|
For Immediate Release:
Blue Tarpalechee Joins Native American
Public Telecommunications |
 Lincoln, Neb: Tyler Blue Tarpalechee (Muskogee Creek) of Okmulgee, Okla., has joined the staff of Native American Public Telecommunications, Inc. (NAPT). The 2012 valedictorian from the Institute of American Indian Arts studied creative writing and film which provided him the opportunity to hone his media-maker skills. He has also received national media attention from such outlets as NBC News regarding his unique educational journey. Tarpalechee is no stranger to NAPT. Last summer, he was awarded a multimedia internship in which he traveled to document Tribal efforts in various communities, wrote, shot, and edited online video content.
His travels continue in his new role as project coordinator at NAPT. Blue will be serving in a project lead capacity on two ongoing NAPT initiatives. He is currently assisting in all of the behind-the-scenes work and logistics of the in-production series, Growing Native. The seven episodes are hosted by well-known filmmaker Chris Eyre (Cheyenne/Arapaho) who takes viewers on a cross-country adventure to discover the efforts of Native communities to relearn traditional food ways and recultivate their relationship with the land. It's a fascinating look at how Native Americans have maintained their cultures while borrowing elements of modern society to build businesses, hospitals, Tribal colleges, utility companies, court systems, gaming facilities, and agricultural enterprises on both a large and small scale. Tarpalechee is also the organization's team leader on the development of all PBS Learning Media resources in partnership with PBS stations nationwide. NAPT's supplemental online educational materials and interactive media tools provide teachers of American Indian students a way to connect to their culture no matter what their Tribal affiliation is and teachers of non-Native students a way to better understand American Indian history and current day events. Educational materials are part of a growing effort to further community impact and extend our reach beyond the broadcast of NAPT programs.
"Blue is a great addition to the NAPT staff," commented Shirley K. Sneve, Executive Director of NAPT. "His studies at IAIA has brought him a depth of knowledge about Tribal cultures across the country, as well as a good knowledge of what it takes to make a successful documentary. After he won the American Indian Higher Education Consortium video competition in 2011, I asked him to come work in Lincoln."
About NAPTNative American Public Telecommunications, Inc. (NAPT), a nonprofit 501(c)(3) which receives major funding from the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, shares Native stories with the world through support of the creation, promotion and distribution of Native media. Founded in 1977, through various media--Public Television, Public Radio and the Internet--NAPT brings awareness of Indian and Alaska Native issues. NAPT operates VisionMaker, the premier source for quality Native American educational and home videos. All aspects of our programs encourage the involvement of young people to learn more about careers in the media--to be the next generation of storytellers. NAPT is located at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. NAPT offers student employment, internships and fellowships. To find out more about NAPT, follow us online at http://about.me/nativemedia. Download the Press Release: Word | PDF Contact: Jessica Kinser, NAPT Marketing Director
|
