I am extremely grateful to accept the position of Street Root’s first-ever Indigenous affairs reporter.
I believe that nearly every issue has an Indigenous affairs angle. Indigenous peoples' needs, desires, successes and struggles are all too often overlooked or included merely as an afterthought.
In reporting stories on Indigenous peoples and the local and regional tribes of the Pacific Northwest, I will explore issues related to environmental destruction, inequity, sovereignty, missing and murdered Indigenous women, girls, Two-Spirit relatives and more.
As I build and create this new reporting beat at Street Roots, I understand the responsibility that comes with covering these important issues. Compassion, sensitivity and an insatiable desire for truth and accountability will guide my reporting.
Many Americans operate with little understanding of the experiences and issues Native Americans and tribal governments face. As consequential Supreme Court decisions thrust tribal nations into the national spotlight, it is my goal to provide coverage of Indigenous affairs issues to illuminate Native experiences and elevate Indigenous voices to speak on the issues important to our regional Indigenous communities.
I graduated from the University of Oregon with a degree in journalism, where I first began reporting as a video journalist and then video desk editor for The Daily Emerald. After graduation, I worked as a local news fellow for NewsBreak. I covered a variety of topics, ranging from social justice issues to local eateries.
My journey at Street Roots began in March as the Zuhl Investigative Reporting Fellow. During my fellowship, I covered housing, the criminal justice system and climate. I familiarized myself with the people, places and issues important to Portlanders so that I could continue to provide thoughtful coverage of these issues.
I am filled with gratitude for the opportunity to provide essential coverage on underrepresented communities in Oregon. Street Roots takes on issues others overlook and treats them with the thoughtfulness and compassion they deserve.
You can reach Melanie at melanie@streetroots.org or follow her on Twitter @mel_inpdx.
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