An Indigenously Positive Special | Full Episode

Video Description

11.28.25 – This week on New Mexico in Focus, we look back at some of our favorite stories from Indigenously Positive, our collaborative series with nonprofit newsroom New Mexico in Depth. In a conversation from February, Indigenous Affairs Reporter Bella Davis and Director Benjamin Yazza sit down with Executive Producer Jeff Proctor to discuss the process and thinking behind the Indigenously Positive series. Over a dozen states, including New Mexico, recognize Indigenous Peoples’ Day on the second Monday of October, as an alternative to Columbus Day. Bella talks with folks celebrating in Albuquerque about what the day means to them, and why a proclamation from President Trump that makes no mention of Indigenous people doesn’t hold much weight. She also reflects on some of the joyful stories from Native communities we’ve told throughout the year. Saad K'idilyé is a Diné language nest in Albuquerque where children are fully immersed in the language. Bella speaks with Warlance Chee (Diné), the program's director, and two educators at the facility about their work and the importance of Indigenous language revitalization. Bella visits Shiprock and speaks with two organizations and a Navajo entrepreneur about the importance of Native-owned businesses on the reservation. The Indigenous Farm Hub sits in a small patch of land north of Albuquerque, where red onions, carrots, blue corn and more are rising from the ground. Bella stops by the hub to highlight the deeply rooted significance of food sovereignty. Correspondent Antonia Gonzales takes us north to the Alaska Federation of Natives' Convention, where Indigenous artisans connect over jewelry and fashion. Indigenously Positive is a collaboration between NMPBS and New Mexico In Depth, the nonprofit newsroom where Bella Davis works as Indigenous Affairs reporter. New Mexico In Depth: https://nmindepth.com/ Host: Benjamin Yazza Segments: Reflecting on Native Joy Correspondent: Jeff Proctor Guests: Bella Davis (Yurok) Benjamin Yazza (Diné) Why Indigenous Peoples’ Day Is Every Day Producer/Host: Bella Davis (Yurok) Producer/Director: Benjamin Yazza (Diné) Guests: Benjamin Shendo (Jemez and Cochiti Pueblos) Ryan Gonzales (Jemez and San Ildefonso Pueblos) Naleen Naanee (Laguna Pueblo) Shannon Trujillo (Navajo/Washoe) State Rep. Derrick Lente, D-Sandia Pueblo Planting of the Navajo Language Seed Correspondent: Bella Davis (Yurok) Director: Benjamin Yazza (Diné) Editor: Joey Dunn (Diné) Guests: Warlance Chee (Diné) Tiffany Lee Ph.D. (Diné / Lakota) Melvatha Chee Ph.D. (Diné) Native Entrepreneurs are Changing Rez Life Producers: Bella Davis (Yurok) Benjamin Yazza (Diné) Photojournalist: Joey Dunn (Diné) Guests: Roddell Denetso (Navajo), Black Streak Apparel Owner Heather Fleming (Diné), Change Labs Co-Founder & Executive Director Jessica Stago (Diné / Apache), Change Labs Co-Founder Racquel Black (Diné), Entrepreneurship Hub Manager How Indigenous Food Sovereignty Actually Works? Host/Producer: Bella Davis (Yurok) Director/Producer: Benjamin Yazza (Diné) Camera: Joey Dunn (Diné) RJ Torres Guests: Kara Bobroff (Navajo/Lakota), Co-Founder & Executive Director Maximo Lopez, Farm Director Kevin Mahkee (Zuni Pueblo) Mali Nichols Alan Brauer, Co-Founder & Senior Director Maya Kwon (Sisseton Wahpeton Oyate), Native American Community Academy Liaison Orenda Martine (Navajo & Laguna/Zuni/Santo Domingo Pueblos), Native American Community Academy Alum Jewelry and Fashion Connect Native Artists at Alaskan Convention Producer: Antonia Gonzales (Navajo) Photographer/Editor: Aaron Weaver Guests: Jackie Qataliña Schaeffer, Iñupiaq artist and fashion designer Trina Landlord, Yup’ik, Far North Fashion Show coordinator Mary Kelsay, owner of MEKA, Unangax̂ fashion designer Jeremiah James, Tlingit fashion designer Merna Lomack Wharton, Yup’ik fashion designer -- 00:00 Intro 01:54 Reflecting on Native Joy 07:37 Why Indigenous Peoples’ Day Is Every Day 15:06 Planting of the Navajo Language Seed 24:35 Native Entrepreneurs are Changing Rez Life 35:05 How Indigenous Food Sovereignty Actually Works 43:49 Jewelry and Fashion Connect Native Artists at Alaskan Convention -- This program is made possible by viewers like you. Support NMPBS: https://bit.ly/nmpbs-donate Subscribe to the New Mexico in Focus channel for more clips: https://www.youtube.com/@nminfocus Enjoy full episodes of your favorite NMPBS shows anytime, anywhere with the free PBS App: https://portal.knme.org/ Follow New Mexico in Focus Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nm_in_focus/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NewMexicoPBS X: https://x.com/NMinFocus