is the last week of voting and I would love to be one of the five kids chosen for the Board of Imagination because I love science, cooking, and I would love to learn about how they make the raisins,” says Isabelle. “If I make it on the Board, I’ll get to help Sun-Maid with new product ideas.”
Thirty semifinalists were announced in May. The public voting phase for finalists is now underway. Winners receive a $5,000 scholarship, a $5,000 donation for their school, and one year's worth of snack prizes for their school. The biggest prize is getting to work alongside Sun-Maid executives to provide input on products, learn about business, and see what happens behind the scenes.
“I was stunned when I learned that she was a semifinalist and even more surprised to learn she was a finalist,” explains Isabelle’s mom Amanda. “This would be such anamazing learning experience for her.”
The Board gives kids a voice in future directions the company might take while providing them with an unforgettable opportunity to learn about creativity and leadership.
To vote for Isabelle visit: tinyurl.com/vote-Isabelle or use the QR code:
More Stories Like This
Native News Weekly (August 25, 2024): D.C. BriefsUS Presidents in Their Own Words Concerning American Indians
Native News Weekly (August 4, 2024): D.C. Briefs
Native News Weekly (June 22, 2025): D.C. Briefs
Read the Text of President Trump's Address to Nation on US Bombing Iran
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
