Write for Us — The Indigenous Beacon

Who We're Looking For

The Indigenous Beacon prioritizes voices from Native American, Alaska Native, and Indigenous communities. We welcome pitches from enrolled tribal members, First Nations and Métis writers, and Indigenous people from across Turtle Island and beyond.

We are also open to pitches from non-Native writers who can demonstrate deep expertise, meaningful relationships with the communities they cover, and a commitment to Indigenous-led storytelling. In all cases, our editorial team — which is Native-led — makes the final decision on fit and framing.

We especially encourage pitches from emerging writers, students, elders, and community members who have not traditionally seen themselves represented in mainstream media.

Editorial Focus Areas

We publish across four interconnected content pillars. Your pitch should align with one or more of these areas.

Reporting & News

Original journalism and analysis on:

Tribal sovereignty and federal policy
Environmental justice and land rights
Supreme Court and legislative updates
Economic development in Native nations
Health, education, and social justice

Culture & Storytelling

Deeply human stories about Native life today:

Artists, musicians, filmmakers, and writers
Language revitalization and cultural preservation
Food, cooking, and traditional knowledge
Personal essays and first-person narratives
Profiles of community leaders and elders

Education & Curriculum

Resources for educators and learners:

Lesson plans and teaching guides
Book reviews and recommended reading lists
Historical deep dives with classroom applications
Interviews with Native educators and scholars
Curriculum development and pedagogy

Video & Multimedia

Visual storytelling and documentary content:

Short documentary films and video essays
Photo essays and visual journalism
Interview series and conversations
Animation and explainer content
Podcast episodes and audio storytelling

Submission Guidelines

How to Pitch

Send a brief pitch (200–300 words) to the-indigenous-beacon-ace6ceac@ctomail.io with the following:

Your idea — What story do you want to tell? Why now? Why does it matter to Native communities?
Your angle — How will your story center Indigenous perspectives? What makes your approach unique?
Your background — A brief bio and your connection to the story or community you're pitching.
Format — Are you proposing a written article, photo essay, video, or multimedia piece?
Length — Preferred word count or runtime.

Rates & Compensation

We believe in paying writers fairly for their work. Our current rates:

Written articles (800–2,500 words): $300–$800
Personal essays (500–1,500 words): $200–$500
Photo essays (10–20 images + captions): $400–$700
Video content (5–15 minutes): $500–$1,500
Lesson plans & curriculum: $400–$1,000

Rates are negotiable for longer or more complex pieces. We prioritize paying Native contributors and aim to respond to all pitches within two weeks.

Editorial Process

Pitch review — Our editorial team reviews your pitch and responds within 2 weeks.
Assignment — If accepted, we'll discuss scope, timeline, and compensation.
Drafting — You write the piece. We offer editorial guidance and support throughout.
Cultural review — When relevant, pieces are reviewed by cultural experts for accuracy and sensitivity.
Publication — Your work is published and promoted across our platforms.

What We're Looking For

Originality — Stories that haven't been told elsewhere, or fresh angles on under-covered topics.
Authenticity — Writing that reflects genuine connection to the subject and community.
Rigor — Well-researched, fact-checked, and sourced reporting and storytelling.
Accessibility — Writing that engages both Native and non-Native audiences without sacrificing depth.
Joy and creativity — We love stories about Native resilience, triumph, and cultural richness.

Write for The Indigenous Beacon