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- By Native StoryLab
In an exciting episode of Native Bidaské airing Friday, May 30th at 12 ET, host Levi Rickert sits down with two-time Emmy Award-winning storyteller Sarah Eagle Heart to discuss her latest project, "Butterflies" - a compelling short sci-fi film that bridges indigenous wisdom, technology, and environmental preservation.
Eagle Heart reveals the film's unique approach to addressing climate change through the eyes of Native youth, showcasing how Artificial Intelligence (AI) and scientific innovation can be powerful tools for environmental solutions. Produced in collaboration with John Legend's production team, “Matter and Space” the film highlights Native children as scientists and problem-solvers.
Join us to hear:
- The potential of AI in indigenous storytelling
- Climate change solutions from a Native perspective
- The importance of indigenous involvement in technological development
- A touching tribute to actor Cole Brings Plenty
The film, available on YouTube, features the Lakota language and a powerful narrative about saving monarch butterflies, demonstrating how traditional knowledge can intersect with cutting-edge technology.
Don't miss this inspiring conversation that explores the future of indigenous storytelling, technology, and environmental activism.
Tune in to Native Bidaské, Friday, May 30th at 12 ET on our Facebook and YouTube channel.
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