Lonnnnnng time no post!  But, I’m back(!) and excited to announce that I have moved down to South Florida to work as the Host and Multimedia Journalist for The Seminole Channel (which is owned and operated by the Seminole Tribe of Florida).  It was difficult to say goodbye to New York City, but the rest of Indian Country was calling.  (Not to worry, though…NYC has not seen the last of me!)

For those who are interested or have asked where they can watch The Seminole Channel, it currently airs on Directv and is only viewable by Seminole Tribal members living on one of the six STOF reservations.  But, there are plans to expand our audience and eventually share content with other Indigenous news networks soon.  I will be sure you let you know when and where you can view our content as our reach continues to grow.

We tape the show in front of a green screen because the set is virtual. I hosted this show solo while my co-host was reporting in another state.

Just a little self-promotion

I moved to South Florida to work for Seminole Media Productions because I care about Indigenous people and telling Indigenous stories, and I am very excited to be a part of an incredible operation with passionate and dedicated media professionals.  I am excited about collaborating in an effort to make SMP an even more successful operation than it already is…The possibilities of what we can and will achieve are endless!

-NativeJournalist

In case you missed the interactive panel discussion,  here’s the video:

Indigenous Media, Empowering Indigenous Voices

Screenshot of of the LIVE webcast of “Indigenous Media, Empowering Indigenous Voices” organized by the United Nations Secretariat of the Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues.

The panelists were: Nils Johan Heatta, Chairman of the World Indigenous Television Broadcasters Network; J. Kehaulani Kauanui, a professor at Wesleyan University and radio producer; and Angel Tibán Guala, Director of the television of Movimiento Indígena Campesino de Cotopaxi (TV MICC).

Our expert discussants were: Monika Ille – Director of Programming, Aboriginal Peoples Television Network, Canada; Keoni Lee – General Manager, ‘Ōiwi TV, Hawai’i; Emil Her Many Horses (Ogala Lakota, United States), National Museum of the American Indian, “Our voices on the Air : Reaching new audiences through indigenous radio”

And, we screened videos from: Komi Television (Russian Federation); TV MICC (Ecuador); Indigenous Information Network (Kenya); DJ Atama Katama (Malaysia)

I was thrilled that there was tons of buzz on Twitter and Facebook about the day and the panel itself, especially given the significance social media has in enabling every day people to share news that is important to them without the costs required for a broadcast TV studio or radio station.

I really thought I’d be nervous moderating the panel (which lasted nearly 4 1/2hours!), but I wasn’t.  I felt really comfortable sitting on stage, leading the conversation and soliciting questions from the audience.

The highlight of the day was getting to meet U.N. Secretary General, Ban Ki-moon!  Aside from providing a poignant address, he took a great photo!

Amy Stretten with United Nations Secretary General, Ban Ki-moon.

Another fun moment was the interview I did before the panel with a Slovenian radio station:

Radio Student FM 98.3 “Staroselci Na Twitterju”

While I have no idea what is being said (aside from my interspersed sound bites), it’s a pretty interesting listen.

Did you happen to catch the panel discussion?  If so, please let me know what you thought about it in the comments section below!

Let’s keep the conversation surrounding Indigenous media going!  Feel free to tweet me @AmyStretten.

Have a great day!

-NativeJournalist

The program will take place at the United Nations HQ in New York City and begins at 2:30pm ET and concludes at 6:00pm.  I will begin moderating at around 3:40pm (after the Secretary General gives his opening remarks). 

At around 3:35pm, after brief remarks from Ban Ki-moon (UN Secretary General), Wu Hongo (Under Secretary General/DESA) and Grand Chief Ed John (Chairperson of the UN Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues), I will lead the interactive panel discussion.

If I said I’m not nervous, I would be lying!  The program will be broadcasted LIVE on UNTV and on the web.  (I heard UN Radio might broadcast it, too, but I am not positive on this.)  My mantra for today is: “I can do this…I can do this!”  (Because, you know what, I can!…and will.  I have no choice at this point. lol)

If you would like to watch the dialogue LIVE, you can watch it here: http://webtv.un.org/ or in the viewer below:

If you have any comments or would like to ask a question, please tweet using #UNIndigenousDay.  If there is time, we will address your comment/question during our Q&A at the end.

Below is a program for the day:

International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples 9 August 2012*

2:30pm – 6:00pm, ECOSOC Chamber, UNHQ

“Indigenous Media, Empowering Indigenous Voices” Programme of Activities

(2:30pm) Screening of “Voices through time” by Chirapaq (Peru)

********* (3:00pm) Traditional welcome by the Chairperson of the NGO Committee on the International Decade

of the World’s Indigenous Peoples, Roberto Múcaro Borrero (Taíno, Puerto Rico) Message of the Secretary-General, Ban Ki-moon

Remarks of the Under-Secretary-General for Economic and Social Affairs and Coordinator of the Second International Decade of the World’s Indigenous Peoples, Wu Hongbo

Remarks of the Chairperson of the UN Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues, Grand Chief Edward John (Tl’azt’en, Canada)

*********

(3:30pm) INTERACTIVE DIALOGUE

Panelists:

Kenneth Deer (Mohawk, Canada), The Eastern Door

Lily Valtchanova, Cultural Affairs Officer, United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO)

Nils Johan Heatta (Sápmi, Norway), Chairman, World Indigenous Television Broadcasters Network

Professor J. Kehaulani Kauanui (Kanaka Maoli, Hawaii), Center for the Americas, Wesleyan University

Angel Tibán Guala (Kichwa, Ecuador), Director, TV MICC

Discussants: Monika Ille - Director of Programming, Aboriginal Peoples Television Network, Canada

Keoni Lee - General Manager, ‘Ōiwi TV, Hawai’I Emil Her Many Horses (Ogala Lakota, United States), National Museum of the American Indian,

« Our voices on the Air : Reaching new audiences through indigenous radio »

Short clips and videos will be screened between the presentations:

Komi Television, Russian Federation TV MICC, Ecuador Mr. Atama Katama, Malaysia

A question and answer session will follow.

Closing remarks by Roberto Múcaro Borrero (Taíno, Puerto Rico), Chairperson of the NGO Committee on the International Decade of the World’s Indigenous Peoples

Moderated by Amy Stretten (Chickahominy, United States), Founder/Editor, NativeRemix.com

Organized by the Secretariat of the United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues DSPD/DESA, the United Nations Department of Public Information and the NGO Committee on the International Decade of the World’s Indigenous Peoples.

(Programme subject to change)

On Twitter, use #UNIndigenousDay for regular updates and for sending your questions to panel members

*The International Day of the World’ s Indigenous Peoples is officially commemorated on 9 August annually in recognition of the first meeting of the United Nations Working Group on Indigenous Populations in Geneva in 1982.

Also, I had an interview with a radio program in Slovenia this morning and earlier this week did an interview with the UN Press office.  I am really excited to know that Indigenous issues and the topic of Indigenous voices in media will be buzzing around today!
Feel free to tweet me @AmyStretten with any thoughts you have during/after the discussion!

Thank you all so very much for your support!

Amy Stretten - NativeJournalist

Still from “Sopranos Azteca” by A Tribe Called Red x Javier Estrada

Just when you thought A Tribe Called Red couldn’t get any better, they come out with a fierce new music video with incredible Monterrey-based DJ Javier Estrada!

Not only did this collaboration produce “Sopranos Azteca” – a visual/musical feast for the eyes and ears, but they are promising that this is just the first video of a three-part series!  (I think I’ve died and gone to heaven!)

As Isabela Raygoza of Remezcla.com explains, this piece (like the majority of the group’s music videos) leverages more than just classic Hollywood fodder about Native people and intoxicating, hard-hitting, ”pow wow stepping” beats:

“…it goes further into history highlighting today’s most common misconceptions about colonization. Dubbing the popular TV series The Sopranos, the characters discuss the meanings behind Columbus Day and the indigenous populations, bringing both sides of the debate to light: whether Columbus was a slave trader who inspired the genocide of indigenous people or a grand conquistador and hero to America. “

What I love most about ATCR (and other young, Indigenous artists I’ve come across in recent years) is their desire to both celebrate and honor Native traditions (be they music, visual imagery, stories, etc.) and push the conversation forward – carefully carving out a unique, creative presence into the foreseeable future.  We are just as relevant as ever thanks to musical pioneers like A Tribe Called Red.

***

If you’re in the Tri-State Area and are dying to experience an Electric Pow Wow, you should definitely be at SOB’s in New York City next Saturday (May 31st)!  A Tribe Called Red will be holding it down, representing Ottawa and Canadian Aboriginals (whether they know it or not!), so be sure to find a way to get there!

But, if you can’t make it to NYC, ATCR will be Pow Wow’ing in these other fine cities this summer:

***

If you love Indigenous arts + culture stories like this one and are interested in news featuring rising creative Native minds from the US, Canada, and beyond, please consider signing up for updates on the launch of my newest project NativeRemix.com!  You will be notified via e-mail as soon as the site goes live!

We are still looking for more bloggers, videographers, and photographers, as well as artists to feature!  If you, or someone you know, would like their work published or promoted on NativeRemix, please e-mail editor@nativeremix.com.

Please follow us on twitter @TheNativeRemix and “like” us on facebook/NativeRemix!  (We also welcome any advertisers who would like to reach our audience.)

I hope to see you next week!

-NativeJournalist

My Mom and me, December ’11

In the spirit of Mother’s Day (this Sunday), here’s one for you, Mom!

My Mom is full of great advice.  She seems to always know just what to say at just the right time to make me feel better about any challenge that I may be facing.

One of her best words of wisdom, though, is her daily morning catchphrase: “BE a great day!”

My Mom truly believes that we make our own destiny based on the choices we make on a daily basis.  She knows that we each have the power to have a good day or a bad one based on how we frame things and react to adversity.  I really love that about her.

Today, I had an inspirational thought of my own that I wanted to share with you in hopes that it might brighten your day and lift your spirits, if you need it:

Sometimes you have to tell yourself, “I can do this!…I can do this!…I WILL do this!” until you’re convinced…and it gets done.  Our inner voice can be our own worst enemy or our own best friend. We have to make the choice!

It can be easy to take a back seat in our own lives and coast along miserably, just barely getting by emotionally.  It’s a lot harder to take the reins and go after your dreams.  I truly believe we each have the power to attain whatever we want if we believe in ourselves.  You have to believe, from the deepest part of your being, that you deserve great things and that you are capable of making them happen.  Great achievements come with great risk.  Great risk comes with confidence.  Confidence comes with action.  So, get up, get out, and make your dreams a reality!  You can do it!  

(I believe in you, so you should, too!)

Happy Mother’s Day to all of the Moms out there!  May you be your child/children’s greatest hero like my Mom is for me.

-NativeJournalist

ps: Thank you, everyone, for the “Happy Birthday” love I received yesterday!  It feels great to be 28 and I’m excited for all that this year will bring!

Here is the design I have chosen…I hope you like it!

Click the photo to sign up for updates on the launch of NativeRemix.com!

NativeRemix.com is a multimedia arts + culture news site for Indigenous youth of the U.S. and Canada that is currently in development.  The site will feature work created by artistic Native talent from all parts of Indian Country with a focus on the younger, Indigenous audience.  

We are currently looking for writers/bloggers as well as Native artists (musicians, singers, DJs, dancers, painters, photographers, videographers, fashion designers, etc.) who would like to be featured on our site.  We also welcome advertisers who are interested in reaching our target audience.

If you, or someone you know, would like to be a part of NativeRemix.com, please send an e-mail to: editor@NativeRemix.com!

Please sign up for updates on our launch date at NativeRemix.com,  follow us on Twitter @TheNativeRemix, and “like” us on Facebook: NativeRemix!

Thank you again to everyone for your support thus far!

Have a wonderful weekend,

-NativeJournalist

This photograph doesn't really relate to my project, but I adore it. (As you can see by my Twitter account: @amystretten)

As some of you may (or may not) know, I’m a Tow-Knight Center for Entrepreneurial Journalism fellow (please excuse the horrid photograph- I didn’t get to choose it!) and am creating a multimedia arts + culture Indigenous news site for Indigenous youth of the United States and Canada called NativeRemix.com.

Below is a video about our “pitch day” – when I won a seed grant to fund the project!

The mission of the site is to provide creative, culturally relevant content to Native youth, highlighting the growing international Indigenous artistic movement.  (So, instead of focusing on sad, depressing news – you know, those stereotypical stories EVERYONE has heard over and over again – we’ll focus on the inspiring, uplifting stuff.)  And, I’m lucky to have an amazing team of Native content producers on board to help me get this project off the ground!

NativeRemix.com will feature profiles on cutting edge Indigenous artists like Aboriginal DJ group A Tribe Called Red, singer/songwriter Kyra Climbingbear, rising fashion designer/artist Sho Sho Esquiro, burgeoning comedy group The 1491s, and accomplished “Thoshography” photographer Anthony “Thosh” Collins!

Those are just some of our ideas…We want your ideas, too!

The purpose of the site is to expand the platform Native artists currently have and be the “go to” place for creative Native content from all corners of Turtle Island!  We’re taking a for us/by us approach to reporting on the Native art world.

With that said, we’re still looking for writers, content producers, and advertisers.  If you want to share your take on the latest Native fashion trend or artistic movement in your community, send your thoughts to us at editor@nativeremix.com.  We welcome content submissions from any and all Native writers, bloggers, journalists, artists, and fans alike!  This is your opportunity to add your voice to the conversation and have people take note.

If you have a product or business (say, an Etsy store or t-shirt company) that you would like to advertise to Native youth (age 14-34) and the young at heart!, consider being one of our founding advertisers and e-mail editor@nativeremix.com for more information about incentives and our ad rates.

Please sign up for updates on the site and our scheduled launch date, by signing up at NativeRemix.com!  (You will be rewarded with a free A Tribe Called Red album download for doing so.)

…Please help us out and spread the word – Our success depends on you!

You can follow NativeRemix.com on Twitter (@TheNativeRemix) and “like” us on Facebook (FB/NativeRemix)!  Your support is much appreciated!!!
And, again: If you, or someone you know, would like to contribute to the site or be featured by one of our writers/content producers, please be in touch! E-mail editor@nativeremix.com to submit comments/questions/suggestions, story ideas, etc.

[NativeRemix.com = Native culture...Remixed!]

Now, for the important stuff…

So, how can you win $200?  It’s easy! – Just enter my contest at 99designs.com and create a winning logo for the NativeRemix brand!  If you’re not a designer, you could encourage a friend who is a designer to enter and split the winnings however you see fit!

I would LOVE for a Native designer to win, so please tell all of your friends to take a shot!

Have a great weekend…and good luck to anyone who enters!

-NativeJournalist

Ottawa-based Aboriginal DJ group, A Tribe Called Red, has just announced their upcoming Summer ’12 tour dates!  I am thrilled that they will be returning to New York City on May 31st for a performance at SOBs!  (I will definitely be there…let me know if you will, too!)

Here are the dates the group has scheduled so far.  I highly recommend you check them out!  An “Electric Pow Wow” is something everyone should experience at least once…if not regularly!

May 3: Toronto – Drake Underground
May 4: Vancouver – W2 Café
May 12: Ottawa – Electric PowWow @ Babylon
May 26: Montreal – Festival Sight&Sounds @ Eastern Bloc
May 31: NY – SOBs
June 19: Winnipeg – Winnipeg Jazz Fest

Sign up for tour updates and newly scheduled shows on their Facebook events page.  I suggest you post a comment there and request a tour date for your city…people are already starting to do so!  Maybe ATCR will be able to stop by a venue near you!

Check out the profile piece I shot/produced/edited about A Tribe Called Red (featuring commentary from Native American arts + culture journalist, Vincent Schilling) and the growing “traditional Native culture remix” movement – I think I may coin this term – after meeting up with the group during ImagineNative in Toronto last fall!

-NativeJournalist

Development Officer (PT position) - If interested, please contact AAIA: general.aaia@verizon.net

Attention job hunters!

The Association on American Indian Affairs is looking for a Development Officer!  The position is part time (28 hours/week) and the location is negotiable.

Those who apply before April 10th will be given priority consideration, but AAIA will accept applications until the position is filled.

AAIA is an amazing organization and offers scholarships and other assistance to Native communities.  According to their website, “The mission of the AAIA, is to promote the welfare of American Indians and Alaska Natives by supporting efforts to: sustain and perpetuate their cultures and languages; protect their sovereignty, constitutional, legal and human rights, and natural resources; and improve their health, education, and economic and community development.”

Please spread the word about this incredible opportunity to make a difference in the lives of the Native American community, while earning an income, too!

-NativeJournalist

Photo courtesy of the University of Dayton (Language: Cree)

Dear readers,

Do you or someone you know speak a Native language?  If so, please get in touch with me (via this blog or Twitter) and let me know.  I am working on an Indigenous media project and really need your help in coming up with a name!  I only need about 10-15 minutes of your time and can explain the details when you contact me.

Thank you!!

Amy

-NativeJournalist