EP. 46 - Freedom of Press

In this episode we collaborated with University of Arizona Diné law student Divine Kickingbird. Hosted by Bre and Divine, both law students at the University of Arizona, this conversation gives a foundation of the history of the Indian Civil Rights Act (ICRA). They also shed light on how ICRA intertwines with indigenous journalism, news organizations, and the potential challenges they may face in their quest to provide unbiased, transparent reporting to Native communities. As you tune in you will hear both Bre and Divine lead the conversation while host & producer of Tohono O'odham Young Voices, Tina, sits on the other end of the mic. Tina shares with us the importance of indigenous journalism and how Tohono O'odham Young Voices began. We also include a discussion about the Indian Civil Rights Act of 1968 as we delve into specifically how freedom of press is affected for native news outlets.

As podcasting has become a growing and popular industry to share content and have dialogue about different topics, many Native/Indigenous individuals and groups are using the platform to share information that is important to them and their communities. For those same reseaons Tina shares her journey into journalism and how ICRA and other legal challenges have shaped her approach to honest and uncensored news reporting. Moreover, the importance that Native voices are in the media.

About the co-host: Divine Kickingbird (she/her) is a law student who describes their upbringing on the Navajo Nation with teachings of the fundamental principles of conservation from their family, elders, and community members as core to their identities and values. Divine Kickingbird is
Hashtl'ishnii and born for Nahiłii. With this podcast episode she hopes to continue to educate others on important indigenous topics.

Sources
Indian Civil Rights Act
Bad Press (Collective Eye Films 2023)
Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act
Intersecting Laws: The Tribal Law and Order Act and the Indian Civil Rights Act