Join us for “Shifting Narratives: From Print Media to Media Literacy – Amplifying Indigenous Voices, Representation, and Narratives of Transition” panel discussion with distinguised speakers, Myers Reece, Torsten Kjellstrand and Jim Cornellious, and facilitated by Jackleen de la Harpe.

The panel discussion, “Shifting Narratives,” will explore the dynamic evolution from print media to media literacy, emphasizing authentic representation and cultural sensitivity in journalism. Underscore Native News, a nonprofit newsroom committed to covering Indigenous communities, will be represented by current Executive Director Myers Reece, who will delve into the organization’s mission, initiatives, and dedication to fostering media literacy.

Renowned photographer and filmmaker Torsten Kjellstrand, Professor of Practice at the University of Oregon, will investigate the impact of visual media in telling stories about underrepresented communities, using examples from projects like Black Soil, Brothers, and Wheat. Film clips from collaborations with Blackfeet Nation, Navajo Nation, and Sugpiat communities on Kodiak Island may be showcased, highlighting the narratives of transition and migration within these communities.

Jim Cornelius, Editor in Chief of The Nugget Newspaper, brings a regional perspective from Sisters, Oregon, where The Nugget has been an independent weekly newspaper since 1978. With a print readership of 12,100 and an online edition claiming 9,500 monthly readers, The Nugget plays a crucial role in shaping narratives in the community. Cornelius will share insights into regional and rural storytelling, with a focus on the transitions and migrations that have shaped narratives over time.

Facilitated by retired executive director and founder of Underscore Native News, Jackleen de La Harpe, this diverse panel will underscore the importance of community connection, accurate representation, and cultural awareness in journalism. The discussion will contribute to the broader goal of media literacy and equitable storytelling, incorporating the unique perspectives of the panelists.