Shirley is Asking For Your Support
Still Not Convinced?
Read on For 4 Good Reasons to Give!
Cat + Shirley + Peg Here at Vision Maker Media, our new fiscal year starts October 1. That's tomorrow. And we haven't heard from you, so we're contacting you again to ask for your help. Would you consider sending a check or giving online today?


This is my tenth anniversary of working at Vision Maker Media (formerly Native American Public Telecommunications). I'm amazed by the work our staff and grantees do. Vision Maker Media is dedicated to sharing stories that represent the cultures, experiences, and values of American Indians and Alaska Natives through public service media. As a member of the Rosebud Sioux Tribe of South Dakota, I chose journalism as a career for four reasons:
  1. We need to tell our own stories. There's been centuries of non-Native historians who have told our stories through a lens of colonialism.
  2. Our traditional ways of living on this earth can teach us all important lessons of caring for each other and the land. 
  3. We are the minority of the minorities, and if we don't share these stories with each other, they will be lost.
  4. I love the diversity our languages bring to this country. I learned Lakota in college--as did my brother. I'm not a fluent speaker, by any measure, but I love the sound of it, and the concepts it brings of relationships and respect.
Your support allows us to bring little-known stories to light, through PBS stations, mobile devices, and social media. From lacrosse to horse racing, strong women leaders, a series for animation shorts, and an e-book, we've tackled issues of low graduation rates, drugs, suicide, domestic violence, boarding schools, and historical trauma. Plus, there is so much more we can do:
We've worked with some of the best Native producers and PBS stations across the country to bring you inspiring stories of overcoming adversity. Stories of Natives who get strength from their families and culture to change the world for the better. We are excited to bring you more great programs this fall. But, we need your help to do it. Please follow these links to learn more about them.

With your support, we can do so much more to change the picture. We are the only ones doing this work and we can't do it without your help.   

 
Sincerely,

Shirley K. Sneve (Rosebud Sioux)
Executive Director, Vision Maker Media

P.S. Please send your gift before New Year's Eve! For your gift of $49 or more received by October 1, we will send you a Vision Maker Media lapel pin with our special thanks. You can help us share these critical stories of American Indians and Alaska Natives--with the world! 
 
Upcoming Programs
Albert White Hat (Rosebud Sioux Tribe), renowned Lakota Studies teacher on the Rosebud Reservation. Photo by Christian Glawe
Across the Creek
A conversation between the elder and younger generations about reclaiming their stories and culture.
Horse Mask by Marynard & Suzette White Owl Lavadour (Cayuse/Nez Perce/Palouse/Navajo). Photo by Penny Phillips
Spirit in Glass
This documentary celebrates the spectacular beadwork of the Northwest Plateau People.
LaDonna Harris (Comanche). Photo by Julianna Brannum (Comanche)
LaDonna Harris: Indian 101
A documentary film about Comanche activist LaDonna Harris.
 Like us on Facebook   Follow us on Twitter   Find us on Pinterest   View our profile on LinkedIn   View our videos on YouTube 
Copyright © 2014. All Rights Reserved.