OVER 1,400 ATTENDEES REPRESENTING 400+ TRIBES CAME TOGETHER TO STRATEGIZE.
On June 10-13, IllumiNative brought together Natives and allies for the Native Visibility and Power Convening on the ancestral lands of the Muckleshoot Nation to transform our latest groundbreaking research into lasting narrative change strategies.
Subject-matter experts, community leaders, and change agents shared valuable research and insights around key issues at strategy tables. Topics included media and entertainment, education, Native youth and services, political representation, Tribal sovereignty, climate justice, gender equity, federal Indian law, arts, and mascots and cultural appropriation. The resulting report, which includes key issue summaries, short- and long-term priorities, and actionable recommendations, is now available as a resource for organizations and communities across Indian Country.
Amazing youth leaders inspired and challenged everyone in attendance to be ambitious in their activism. They shared their experiences and hopes for the future, bringing a palpable energy and excitement to the event.
Following the panels and strategy tables, we came together to celebrate with music from Black Belt Eagle Scout, Levi Platero Band, and Emcee One with DJ TySky.
Our live stream of the event had over 1,300 people from across Indian Country register to participate virtually! The recordings of the can’t-miss conversations and presentations are now available on the IllumiNative YouTube channel.
Powerhouse speakers and changemakers offered insight and encouragement.
Native Visibility & Power: Progress since 2018 with Rep. Davids, Lt. Gov. Flanagan & Crystal Echo Hawk
U.S. Representative Sharice Davids and Lt. Governor Peggy Flanagan joined our Founder/CEO, Crystal Echo Hawk, in a conversation about how far we have come since 2018.
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Narrative and Culture Change
IllumiNative’s founding board members reflected on the impact of Reclaiming Native Truth, the foundational research that informed IllumiNative and other Native-led organization’s strategies over the past 6 years. Moderated by Mark Trahant , the panel was Mary Kathryn Nagle , Cheryl Crazy Bull , Wayne Ducheneaux , and Kathy Baird.
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Looking Ahead: How can we use this research to drive strategy, advocacy, and power building?
A formidable cohort of women discussed how we might use the research to support strategy, advocacy, organizing, and powerbuilding. Speakers included: Twyla Baker, Judith LeBlanc, Jade Begay, Abigail Echo Hawk, Mary Kim Titla, and Kimberly Teehee .
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"Do the next good thing." —Peggy Flanagan
Fascinating research revealed paths to increase representation and allyship.
Presentation with Nielsen
Nielsen, a global leader in audience measurement, data and analytics, and shaping the future of media, shared their research presentation. Led by Charlene Polite Corley, this presentation focused on the general public’s knowledge and perceptions of Native Americans, including their legal rights and media representation.
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Unfiltered.Media Social Listening
Unfiltered.Media is an innovative, full-service digital and social media organizing and strategy firm with decades of experience offering effective digital strategies. Craig Johnson and Dr. Alan Rosenblatt, gave a research presentation focused on how audiences talk about Native issues, how far that conversation reaches, and who is driving influence online.
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Presentation with Lake Research Partners
Lake Research Partners is a national public opinion and political strategy research firm. Their research presentation was given by Celinda Lake and explored the dominant narratives, perceptions, and influences that shape how non-Natives view Native issues.
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Tribal Sovereignty: Natives and the Courts
Mary Kathryn Nagle of Nagle Law is an attorney specializing in federal Indian law and appellate litigation with extensive experience in laws protecting the rights of Native Americans. Her research presentation focused on the attitudes and perceptions of law professionals toward federal Indian law.
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Political Research Presentation
Holly Cook Macarro, a Principal at The Angle, has over 20 years of experience in Tribal advocacy and public policy to provide guidance and support to Native American clients and partners. Her research presentation centered on how visibility has changed since 2018 and what effective Tribal advocacy looks like.
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The Native Visibility and Power Building Project’s full research will be available to the public in early 2025.
The Native Visibility and Power Building Convening was supported in part by The Wallace Foundation and Patagonia.
