The binary of meaning: Native/American Indian media in the 21st century

Native/American Indians have been historically marginalized in traditional news coverage since the earliest media practices in the United States. Influenced by the media, or forged by the media, research about Native/American Indian identity has continued to evolve and thrive in this new century by at once looking back and gazing forward. This critical essay analyzes the themes of Native/ American Indians in the media through narrative frameworks, finding significant shifts in the portrayal of contemporary issues- such as in the contentious legal case of Cobell v. Salazar-when Indigenous voices are heard. Finally, by analyzing the powerful juncture of identity and media, this article suggests six thematic directions for future studies in this arena.