Education
Jul 15, 2026

University of Kansas workshop prepares Native students for careers in journalism

Native media professionals trained high school students in storytelling and reporting skills


July 15, 2026

Twenty-two Native high school students from across the country participated in the University of Kansas' Native Storytelling Workshop July 6-10, where they learned journalism skills from Indigenous media professionals, according to reporting from ICT. The five-day program introduced students to podcasting, photography, broadcast production, social media and news writing. Workshop co-director Melissa Greene-Blye, a citizen of the Miami Tribe of Oklahoma and a University of Kansas journalism professor, said the program encourages students to consider journalism careers while emphasizing the importance of Native communities telling their own stories.

The workshop was led by eight Indigenous journalists and University of Kansas faculty, according to the ICT reporting. Sunnie R. Clahchischiligi, Diné and president of the Indigenous Journalists Association board of directors, said the program helps students build on existing storytelling skills while learning journalistic practices. Co-director Rebekka Schlichting said organizers hope to expand participation in future workshops to help develop more Native storytellers.

  1. 1.ICT.

We provide the independent reporting that non-Native, extractive outlets often overlook. We give our communities the context and the facts they need to make informed decisions.

As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, we exist to illuminate tribal government decision-making for everyone who cares about transparency about Native issues. Because the consequences of restricted press freedom affect our communities every day, our trauma-informed reporting is rooted in a deep, firsthand expertise. Every gift helps keep the fire burning. A monthly contribution makes the biggest impact.