The Indigenous Journalists Association is a national organization composed of Indigenous and non-Indigenous journalists who emphasize Indian Country news. The IJA’s 2025 conference was held August 13-15 on the lands of Isleta Pueblo at the Isleta Resort and Casino in Albuquerque, New Mexico. 

O’odham Action News staff members Chris Picciuolo, Juan Ysaguirre and Kari Haahr attended this year’s conference. The theme was “Sovereignty Equals Free Press,” and almost 50 breakout sessions were offered throughout the three-day event. 

The Conference

Throughout the conference, journalists were provided with ample opportunities to network and share insights into how they accurately report on the news happening in Indian Country. 

On day one, a room was nearly full as many decided to attend the “Social Media, Research and Sovereignty” breakout session, which detailed how journalists can continue to center Indigenous voices in storytelling. 

Panelists at the session were Mvskoke Media Director Angel Ellis (Muscogee), Tulsa World reporter Lenzy Krehbiel-Burton (Cherokee), Arizona Mirror Indigenous Affairs reporter Shondiin Silversmith (Diné), University of Kansas faculty member Melissa Greene-Blye (Miami Tribe of Oklahoma), University of Cincinnati educators Ben LaPoe and Victoria LaPoe (Cherokee), and KOSU Indigenous Affairs reporter Sarah Liese.

Furthermore, there was a live broadcast taping of the popular New Mexico radio show “Native America Calling,” hosted by Shawn Spruce (Laguna Pueblo), inside the resort’s Manzano banquet room. Spruce fielded questions from special guests and attendees as he discussed the impacts of truthful storytelling in an era of made-up facts. 

The Associated Press, ABC News, Comcast NBCUniversal and Hulu were a few of the additional national sponsors that also hosted breakout sessions during the conference. 

A Record-Breaking Year

This year, O’odham Action News earned a record-breaking 12 awards across three category divisions in the annual IJA Indigenous Media Awards competition.

Additionally, O’odham Action News also received the Elias Boudinot Free Press Award, one of the three major honors to be presented during the awards dinner. 

Boudinot’s traditional name is Gallegina “Buck” Watie. He was born in 1802 on the Cherokee Nation, in modern-day Georgia. In 1828, he was selected to be the first editor of the Cherokee Phoenix, the first-ever Indigenous-owned newspaper. During his tenure as editor, Boudinot published articles in both English and Cherokee to help preserve his people’s language and ensure his community remained up to date on local and federal news.

The Elias Boudinot Free Press Award recognizes a publication or media outlet that has shown dedication and commitment to upholding freedom of the press, information and transparency on Turtle Island.

OAN’s three staff members accepted the Elias Boudinot Free Press Award on behalf of the SRPMIC. The trio received a rousing round of applause and were congratulated by many former elected officials, editors, directors and journalists from throughout Indian Country. 

According to the organization, the 2026 IJA Conference will be held in Portland, Oregon, from July 22 to 24. 

O’odham Action News 2025 IJA Indigenous Media Awards

Professional Division I – Print and Online

General Excellence

Third Place

“Telling the Stories of the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community”

Best Layout

Third Place

“Telling the Stories of the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community”

Best Feature Story

Second Place

“It’s an ‘A’ for Salt River’s ALA,” by Juan Ysaguirre

Associate Division I & II – TV (Non-Indigenous)

Best Feature Story

First Place

“Community Garden and Day Labor Staff Work Together to Plant Traditional Food at Farm Plot,” by Juan Ysaguirre

Second Place

“Beaded Plume Brings a Taste of Salt River to Santa Fe,” by Chris Picciuolo

Third Place

“Salt River Recycling Center Open for Business,” by Chris Picciuolo

Student Division – Print and Online

Best News Story

Third Place

“Boys & Girls Club Red Mountain Branch Youth of the Year Inspires Hope,” by Nalani Lopez

Best Sports Story

First Place

“Learning the O’odham Women’s Game of Toka with Jessica Ruiz,” by Nalani Lopez

Second Place

“Southwest Baseball Tournament Celebrates 60-Year Legacy,” by Andreea Miguel

Third Place

“Lehi Raiders Take to the Road in Parker Tournament,” by Andreea Miguel

Best Sports Photo

First Place

“O’odham Piipaash Day Celebrated in Salt River,” by Nalani Lopez

Second Place

“Lehi Raiders Take to the Road in Parker Tournament,” by Andreea Miguel