Five Haskell Indian Nations University students traveled to the Indigenous Media Conference in Albuquerque, New Mexico, from August 13–15, returning with a total of 12 national awards between two student news organizations. Three students attended with The Indian Leader, earning nine awards, while two students attended with the University of Kansas’ Good Morning Indian Country, earning three.
Representing The Indian Leader were Tara Roanhorse, Emmitt Brazille, and Nola Levings. KU’s GMIC team included Allison Levering, Victor Organista, and Ryn Drummond (KU). Together, the students joined Indigenous journalists, educators, and professionals for three days of workshops, keynote speeches, and networking at the Isleta Resort & Casino.
This year’s theme, “Sovereignty Equals Free Press,” highlighted conversations on Indigenous reporting, media independence, and the role of storytelling in community empowerment. Students also had the chance to connect with representatives from major outlets such as Indian Country Today, The New York Times, and the Associated Press. The conference closed on a high note with a performance by Gary Farmer and the Troublemakers.
The recognition at IMC underscored the strength of Haskell’s student journalists and their continued role in shaping Indigenous media.
“I’m surprised yet honored,” said Emmitt Brazille, Chickasaw, “I find it a privilege to attend an IJA conference with professionals in the field.”
Awards Won by Haskell Students and The Indian Leader
Student Division – TV – Best Feature Story
- 1st Place – Allison Levering – “Haskell Native Youth Olympics Presented by Kyle Worl”
- 2nd Place – Allison Levering – “Haskell 2024 Welcome Back Powwow”
- 3rd Place – Allison Levering – “Haskell Women’s Basketball: Sports Insider Interviews”
Student Division – Print/Online – Best News Story
- 1st Place – Wyomee Cook – “Historical Erasure and People of Color”
- 2nd Place – Tara Roanhorse – “AISES Fosters Community and Opportunities for Haskell Students”
Student Division – Print/Online – Best News Photo
- 1st Place – Emmitt Brazille – “Haskell’s Destress Event”
- 2nd Place – Batool Fields – “Saturday Night Lights”
- 3rd Place – Tara Roanhorse – “Celebrating Heritage and Harmony at the Haskell Cultural Dinner”
Student Division – Print/Online – Best Feature Story
- 3rd Place – Batool Fields – “They Came Home”
Student Division – TV – Best Newscast (with the University of Kansas via Good Morning Indian Country)
- 1st Place – GMIC – “October 18, 2024”
- 2nd Place – GMIC – “October 9, 2024”
- 3rd Place – GMIC – “September 25, 2024”
Beyond the awards, the students immersed themselves in conference sessions covering investigative reporting, Indigenous language revitalization, and the latest tools for multimedia storytelling.
“Being here, I’ve learned how to report on MMIR from the family perspective by listening to family members and I’ll be able to take this back and implement it into the work I do,” said Nola Levings, Mississippi Choctaw.
Founded in 1897, The Indian Leader is the oldest Native American student newspaper in the country, and this year’s honors add to its legacy of championing Indigenous perspectives and preparing the next generation of storytellers.









