In this new episode, the Tribal Research Specialist (TRS) team discuss some important details related to journalism in Indian country. The episode starts with an old Salish Owl Dance Song from an unidentified reel in the Alan Merriam collection. The search for the singers and origin of the song are an important component. As with many aspects of Tribal histories, much has been undocumented or remains unidentified. The quest for knowledge of these tracks leads us into discussing the main tenets and role of Native Journalism.

To assist in this discussion, the TRS invites Luella Brien (Apsáalooke), the General Manager of the Big Horn County News. Luella is a graduate of The University of Montana School of Journalism with experience in graduate schools at Montana State University. Luella has a wealth of experience in journalism, including positions on the staff of The Billings Gazette, The Ravalli Republic, as an internships at papers in Seattle, Great Falls and Missoula. She has also previously worked as a communications instructor at Little Big Horn College and a consultant for the Crow Tribe media department. She rounds off her expertise also working as a community outreach coordinator at the St. Labre Indian School.

The discussion focuses on identifying elements within Native journalism that set it apart from mainstream media sources. From the commentary, there is a debate as to whether journalism as a profession must dominate Native journalistic style or if the culture and life of Natives has a greater influence to shape and add a unique spin to news in Indian Country.

The second half of the episode starts with a discussion on the role of Tribal Governments providing oversight and therefor censorship of Native journalism. The discussion examines this quandary from a journalistic endeavor, where freedom of press and expression should be paramount. In addition to this, the question is explored if elements of Tribal storytelling sneak their way into European model of journalism when written and distributed through Native Journalists.
 
Join the discussion and  let us know your thoughts.

Visit and read works by the Big Horn County News
https://www.bighorncountynews.com

Guest: Luella Brien (Apsáalooke)
Hosts: Aaron Brien (Apsáalooke), Shandin Pete (Salish/Diné)

PodCast Website: tribalresearchspecialist.buzzsprout.com
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