NAJA – 2014 Native Media Award Winners

Native American Journalists Association (NAJA)

NAJA announces 2014 Native Media Award winners; recognizes excellence in coverage of Indian Country
NORMAN, Okla. — The Native American Journalists Association will recognize more than 200 members for their coverage of Indian Country during the 2014 National Native Media Awards Banquet July 12. The annual competition recognizes excellence in reporting by Native and non-Native journalists across the U.S., and Canada.

This year, NAJA honors three distinguished individuals and media outlets with the highest levels of achievement within the field of journalism.

2014 NAJA Elias Boudinot Free Press Award

The recipient of the 2014 NAJA Elias Boudinot Free Press Award is the Osage News, for recognition of their work in highlighting public officials’ responsibility in following open records laws.


2014 NAJA Richard LaCourse/Gannett Foundation Al Neuharth Investigative Journalism Award

In partnership with the Gannett Foundation, NAJA offers an annual $5,000 award to recognize ground
breaking work by a journalist or a team that creatively uses digital tools in the role of community watchdog.

The recipienTristan Ahtonet of the 2014 NAJA Richard LaCourse/Gannett Foundation Al Neuharth Investigative Journalism Award, for the second consecutive year, is freelance reporter Tristan Ahtone (Kiowa). 

2014 NAJA Medill Milestone Achievement Award

The 2014 NAJA Medill Milestone Achievement Award recognizes important contributions made by journalists in the past, as well as encourages the new generation of Native journalists to achieve career excellence. This award honors NAJA’s mission and the exemplary people who have led the way with outstanding work and contributions to the field of journalism.

Included with this award is a $5,000 prize, sponsored by the Medill School of Journalism at Northwestern University.

The recipient of the 2014 NAJA Medill Milestone Achievement Award is Executive Editor of the Cherokee Phoenix, Bryan Pollard (Cherokee).

The 2014 Native Media Awards categories are divided as follows (click the link to view winners):

NAJA thanks all of the 2014 judges, their outlets and organizations for the donation of time and expertise spent on making this year’s awards possible:

  • University of Omaha Nebraska
  • Society of Professional Journalists
  • Society of Environmental Journalists
  • Asian American Journalists Association
  • Center for Investigative Reporting

All 2014 Native Media Award winners who are unable to attend the banquet may request to have their awards shipped. An additional mailing fee may be required.  For more information, please contact Rebecca Landsberry at RebeccaLandsberry@naja.com.