About Us

Our story, our mission, our community

The Indigenous Beacon was founded to fill a critical gap in media — a space where Native American stories are told by Native voices, with the depth, accuracy, and respect they deserve.

Our Story

The Indigenous Beacon was born from a simple but urgent realization: the stories of Native American communities have been told by outsiders for far too long. From history books to news headlines, Indigenous perspectives have been filtered, distorted, or erased entirely.

Founded in 2026 by a collective of Native journalists, educators, and storytellers, The Indigenous Beacon is a platform built on the belief that the most authentic stories are those told by the people who live them. We are committed to accurate, respectful, and powerful storytelling that centers Indigenous voices and experiences.

Our name — The Indigenous Beacon — reflects our purpose: to be a guiding light, illuminating the narratives that have been hidden, overlooked, or misrepresented. We shine a light on Native resilience, cultural richness, contemporary struggles, and the ongoing fight for sovereignty and justice.

Today, we serve a growing community of readers, educators, and allies who understand that changing how stories are told is a critical step toward building a more just and informed society.

Our Mission & Values

Everything we do is guided by our core principles — the values that shape our journalism, our storytelling, and our relationship with the communities we serve.

Native-Led Storytelling

Indigenous voices must be at the center of Indigenous narratives. We prioritize Native writers, editors, photographers, and filmmakers in every story we tell.

Truth & Accuracy

We hold ourselves to the highest journalistic standards, fact-checking every story and consulting with cultural experts to ensure accuracy and cultural sensitivity.

Educational Impact

We create resources for K–12 and higher education that provide accurate, Indigenous-led perspectives on history, culture, and contemporary issues.

Community Accountability

We are accountable to the communities we cover, building relationships of trust and respect with Native nations, organizations, and individuals.

Resilience & Celebration

We honor the strength and resilience of Native communities while also celebrating the beauty, joy, and cultural richness that has endured for millennia.

Our Team

The Indigenous Beacon is built by a dedicated team of Native journalists, educators, storytellers, and media professionals.

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Maya Littlefeather

Editor-in-Chief

An enrolled member of the Cherokee Nation with over 15 years of experience in Indigenous journalism and media advocacy.

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Joseph Black Owl

Senior Reporter

Award-winning investigative journalist covering Native sovereignty, environmental justice, and federal policy from the Oceti Sakowin.

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Leilani Whitehorse

Education Director

Former high school history teacher and curriculum developer, dedicated to bringing accurate Indigenous perspectives into classrooms.

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Thomas Yellow Bird

Video Producer

Filmmaker and documentarian whose work has been featured at Sundance and the imagineNATIVE Film Festival.

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Sage Morningstar

Cultural Editor

Storyteller and oral historian preserving and sharing traditional knowledge from the Diné (Navajo) Nation.

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River Stonechild

Community Manager

Building bridges between the platform and Indigenous communities, ensuring our work serves those we represent.

Get in Touch

Have a story idea, feedback, or want to collaborate? We'd love to hear from you. Reach out to our team using the information below.

Email

the-indigenous-beacon-ace6ceac@ctomail.io

Location

Turtle Island (North America)

Social

@IndigenousBeacon

Send us a message