The Southern Ute Drum staff attended the Indigenous Journalist Association, Indigenous Media Conference (IMC) in Portland Ore. from Wednesday, July 22 to Friday, July 24. During the conference staff members immersed themselves in journalism each day, expanding their professional development, engaged in networking, and reconnecting with colleagues. On Friday, July 24 the IMC concluded with the annual awards banquet, this year The Southern Ute Drum took home two awards – Graphic Specialist, Robert Ortiz (left) accepted the award for “Best Photo of Indigenous Communities – Second Place” on behalf of previous Editor, Jeremy Wade Shockley. Reporter/Photographer, Divine Windy Boy (right) accepted her award for “Best Sports Photo – First Place.”