Recent graduate Tara Roanhorse and senior Emmittt Brazille secured a podium sweep for two divisions of the 2026 Indigenous Media Awards (IMA), annually hosted by the Indigenous Journalists Association (IJA). Roanhorse took the top three awards in Print/Online Best Shortform-News Story and the top two awards in Best Feature Photo, with Brazille claiming third place in Best Feature Photo.
Roanhorse recently graduated from Haskell with her Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and finished off her senior year as the Indian Leader’s Interim Editor-in-Chief. Her dedication to the leader has stayed consistent since joining in 2023, making this her second year placing in the IMAs.
Roanhorse’s writing covers community events, highlighting Haskell Student involvement in Lawrence, KS. Her background as Haskell’s Student Social Media Specialist and previous intern for The Office of Communications at NASA serves as a foundation for her education in Indigenous storytelling and journalism.
All of Roanhorse’s winning pieces spotlighted her fellow students at Haskell engaging in community bonding, advocacy, leadership, and traditional practices hosted on campus.
Brazille has been a committed staff member for the Indian Leader since 2024, continuously placing in the IMA award divisions for Best Photo. His involvement has ranged from environmental stories to Haskell sports highlights. His winning piece covered the Haskell Indian Market Fashion Show in October 2025.
Congratulations to the Indian Leader staff 2026 award winners! Check out the winning works below:
Print and/or Online – Best Shortform/News Story
Photo – Best Feature Photo
