Norman, Okla. — The Native American Journalists Association extends congratulations to Connie Walker (Cree from Okanese First Nation) and Gimlet Media on being awarded the 2023 Pulitzer Prize in Audio Reporting.
Walker is a NAJA professional member and was the keynote speaker for the 2022 National Native Media Conference.
Her Spotify original podcast ‘Stolen’ also took home a Peabody Award in the podcast radio category this week, making it the first podcast series to win both prestigious awards in the same year.
In an official statement by Spoitfy it says ‘Stolen’ follows Connie as she looks into her father’s harrowing experiences at a Canadian residential school in the 1960s. Throughout the season, she uncovers deep abuses at the hands of school administrators that led to childhood death and adulthood trauma—outcomes that were not unique to St. Michael’s.
“Above all, our team hopes that this means that more people will hear the stories of the survivors who bravely shared their experiences with us and recognize that this is just the beginning in terms of what it means to learn the truth and try to collectively grow and heal from our past.” said Walker in the statement.
Walker has also spoken alongside former NAJA president Tristan Ahtone, about the challenges for Indigenous journalism, on the international stage.
Current President Graham Lee Brewer said “Connie’s groundbreaking work isn’t just an inspiration to other Indigenous journalists, it’s a perfect example of why our voices are so necessary in newsrooms today. Indigenous peoples should be in charge of their own narratives, and Connie’s work shows that not only is that possible, it’s imperative.”
Stolen show art credit: Spotify