This year, VNN Oklahoma is hosting a Listening and Learning Tour on three reservations, thanks to a grant from the Walton Family Foundation (WFF).
The first stop was the Muscogee Reservation in Tulsa at Burning Cedar Sovereign Wellness in Tulsa. Delicious food was served, citizens talked about news and politics and made gourd necklaces with Brittany Cuevas Brown.
VNN heard from Indigenous citizens in Tulsa who said that along with reporting on things that are impacting Indigenous people at the federal level, some of the changes taking place in Washington, D.C., they would like to hear about the success of some of their youth and community members.
On May 22nd, VNN will hold a similar event at the Osage News headquarters in downtown Pawhuska.
Food from Brian Da Chef Lookout will be served, attendees can take part in a moccasin-making demonstration by Osage News Operations Manager Jasese Lasley, and of course conversation around news and how our readers can be better served.
VNN will also share some of the research and reporting they’ve done around voting and civic engagement, why voter turnout in Oklahoma is so low and how you can help report these stories.
The impacts of generational trauma have also impacted the health, both mental and physical, of Indigenous communities across Oklahoma. Therefore, VNN will also be seeking to learn more about some of the most pressing health issues Indigenous communities are facing.
VNN Oklahoma is seeking 20 participants at each tour stop to help provide feedback.
There will be a brief presentation, and participants will be provided a meal.
If you would like to participate in a tour stop, please fill out this form.
We need your help to report these stories.
Who: You!
What: Listening and Learning Event
Where: Osage News
604 Kihekah Ave. • Pawhuska, OK 74056
When: Thursday, May 22nd at 6 p.m.
