We’re delighted to introduce this year’s Planet Forward Ilíiaitchik: Indigenous Correspondents, a passionate and diverse group dedicated to communicating environmental issues and solutions within their communities and beyond.

This year, the students in the Ilíiaitchik program truly embody the meaning of the program’s namesake, which roughly translates to “speak good things” from Apsáalooke. They aim to tell stories that bring awareness to local issues with far-reaching impacts, such as proposals to construct acid-generating mines along the biologically rich Chilkat River watershed and the hard-fought battles wildland firefighters have undertaken to protect traditional cultural practices for tribes in the Southwest.

Beyond highlighting the causes and consequences of these issues, the students are excited to showcase the resilience and ingenuity of local communities. They are drawing from cultural practices, ancestral knowledge, and technology to address challenges ranging from habitat degradation to pollution and human health risks. In doing so, the students tell stories that truly do “good things” for the world—providing inspiration and examples of how we can create a more vibrant, resilient, and equitable future.

Members of Planet Forward’s Ilíiaitchik: Indigenous Correspondents Program undergo an application process that encourages them to reflect on their passions, aspirations for storytelling, and the topics they hope to explore. While many students come from non-media and non-journalism backgrounds, a shared commitment to storytelling unites them. This storytelling takes many forms, including song, poetry, education, and on-the-ground outreach, all with the goal of uplifting their communities and connecting them to the wider world.

Throughout this year’s program, the Indigenous Correspondents will receive one-on-one mentorship from award-winning Diné filmmaker, producer, director, scriptwriter, and actor Ivey Camille Manybeads-Tso. They will also participate in a series of eight monthly workshops led by Indigenous creatives working in fields ranging from healing-informed storytelling to music and podcast creation.

We eagerly anticipate the storytelling journey ahead and invite you to tune in to read, watch, and listen to these students’ inspiring works.

P.S. Click check out the students’ profiles below to read their bio, and stay tuned for their stories!

Correspondents

Taliyah Medicine Horse

Chief Dull Knife College | Ilíiaitchik: Indigenous Correspondents Program (ICP)

Shawna Hotch

North Dakota State University | Ilíiaitchik: Indigenous Correspondents Program (ICP)

Robyn Iron

University of Montana | Ilíiaitchik: Indigenous Correspondents Program (ICP)

Chase Kamikawa

Dartmouth College | Ilíiaitchik: Indigenous Correspondents Program (ICP)

Joshua Massey

Arizona State University, Ilíiaitchik: Indigenous Correspondents Program (ICP)

Karli Moore

Stanford University | Ilíiaitchik: Indigenous Correspondents Program (ICP)

Sydney Neel

Institute of American Indian Arts | Ilíiaitchik: Indigenous Correspondents Program (ICP)

Trinity Norris

University of Arizona, Ilíiaitchik: Indigenous Correspondents Program (ICP)

Sagen Lily Quale

Ilíiaitchik: Indigenous Correspondents Program (ICP), University of Wisconsin-Madison

Angel Stickman

University of Oklahoma College of Law | Ilíiaitchik: Indigenous Correspondents Program (ICP)