- Details
- By Neely Bardwell
Seven students have been selected by the Native American Journalists Association (NAJA) to participate in the Native American Journalism Fellowship (NAJF). Each of these students are currently enrolled in colleges and universities across the country.
This 2022 class of fellows will be able to participate in a virtual curriculum while also receiving three hours of college credit through their respective universities. There are five mentors that the students will work closely with throughout the duration of this fellowship. Each of these five mentors represent four different branches of journalism: broadcast, radio, print, and digital media.
Students will get to pitch stories to news outlets and also get the opportunity to participate in the National Native Media Conference where they will be able to meet and network with other Indigenous journalists.
The 2022 NAJF Class
Lyric Aquino (Tewa) - New York University
Grace Benally (Navajo) - Arizona State University
Valentin Contreras (Pala Band of Mission Indians and IIPAY Nation of Santa Ysabel)
California State University
Carrie Lynn Johnson (Chickasaw and Pawnee) - Austin College
McKayla Lee (Navajo) - University of Montana
Lindsay McCoy (Sault Ste Marie Tribe of Chippewa) - Michigan State University
Priscilla Wolf (Cree) - University of Regina
More Stories Like This
Cheyenne River Youth Project Welcomes Local and Regional Teams for Youth Basketball TournamentUS Dept. of Education Affirms Native Students are Citizens of Sovereign Indian Nations with Legal Relationship with Federal Government
Assemblymember Ramos & Mrs. Ramos Honored at the Native Students Graduation Ceremony at UC Berkeley Law School
Still Time to Apply: American Indian College Fund Scholarships for 2025–26
Celebrate Teachers Appreciation Month This July at the Ah-Tah-Thi-Ki Museum
Can we take a minute to talk about tribal sovereignty?
Our mission draws from the warrior spirit that has sustained Indigenous peoples for generations — the same spirit that drives us to stand guard over tribal rights through relentless investigation and fearless reporting.
Sovereignty isn't just a concept – it's the foundation of Native nations' right to govern, protect our lands, and preserve our cultures. Every story we publish strengthens tribal sovereignty.
Unlike mainstream media, we center Indigenous voices and report directly from Native communities. When we cover land rights, water protection, or tribal governance, we're not just sharing news – we're documenting our living history and defending our future.
Our journalism is powered by readers, not shareholders. If you believe in the importance of Native-led media in protecting tribal sovereignty, consider supporting our work today.
