BAY MILLS &mdash The Native American Journalist Association (NAJA) announced the winners of its 2004 media awards at its annual conference held Aug. 5, in Washington, D.C. Bay Mills News won three awards &mdash honorable mention in “Environmental Journalism” for Jennifer Dale's Tribal Fishing Newsletter; third place for “General Excellence - Twice-A-Month publication;” and first place for “Internet News Site.”
“Jennifer Dale should be commended for her efforts here at Bay Mills News,” said Editor Selina Vert, who recently replaced Dale when the former editor took a full-time position with the Chippewa Ottawa Resource Authority (CORA). “She was editor during the contest publication dates, so she deserves all of the credit.”
Winning first and second place for “General Excellence - Twice-A-Month publication” were The Native Voice from Rapid City, S.D., and The Seminole Tribune from Hollywood, Fla.
“To even be considered for the same award as these two prestigious newspapers is an honor,” said Vert. “But, to actually win alongside them is unbelievable.”
Former staffer Michael Guilmette Jr., deserves praise for designing the Bay Mills News website (www.bay mills.org/newspaper) &mdash Vert updates the site with new issues every two weeks.“Best Internet News Site” is a new category this year for the NAJA media awards and Bay Mills News is the first-ever first place winner.
“We actually placed in all three categories we entered,” Vert said. “So, this is really an accomplishment.”
Visit the NAJA website at www.naja.com for the complete list of winners.
