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About Smoke signals. (Grand Ronde, Or.) 19??-current | View Entire Issue (July 15, 2002)
6 JULY 15, 2002 Smoke Signals JULY 15, 2002 Smoke Signals 7 Native American Journalists Association 2 Annual Conference in San Diego Indian media gather to honor the best in the business. With eight awards from the Native American Journalists Association, including two first place finishes for best feature writing and best fea ture photography, the Smoke Signals Tribal newspaper has proven itself to be one of the best Native publications in print today. The Smoke Signals took home more journal ism awards than any other Tribal newspaper in Oregon. Each first place award means that the Smoke Signals beat out several other Native publications both in the United States and Canada for the top spot. The annual NAJA conference was held in San Diego, California this year. The conferences are a good chance for Native journalists from all across the U.S. and Canada to meet, network and make connections. On the final evening of the conference, an awards ceremony was held to recognize the best in Native journalism. Smoke Signals Journalist Peta Tinda won first place for "best feature writing" at a Native publi cation for his story on Navajo golfer Notah Begay. He also was awarded an honorable mention for "feature photography, multiple pictures" for his inside look at the Gregory Lofts apartments, a successful Tribal investment in Portland. Tinda won a second honorable mention for "best fea ture, single photo" for his photo of a traditional dancer. Smoke Signals also won second place for "best news writing," and was awarded two hon orable mention for "best news writing." Smoke Signals Editor Brent Merrill won first place for "best feature photo" for his photo taken at the Grand Ronde Pow-wow. The photo of a man holding his child was published in the 2002 Grand Ronde Tribal calendar. Merrill also was awarded an honorable mention for "best feature, multiple picture," for his photo coverage of the 2001 Grand Ronde Pow-wow. Additionally, Smoke Signals photographer Peta Tinda beat 17 other Native photographers to take a third place finish in the annual NAJA Photo Shoot Out, a one-day photojournalism competi tion. The career fair and cyber circle at this year's NAJA convention provided members with the opportunity to check email, surf the web and make connections outside of the Native Ameri can Journalistic world. Many major newspa pers and broadcast media had booths that were accessible to the many young students that make the journey to the convention each year. Internship Information at CBS was available and NBC's San Diego station was also present ready to embrace any qualified Native journal ist willing to take the chance. U f Xm t - 1.1 ; TV I. Jo ? V XtH Three-peat Confederated Umatilla Journal staffers show off their seven awards, including their third straight General Excellence Award in the once a month category, won at the NAJA Conference. Pic tured are Reporter Marcus Luke II, Acting Executive Director Debra Croswell and Editor Wil "Shoe" Phinney. F I f 1 T I" r Young Minds Are The Future Of Indian Country - students are a big part of each and every NAJA Conference. Project Phoenix was started by members of NAJA to recruit young Native journalists into the field and show them what journalism is really all about. The students were honored at the conference with a dinner and awards ceremony. ( 1 n l ? " ''?' 1 1 , I V ' ?i 1 I I 'l "V ''I H''iir 1 ' V I , - i f Photos by Brent Merrill -'''MwttlN(!... : ' V ' " A i , li - - --,t.iiM(3 : '! ' i ,t, ',- t kiJ .,- i . ' i ;' 1 ; t ,,,,.,.-.. k l'HHkJ i li rut s m - r I 1' H It I j . I b"- (wi(m l j li ' ill , j I'-na V - -55555 ifejj- v-v -: r: ) VI y 5 -. s. -:" tiff-: lW,Btif)-".-.t-- n '' ' " V
