NAJA at the UNITY 2004 Convention

By Adelsa Williams

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Each year the Native American Journalists Association (NAJA) hosts a conference for all its members. NAJA, being one of four associations that make up the UNITY organization, partook in this year’s UNITY Journalists of Color, Inc. convention, which is held every five years.

This event marks the third ever UNITY convention. The first two conventions were held in Atlanta, Ga. in 1999 and Green Bay, Wis. in 1994. This year, UNITY members gathered in the nation’s capital from August 4–8. Conveniently, this is a presidential election year, and both candidates made a stop to speak at the UNITY conference.

UNITY 2004 held more full-day training sessions than any journalism convention. It also held a massive media and career expo that featured more than 400 recruiters and exhibitors from across the country. Also, there were receptions and other social gatherings including golf tournaments for the early arrivals, prior to the start of the convention.

Each of the four national organizations that form UNITY, the Asian American Journalists Association, the National Association of Hispanic Journalists, the National Association of Black Journalists, along with NAJA held their own individual board meetings, banquets and elections.

NAJA held several workshops as well as signature events, such as the NAJA Awards Gala, NAJA Member’s General Assembly, National Museum of the American Indian (NMAI) Reception and NAJA’s 20th Anniversary celebration.

During the National Museum of the American Indian reception, NAJA members got a chance to tour the soon to be completed 250,000-square foot space and enjoy hors d’oeuvres and a series of films. The museum is a part of the Smithsonian Institution, and is slated to open to the public September 21. For more information, please visit http://www.nmai.si.edu.

The NAJA Awards Gala kicked off with a silent auction of Native American artifacts, books, paintings, and other items, followed by dinner, speeches and finally the presentation of awards. At this event Native American students and journalists are recognized and honored for their efforts in the professional journalism field or academic achievements. Non-native journalists working in a tribal media organization also participate in several categories during the competition.

The Seminole Tribune took home a total of three awards. Virginia Mitchell, Editor-in-Chief, took second place, in the twice a month category for newspaper general excellence, Melissa Sherman, Graphic Designer, won second place for general excellence of the Tribune’s website, www.semtribe.com/tribune. Tribal citizen, Iretta Tiger, Reporter, won honorable mention in the individual photo feature/multiple pictures category for a series of photos taken during the grand opening of the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Hollywood.

Congratulations to the communications department for the hard work and dedication in putting together the newspaper; teamwork is the key. The Seminole Tribune’s excellence shined at this year’s as well as other years during the NAJA/UNITY celebration.