CTUIR, University of Montana to Host Teen Journalism Training

MISSION – The Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation (CTUIR) Communications Department is partnering with the University of Montana School of Journalism to host a workshop for all area teens March 24-27 on the Umatilla Indian Reservation.

Mary Auld, director of the Montana Media Lab at the University of Montana School of Journalism, said the Youth Voices Spring Program is a radio reporting training for youth to learn the needed skills to create audio stories that can be aired on KCUW 104.1 FM, the CTUIR’s radio station.

“Students will spend four days learning from CTUIR community members and University of Montana journalists,” Auld said. “They will be out in the community reporting, with microphones and notebooks, to find and document stories they think are important.”

The Montana Media Lab has facilitated audio journalism training for youth in Indigenous communities for several years, Auld said, including high schools in Lodge Grass, Ronan, Box Elder, Missoula and other Montana communities. 

The idea for CTUIR Communications to co-host a workshop came from its director, Kaeleen McGuire, wanting to include more youth voices on KCUW.

“This is the beginning of what I hope are several opportunities to come to empower area youth with opportunities, and a platform, to share their perspectives,” McGuire said. “It’s also very important to remind everyone in the power of radio and what KCUW 104.1 means to our area.”

According to a 2024 CTUIR Communications survey, the KCUW radio station still resonates strongly with elders and other members, ensuring accessibility for those less inclined to use digital tools. However, the department is aiming to update the station’s facility and equipment as well as attract younger listeners by providing youth-oriented segments and podcasts.

The radio station is looking for volunteers along with people interested in reporting for radio and podcasts, McGuire said.

The workshop is for teens age 13-19 and will be taught by Auld and several University of Montana School of Journalism instructors. Local media leaders and CTUIR Communications staff will also support the teens’ work.

“Students will learn about journalism and how to report stories they think are important to the community,” Auld said. “They'll also learn skills that will allow them to excel at interviewing, editing and narrating audio stories for the radio. Along the way, they'll learn life skills including research, teamwork, project management, writing, digital editing and communication.”

The training runs from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. March 24-26 and from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on March 27. That day the workshop culminates with a community celebration where family and friends are invited to listen to the students’ stories. Snacks and lunch will be provided on all days.

Enrollment is limited to 20 students. To apply, email mary@montanamedialab.com or communications@ctuir.org.

The Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation is comprised of the Cayuse, Walla Walla and Umatilla Tribes, and formed under the Treaty of 1855 at the Walla Walla Valley, 12 Stat. 945. In 1949, the Tribes adopted a constitutional form of government to protect, preserve and enhance the reserved treaty rights guaranteed under federal law.