Indigeneity Learning Media

Webisodes | Alexis Bunten & Jade Begay

The ‘Indigeneity’ web series presents an accurate portrait of the Native American Experience, tackling stereotypes, exploring contemporary issues, and celebrating Indigenous contributions to America. Presenters combine truth, traditional knowledge, humor, animation, and personality to present important educational themes in Indigenous Studies.

Hosted by Native American media personalities, the series brings virtual “Native American Studies” lessons to all learners with access to the internet.

Alexis Bunten

Co-Director
Alexis Bunten, (Unangan/Yup’ik) is the Bioneers Indigeneity Program co-director. She has been a manager, media-maker, consultant and applied researcher for Indigenous, social and environmental programming for over 15 years as an expert in Indigenous economic development, organizational decolonization, and cross-cultural communications. After receiving BA in Art History at Dartmouth, she returned to Alaska, working in cultural programming at the Sealaska Heritage Institute and Alaska Native Heritage Center.

Jade Begay

Co-Director
Jade Begay is Diné and Tesuque Pueblo of New Mexico. Begay leads NDN Collective’s multimedia content development through strategic narrative development and creative content design. Begay has extensive experience as a multimedia producer, filmmaker and communications professional working in non-profit and Indigenous organizations. She has a Bachelor’s degree in Film and Video and a Master of Arts degree in Environmental Leadership.

Ariel Tweto

Talent
Ariel Tweto is a TV personality and producer. She is one of the stars in Discovery Channel’s Flying Wild Alaska, and her work includes David Letterman, frequent guest spots on the Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson (2012-2015) and ABC game show Wipeout (contestant, 2008-2009). In addition to her television appearances, Ariel is the president of Popping Bubbles, a nonprofit that supports suicide prevention, helping people “pop” their bubbles and live happier and healthier lives. She has also received her private pilot certificate.

Julian Brave

Talent
Julian Brave NoiseCat is Vice President of Policy & Strategy at Data for Progress, a fellow at the Type Media Center and NDN Collective and Narrative Change Director for the Natural History Museum. He is also a contributing editor with Canadian Geographic and correspondent for Real America with Jorge Ramos. His writing has appeared in many publications including The New York Times, The New Yorker, Harper’s and The Paris Review.

Walt Pourier

Vice Chair

Walt is Oglala Lakota and created the logo for Urban Rez. He is Creative Director, owner of Nakota Designs Advertising Designs and Graphics. Executive Director of the Stronghold Society nonprofit dedicated to instilling hope and supporting youth movements through Live Life Call To Action Campaigns.

lynn palmanteer-holder

Lynn Palmanteer-Holder, an Indigenous plateau woman of North Central Washington and member of eight of twelve Tribes of the Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation. Lynn recently retired as inaugural Director of Tribal Government Affairs for Washington State Board of Community and Technical Colleges, the state’s oversight agency of 34 CTCs.  She is a highly accomplished professional that spans over 40 years. She is an experienced educator that has a demonstrated history across K12, post-secondary & higher education as a teacher, school counselor, superintendent, researcher, and professor. Also, she has diverse experience as an entrepreneur, Tribal leader and administrator. She is skilled in curriculum and program development, facilitating government to government relationships that led to formal partnerships between state institutions and Tribes developing custom programs. Lynn has served on many boards and has been recognized for various statewide, and national awards. She has several scholarly publications and has done various conference presentations and speaking engagements, at the local, national and international level. Lynn holds a Ph.C. (ABD) in Social Welfare Policy from University of Washington. She earned her M.Ed., with a concentration in counseling psychology from Washington State University and B.Ed., in K12 Education from Eastern Washington University. Lynn is a wife of 49 years, a mother of three adult professional children, granny of 10 and great granny to two. Lynn and her husband are high school sweethearts, and together enjoy time with their 15+ two-legged blessings.