- Details
- By Native News Online Staff
The popular docuseries “Osiyo, Voices of the Cherokee People” is now available nationwide to public media stations through The National Educational Telecommunications Association.
The Cherokee Nation’s show has featured hundreds of Cherokees from past and present while incorporating language, rich traditions, and modern stories of the Cherokee people to viewers. The series is hosted and executive produced by Jennifer Loren, who is a Cherokee citizen, filmmaker, and Emmy-winning journalist.
“The power of storytelling is ingrained in Cherokee culture, and there’s something truly remarkable and powerful in having the opportunity to tell our own story in a way that connects people to their very core,” said Cherokee Nation Principal Chief Chuck Hoskin Jr. in a press release. “It is wonderful that now people across the United States can join us in experiencing that same overwhelming sense of belonging the show offers while celebrating our history, language, culture and values.”
The tribe’s series continues to be honored with numerous regional, national, and international accolades for its innovative approach to sharing the real-life stories of the Cherokee people. The show ranks among the most awarded Indigenous-run series in the industry, including 22 Heartland Regional Emmy Awards.
“It is really incredible to see our series become nationally syndicated. OsiyoTV will now be available to hundreds of public TV stations across the U.S., bringing our authentic Cherokee stories into the living rooms of millions of people, many of whom have likely only known inaccurate accounts of Cherokee history and still believe stereotypes passed on by generations of non-Native media and pop culture references,” said Jennifer Loren, senior director of Cherokee Film. “Being on the air regionally for eight seasons, garnering 22 Emmys and now receiving national syndication prove that there is a hunger for new and accurate portrayals of our people and our rich culture and history.”
The series will be available to more than 250 PBS member stations and regionally within Tulsa on RSU-TV, as well as on FNX, an all-native programming network in 25 national markets. The show is formatted for multiple platforms, including osiyo.tv, YouTube, Vimeo, Facebook, Twitter, and more.
More Stories Like This
"Your'e No Indian" Examines the Disenrollment IssueAgua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians to Open New Exhibition: Section 14 – The Untold Story
Actor Jonathan Joss, Voice of John Redcorn, Killed in Texas Shooting
Celebrate Summer and Father’s Day at the Chickasaw Cultural Center – June 14
After 30 Years, Berkeley's Turtle Island Monument Foundation Will Be Built
Help us tell the stories that could save Native languages and food traditions
At a critical moment for Indian Country, Native News Online is embarking on our most ambitious reporting project yet: "Cultivating Culture," a three-year investigation into two forces shaping Native community survival—food sovereignty and language revitalization.
The devastating impact of COVID-19 accelerated the loss of Native elders and with them, irreplaceable cultural knowledge. Yet across tribal communities, innovative leaders are fighting back, reclaiming traditional food systems and breathing new life into Native languages. These aren't just cultural preservation efforts—they're powerful pathways to community health, healing, and resilience.
Our dedicated reporting team will spend three years documenting these stories through on-the-ground reporting in 18 tribal communities, producing over 200 in-depth stories, 18 podcast episodes, and multimedia content that amplifies Indigenous voices. We'll show policymakers, funders, and allies how cultural restoration directly impacts physical and mental wellness while celebrating successful models of sovereignty and self-determination.
This isn't corporate media parachuting into Indian Country for a quick story. This is sustained, relationship-based journalism by Native reporters who understand these communities. It's "Warrior Journalism"—fearless reporting that serves the 5.5 million readers who depend on us for news that mainstream media often ignores.
We need your help right now. While we've secured partial funding, we're still $450,000 short of our three-year budget. Our immediate goal is $25,000 this month to keep this critical work moving forward—funding reporter salaries, travel to remote communities, photography, and the deep reporting these stories deserve.
Every dollar directly supports Indigenous journalists telling Indigenous stories. Whether it's $5 or $50, your contribution ensures these vital narratives of resilience, innovation, and hope don't disappear into silence.
The stakes couldn't be higher. Native languages are being lost at an alarming rate. Food insecurity plagues many tribal communities. But solutions are emerging, and these stories need to be told.
Support independent Native journalism. Fund the stories that matter.
Levi Rickert (Potawatomi), Editor & Publisher
