Who Wants to Hear Our Story?
download flyer on media conference
COMMUNICATIONS AND CONTEMPORARY NATIVE AMERICANS
An Educational Symposium March 2-3, 2006
All Day Thursday March 2nd
First Plenary Session (9-10:30 a.m.)
THE STORIES, THE CHALLENGES
Plenary Moderator: Laura Harris, AIO
The Challenge in Social and Political Climate
The Mission: Creating Deeper and Wider Circle of Knowledge
The Facts: Social Indices and Economic Assets
The Stories: Pride, Heritage, Resilience
Workshops on Problems Facing Indian Country (11-12:15 p.m.)
Participants will choose one workshop A. Historical Overview of Problems
B. Legislative Overview of Problems
C. Judicial Overview of Problems
D. Journalistic Overview of Problems
Possible Lunch Time Address (eat in large plenary room) (12:30 to 1:30 p.m.)
Second Plenary Session (1:30-3:00 p.m.)
INDIAN IMAGES IN BROADER SOCIETY
Plenary Moderator: Jose Barreiro, Editor of Indian Country Today
PANEL on Distorted & Literal Representation, Public Opinion
Old and New Stereotypes
Content Analysis of Images on TV, in newspapers
Commissioned Research on Public & Congressional Views*
Workshops on Media Solutions and Successes (3:30 to 5:00 p.m.)
F. Monitoring of Media
G. Addressing Lack of News Presence—Journalists, Guests, Sources
H. Influencing Entertainment (Hollywood, Networks, Cable)
I. Sharing Stories to Give More Complete Picture
J. Plenty of Interesting Spokespeople Available
*Make media collage of Billy Frank, Jr., John Mohawk, Leatrich Archilta, Henri Mann, Elouise Cobell, Gerald One Feather, Winona LaDuke, Katherine Gottlieb, Henri Mann, Jodi Rave, Terry Cross & another issue person, and people from existing documentaries to illustrate the point
7:00 p.m. Reception and time to mingle
During reception show Alaska dental film on TV monitor off to one side
Make arrangements to show Christmas in Clouds at 8:30 p.m. for interested folks staying at the hotel.
Friday morning March 3rd
First Plenary Session (9-11 a.m.)
PERCEPTIONS AFFECT PUBLIC POLICY AND POLITICAL CLOUT
Plenary Moderator: Patricia Zell, former Hill staffer
9 a.m. Needs, Assets, and Positive Coverage
Panel on Engaging Senators, Reps in Hearing Story (9:30 to 10:30 a.m.)
Overcoming problem of low numbers —success stories)
Overcoming problem of low visibility
Overcoming problem of competing demands, other needy groups
What are the politics of compassion?
WORKSHOPS on Stakeholders, Allies and Opponents (10:30-11:30)
choose one
K. Organizations lobbying on behalf of Native Americans
Native, non-profit, issue lobbyists
Public interest advocates and outside allies
Combined self-interest and public interest, non-native advocates
Law firm lobbyists who work on specialized issues such as water or health
This workshop focus is on issues
L. Organizations engaging in access for Nat Americans
Seeking ability to do economic development
Seeking recognition (ex. Virginia tribes)
Seeking opportunities for respectful exchanges informed by legal understanding
This workshop focus is on gaming
M. Organizations opposing Native Americans
This workshop focus is on critics of sovereignty
Second PLENARY Session: (11:30 to Noon)
NEXT STEPS TO INFLUENCE POSITIVE CHANGE
End of symposium.
Friday afternoon
Invitation Only Strategy Session
2 p.m. to 5 p.m.
First Priorities re public opinion, news journalists, Congress, entertainment
Next Steps: A Plan
Establishing objectives
Selecting Representatives to Meet with Top Decision-makers in Media Field
Being a resource to NCAI’s ongoing communication efforts
Co-Sponsors to date for “Who Wants to Hear Our Story?”
Friends Committee on National Legislation (conference coordinator)
American Indian Policy and Media Initiative
Americans for Indian Opportunity
American Friends Service Committee
Call to Renewal
Honor Our Neighbors, Origins and Rights (HONOR)
Institute for Tribal Government
The Interfaith Alliance
National American Indian Housing Council
National Congress of American Indians
National Council of Churches
National Indian Child Welfare Association
National Indian Health Board
National Native American Families Together
National Urban Indian Family Coalition.
Native American Journalists Association
Native American Rights Fund
