NAJA recognizes outstanding journalism in Indian Country   

The Native American Journalist Association (NAJA) announced the winners for the 2022 National Native Media Awards, Tuesday, July 19. The Southern Ute Drum took home a total of nine awards including a second place win for Best Digital Publication and third place win for General Excellence in Professional Division I – Print / Online categories.  

Southern Ute Drum Graphic Specialist, Robert L. Ortiz brought home a total of three awards — including a first place win for Best Layout under the design category. Ortiz also earned a first place win in the category of Best Feature Photo for his photo coverage titled, “Apache Crown Dancers visit Ignacio” and a second place award for his coverage of the Behavioral Health initiative titled, “Celebrating youth resilience in Southwest Colorado.” 

Former Drum Reporter/Photographer, McKayla Lee brought home awards in writing and photography. She earned a first place award for her news feature titled, “Fort Lewis takes further steps towards reconciliation” in the Best News Story category. Lee also took home a third place award in the Best News Photo category for a feature titled, “Kindergarteners advance to first grade!” 

In the Associate Divisions I & II Combined Categories, Southern Ute Drum Editor, Jeremy Wade Shockley earned two awards for photography. Shockley snagged a second place win in Best Photo of Native America for his photo coverage titled, “Horse Empower brings families closer, fosters communication.” Plus, an honorable mention for his images of the Southern Ute Bear Dance, in the feature, “Sister tribes gather for Bear Dance.” 

The Southern Ute Drum competes in Professional and Associate Division I for newspapers with a print circulation under 5,000. Digital excellence reflects our newspaper website and social media presence. The Drum’s affiliation with NAJA goes back to the early 1990’s; the association’s mission is stated as — Empowering a unique network of members and journalists covering Indian Country. NAJA serves more than 900 members, including media professionals working in tribal, freelance, independent, and mainstream news outlets, as well as academia and students covering Indigenous communities and representing tribal nations from across North America.  

NAJA will recognize outstanding Indigenous journalism in 2022 with an in-person ceremony during the National Native Media Awards to be held Saturday, Aug. 27 in Phoenix, Ariz.