In 2024, a dramatic turning point occurred in the depiction of Indigenous peoples in the media, with ground-breaking accomplishments and increasing visibility across a variety of channels. Indigenous voices are breaking through long-standing obstacles and transforming the media landscape through various activities, including ground-breaking journalism efforts and award-winning performances.
Trailblazing Performances
The entertainment industry has experienced significant milestones in Indigenous representation. Lily Gladstone (Blackfeet) made history as the first Indigenous person to win a Golden Globe for Best Female Actress. This considerable achievement not only resonated within the entertainment industry but also struck a deep chord within Indigenous communities. Her performance in a film that showcases Osage’s history elevated Indigenous narratives within mainstream cinema, filling Indigenous communities with pride and a sense of connection.
In the realm of superhero entertainment, Marvel’s Echo has introduced Maya Lopez, played by Alaqua Cox (Menominee), marking her as the first Native American superhero in a prominent role. These accomplishments honour personal skills and represent a significant change towards genuine Indigenous representation in mainstream media.
Indigenous Journalism on the Rise
The Indigenous Journalists Association (IJA) has taken a leading role in advocating for and acknowledging outstanding achievements in Indigenous media. The 2024 Indigenous Media Conference, themed “Guiding Indigenous Journalism,” featured more than 35 breakout sessions concentrating on subjects like reporting on tribal governments and IndigiQueer coverage.
The IJA’s 2024 Indigenous Media Awards showcased outstanding achievements in multiple categories: print, online, radio, podcast, and television. These awards honour outstanding journalism and highlight the increasing impact of Indigenous-led media organizations, bringing Indigenous viewpoints to the forefront of critical societal discussions.
Challenges and Progress in Mainstream Media
Even with advancements, obstacles persist in attaining fair representation. A study by the University of Southern California found that fewer than 0.25% of speaking roles in the highest-grossing films from 2007 to 2022 were attributed to Native American characters. Nonetheless, productions such as Reservation Dogs have opened the door for more genuine representations featuring Indigenous writers, directors, and crew members.
The media industry gradually acknowledges the significance of safeguarding Indigenous languages and respecting Indigenous cultures in its productions. David Oyelowo, the star of Lawmen: Bass Reeves, highlighted this in his recent push for accurate representation.
Global Initiatives and Research
UNESCO has also implemented measures to address the need for global Indigenous media data. In 2024, the organization initiated a comprehensive study that involved a worldwide survey and media monitoring analysis to collect evidence-based data on Indigenous media representation.
The forthcoming Expert Meeting on Indigenous Peoples and the Media, set for November 2024 at UNESCO Headquarters in Paris, seeks to formulate recommendations for enhancing media pluralism to support Indigenous Peoples. This initiative is in accordance with Article 16 of the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, emphasizing the importance of media rights and representation.
In 2024, there has been significant advancement in the representation of Indigenous peoples across multiple media platforms. Indigenous voices are gaining recognition and appreciation, from award-winning performances to groundbreaking journalism and international research efforts. Despite ongoing challenges, this year’s progress provides optimism for a future in which Indigenous narratives and skills are woven into the fabric of the global media landscape. Ongoing support for Indigenous-led media and genuine representation is crucial in dismantling existing barriers and promoting a more inclusive media landscape.
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