Journalist Expertise

Teresa Trumbly Lamsam, Ph.D.

Teresa Trumbly Lamsam, Ph.D.

Teresa Trumbly Lamsam, Ph.D.

Former Director of Research

Emailcontact@imfreedomalliance.org

Location: Branford, CT

Teresa Trumbly Lamsam, Ph.D., is an enrolled member of the Osage Nation. A seasoned journalist, she has served as executive editor of the Native Health News Alliance and taught journalism at several universities. Teresa’s work emphasizes trauma-informed journalism and cultural accuracy in reporting. As Director of Research and Strategic Initiatives for the Indigenous Media Freedom Alliance, she integrates her extensive research background with her commitment to Native voices and addressing community information needs.

Articles

9 total
Explainer

Powwow etiquette: A respectful visitor’s guide

From the first drumbeat to the last song, respect carries the tradition forward
By Teresa Trumbly Lamsam, Ph.D.
Jingle Dress dance
Hollywood vs Heritage

Best Native American movies, series — the ones worth watching

A guide to the best Native American movies and series — from landmark Native-made films to major studio collaborations that got it right
By Teresa Trumbly Lamsam, Ph.D.
Frybread Face and Me
NCAI

Inside the NCAI Mid Year Conference: What we saw, heard and ran to cover

From early-morning strategy sessions to last-minute resolution edits, the Buffalo’s Fire and IMFA team hit the ground to report on the priorities shaping Indian Country
By Teresa Trumbly Lamsam, Ph.D.
Macarro
Events and Announcements

Buffalo’s Fire, IMFA head to NCAI Mid Year Convention

Policy talk, hallway buzz and speaker highlights — delivered live through The Daily Spark and our social channels
By Teresa Trumbly Lamsam, Ph.D.
Explainer

American Indian vs Native American: Which term is right and when?

A concise guide to when, why and how to use Native American, American Indian or a tribal name—so you don’t trip over history, law or respectful language
By Teresa Trumbly Lamsam, Ph.D.
27AFDB48-A39D-46B6-89C4-207595C7F1FF
Explainer

Why we use ‘Murdered and Missing Indigenous Peoples’ at Buffalo’s Fire

We use MMIP in our reporting while honoring community use of MMIR
By Teresa Trumbly Lamsam, Ph.D.
49198768923_602f895a96_o
Explainer

Dentalium: History and significance in Native American culture

For generations, Native Americans prized dentalium or tusk shells as currency, status symbols and sacred objects. Harvested in the Pacific, they were traded thousands of miles inland, held real value and have been used for over 6,600 years, continuing today
By Teresa Trumbly Lamsam, Ph.D.
dentalium2
Explainer

What are 638 contracts and how they work

They empower tribes to take control of their affairs, but administrative burdens and complex federal regulations can get in the way
By Teresa Trumbly Lamsam, Ph.D.
Bismarck Events

Sacred Pipe Resource Center invites community to kick off 2025 with family activities, prizes

New Year’s Eve celebration to feature lip-sync showdown
By Adrianna Adame and Teresa Trumbly Lamsam, Ph.D.
Last New Years event