Session 3: Native Voices in Media
This session’s panelists are Native media professionals in journalism, film production and entertainment, who will discuss their career pathways, their perspective on the role of Native media professionals and the range of career opportunities in Native media production.
Moderator: Tasia Pedro
About the Speakers
Chaz Wagner, Singer, song writer, Community Radio Host
Chaz Wagner/Giniw Giizhig: Chaz Wagner/Giniw Giizhig is from the Bois Forte Band of Ojibwe. He is a singer, songwriter, and producer in the Native American Rock Band - War Bonnet. He’s the lead singer on Bois Forte Traditional Drum. In addition to owning and managing Star Scream Records, Chaz is a contract producer for Ampers Radio Stations for the state of Minnesota.
Aanor Louis, Navajo Technical University, Wayfinder Productions
Aanor Louis: Anor Louis, Navajo, is an Assistant Professor of New Media at Navajo Technical University. He is a sound designer, and studio engineer with extensive experience in creative sound design for film & television, and music recording. He has extensive experience in creative sound design for film & television, and music recording. He is a sound designer for Wayfinder Media & Communications and studio engineer for Perihelion Studios. Mr. Louis is also a Change Manager with experience in research evaluation, data interpretation, cultural awareness, problem solving, leading change, motivating groups, and effective communication.
Rhonda LeValdo, Haskell Indian Nations University
Rhonda LeValdo, Acoma Pueblo, is Faculty in Media Communications at Haskell Indian Nations University and currently serving as Interim Dean for the School of Humanities. LeValdo received both her bachelor’s and master’s degree from the William Allen White School of Journalism at the University of Kansas in Journalism and Mass Communication. Ms. LeValdo has written for various outlets as well as audio/video work for: Indian Country Today, First Nations Experience (TV), Native News Online, Indianz.com, Tribal College Journal, National Native News (radio) as well as host for her own show Native Spirit radio on KKFI in Kansas City every Sunday.LeValdo has done work in mainstream media: Journal of Mass Media Ethics, Online NewsHour (PBS), Kansas Magazine, Kansas City Star and VOX media. LeValdo is currently a member of the board of directors for Indian Country Today and Lawrence Kansas Times. She also sat on the Board of Directors for Native Public Media, Unity Journalists for Diversity and is a past president of the Native American Journalists Association.