Darrien Benally

Planet Forward Correspondent | Northern Arizona University

Darrien Benally, Diné, is a first-year graduate student enrolled in the Master of Arts Communication program at Northern Arizona University. Darrien graduated from NAU in 2019 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Applied Indigenous Studies. During her time at NAU,  Darrien worked for the Institute for Tribal Environmental Professionals’ Environmental Education Outreach Program. Upon graduation,  Darrien worked with Tribal Healthy Homes Network to improve wildfire smoke education for the Tulalip Tribes community in Tulalip, Washington.  Darrien is the Communications and Outreach Manager for the Colorado Plateau Foundation, an organization that supports Native-led initiatives across the Colorado Plateau region.  Darrien’s passion for environmental communication comes from the teachings of her paternal grandparents, who taught her the value of seed-keeping and traditional knowledge.  Darrien has an interest in ethical storytelling and Native representation in media.