By Mabel Negrete, Executive Director of IPD Philly
For over ten months, Indigenous Peoples’ Day Philly Inc. (IPD Philly) has spearheaded a powerful media initiative to combat the systemic erasure of Indigenous peoples and foster a deeper understanding of their diverse cultures and histories. Through their "Did You Know? Our Stories Project," IPD Philly, has harnessed the power of social media and digital newsletters to reach thousands with authentic and accurate information, sparking meaningful conversations and inspiring a renewed appreciation for Indigenous knowledge and resilience.
IPD Philly, a non-profit organization dedicated to advocating for Indigenous education, cultural preservation, and social change, recognized the critical need to address the lack of representation and pervasive misconceptions surrounding Indigenous communities in the Eastern Pennsylvania region. With a significant Native American and Indigenous population residing in Philadelphia and surrounding areas, IPD Philly sought to bridge the gap in knowledge and understanding by creating engaging and informative content.
The "Did You Know?" project utilized a multifaceted approach, combining the in-depth exploration of quarterly newsletters with the concise and shareable format of social media posts. The newsletters delved into critical topics often overlooked by mainstream media, such as repatriation efforts, LandBack initiatives, the crisis of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Peoples, and the cultural significance of traditions like braiding. Each issue also highlighted the achievements of influential Indigenous figures, recommended books and documentaries, and provided resources for Indigenous-owned businesses.
Complementing the newsletters, the "Did You Know?" social media campaign delivered bite-sized facts and insights into Indigenous history, culture, and contemporary issues. These easily digestible posts, disseminated through Facebook and Instagram, broadened IPD Philly's audience and sparked meaningful dialogue. The campaign explored diverse themes, including Indigenous languages, cultural practices, historical treaties, and the traditional knowledge of healing plants.
The project also showcased the rich diversity of Indigenous communities by providing detailed accounts of federally recognized tribes in the Northeastern United States. These posts highlighted the unique histories, cultures, and contemporary challenges faced by tribes such as the Lenape, Shinnecock, Mohegan, and many others.
Building on the success of the "Did You Know?" campaign, IPD Philly launched the "On This Day" series, which focuses on significant legal milestones in the fight for Indigenous rights. By illuminating both the advancements and setbacks in the legal landscape, this series provides a crucial context for understanding current Indigenous issues.
The impact of IPD Philly's media project has been significant. With the support of the Cultural Survivor grant, the organization has dramatically expanded its social media outreach, witnessing a 175% increase in views and a 309% increase in interactions. This surge in engagement underscores the growing public interest in learning about Indigenous communities and supporting their fight for justice and recognition.
The dedicated team behind this initiative, comprised of Indigenous and allied individuals with diverse skills and expertise, has been instrumental in its success. From research and writing to graphic design and social media management, each team member has played a crucial role in bringing this project to fruition.
Looking ahead, IPD Philly is committed to continuing and expanding its media justice work. The organization plans to build on the momentum generated by the "Did You Know?" project, producing more articles, reaching a wider audience, and contributing to the vital dialogue surrounding Indigenous rights and cultures. IPD Philly's dedication to amplifying Indigenous voices and promoting accurate representation is an inspiring example of how media can be a powerful tool for education, advocacy, and social change.
For more information visit IPDphilly.org
In 2024, IPD Philly received a grant from Cultural Survival’s Indigenous Community Fund, which provides opportunities for international Indigenous radio stations to strengthen their infrastructure and broadcast systems and creates training opportunities for journalism, broadcasting, audio editing, technical skills, and more for radio journalists from Indigenous communities around the world. In 2023, the Indigenous Community Media Fund supported communities with 60 grants totaling $420,000 to Indigenous community media in 20 countries, supporting 87 Indigenous Peoples.
