Reclaiming Our Narratives Through the Eyes of Indigenous Storytellers
Country
Global
agnes
Wed, 08/05/2026 - 08:22
Issues
Human Rights
Program
5
Main Image
By Dev Kumar Sunuwar
(Koĩts-Sunuwar, CS Staff)
Standing as an Indigenous journalist among more than 400 fellow Indigenous-led media professionals, reporters, broadcasters, storytellers, Indigenous media scholars, and press-freedom advocates from July 22-24, 2026, I felt a sense of belonging and a pride in reclaiming our narratives. An annual gathering, organized by the Indigenous Journalists Association (IJA) and the Indigenous Media Conference 2026 in Portland, OR, brought together Indigenous media delegates from across the United States, Canada, Australia, and the Pacific Islands. For Indigenous storytellers and media professionals who have spent decades defending the truth, the conference made a clear message: reclaiming story ownership is important for our cultural, economic, political, and environmental survival.
Observing and experiencing this conference firsthand, amid the worsening climate crisis, rapid expansion and changes in artificial intelligence, and increased threats for Indigenous journalists on the ground, was transformative. From intensive sessions of drafting a historic Indigenous Journalism Code of Ethics to panels on frontline climate reporting and digital safety, the three-day conference redefined press freedom through the lens of Indigenous self-determination.
Storytelling Sovereignty
Attending the launch of a book titled “Storytelling Sovereignty: Indigenous Peoples and the Media,” edited by Cristina L. Azocar and Meta G. Carstarphen, I felt like witnessing a masterclass in narrative reclaiming. Listening to the visionary scholars, I was reminded of the deep responsibility and honor of our work.
During the session, Dr. Cristina Azocar (Upper Mattaponi), a professor and Chair of Journalism at San Francisco State University, traced the philosophical and legal roots of Indigenous communities. She highlighted Article 16 of the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP), 2007, which provides the rights of Indigenous Peoples to establish media in their own Indigenous languages without discrimination.
“Indigenous storytellers carry great responsibility because media shapes every part of our lives,” Dr. Azocar emphasized. “Storytelling sovereignty is self-determination. It connects us to our past, guides our present, and shapes our future.”
Dr. Azocar explained in detail how outsiders have often misrepresented us in the media and distorted the coverage. “If we don’t tell our own stories, they are often wrong,” she said. According to her, storytelling sovereignty lets us share our stories from our own perspectives. Our voice can also then drive change in social and climate justice. Her advice was to keep telling your own stories, stay resilient, and do not let others speak for you and about you.
Fact-Checking and Protecting Sensitive Data
Attending the workshop titled “Fact-checking in and for Indigenous communities,” I was reminded that strong journalism requires both accuracy and respect for culture. Mary Hudetz (Apsaalooke/Crow), Director of Education and Training for the IJA, and a journalist, emphasized the need for careful verification to protect credibility and show our commitment to community trust.
“Fact-checking lets you review your stories to ensure every detail is accurate,” Hudetz said, adding, “it builds trust within communities and shows you care about how they are represented. For non-Indigenous media, it helps prevent stereotypes and mistakes.”
Hudetz highlighted that the so-called mainstream media outlets often get facts wrong by reducing the distinct cultures, treaty rights, the customs and laws of Tribal Nations to stereotypes. She stressed the importance of Indigenous data sovereignty when reporting on sensitive information about the culture, sacred knowledge, or historical trauma.
“Tribal groups have the right to review and control data about their people and community,” Hudetz said, “so much information was taken from Tribes without their Free, Prior and Informed Consent (FPIC). Now, as Tribes assert data sovereignty, the world must respect their power to protect and manage their information.” Her advice to journalists was practical: “Make fact-checking a part of your process, especially when you are covering sensitive stories. It protects your …