Writer / Editor

Breaking News Graphic - Bunky Echohawk

Charges Dropped Against Native Artist, ICT

July 18, 2024

Quindrea Yazzie

This breaking news graphic was made in collaboration with ICT’s managing editor.

The story was published on Indian Country Today’s website and the graphic was published on ICT’s social media.

Breaking News Graphic - Bunky Echohawk

Bunky Echohawk Charges Dropped - Canva Social Mockup

Programs & Platforms

Used in this project:

Adobe Photoshop

quindrea-yazzie-about-cut-out

My Thoughts

This was a project that took me less than 20 minutes to complete for a breaking news article that went out on ICT’s website. I exercised my AP Style writing, teamwork for reviewing and fast pace graphic design.

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Leaders React - Trump Attempted Assassination Graphic

Leaders React to Trump Attempted Assassination, ICT

July 18, 2024

Quindrea Yazzie

This carousel of graphics was made using Photoshop to assist ICT’s Political Correspondent Pauly Denetclaw.

The story was published on Indian Country Today’s website and the graphics were published on ICT’s social media.

Leaders React - Trump Attempted Assassination Graphic

Programs & Platforms

Used in this project:

Adobe Photoshop

quindrea-yazzie-about-cut-out

My Thoughts

I collaborated with ICT’s Political Correspondent to cover the attempted assassination of Former President Donald Trump. She collected the quotes while I visually planned and designed the graphics for Facebook, Instagram and Youtube.

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Skoden Coffee Team

Serving coffee with a side of Diné culture, ICT

Restoring the balance back to mother earth

January 24, 2024

I visually produced and social media managed this broadcast package that aired on the ICT Newscast globally and was published on the website.

Skoden Coffee & Tea is an Indigenous-led and queer coffee shop centering and celebrating Diné creatives in Arizona.

The business is run by a collective of Diné family and friends including Kalynn Yazzie, Diné, Jordan Manuelito, Diné, Isabel Anzures, Diné, Natasha John, Diné, and her wife Sabrina Sugimura, Japanese.

See the full story on ICT’s website.

I visually produced and social media managed this broadcast package that aired on the ICT Newscast globally and was published on the website.

Skoden Coffee & Tea is an Indigenous-led and queer coffee shop centering and celebrating Diné creatives in Arizona.

The business is run by a collective of Diné family and friends including Kalynn Yazzie, Diné, Jordan Manuelito, Diné, Isabel Anzures, Diné, Natasha John, Diné, and her wife Sabrina Sugimura, Japanese.

See the full story on ICT’s website.

Social Graphics

Key graphical elements that were created for sharing on social media platforms such as Facebook and Instagram.

Skoden Coffee Teaser - Canva Mockup

Social Reels

Full length and shortened clips of the original story exported as reels for sharing on social media platforms such as Facebook and Instagram.

Key Metrics

Household Reach

Social Views / Reach

Social Likes

Social Comments

Total household reach within syndication network for content broadcast to TV and Digital stations such as 40+ news and radio stations, PBS nationwide, PBS World, SBS Australia/NITV, Comcast, FNX, Free Speech TV and TBS.

Analytical data aggregated from website and social channels for the first 30 days of original publication date.

Programs & Platforms

Used for creating, editing, designing, and analyzing content in this project.

Adobe Premiere Pro

Adobe Media Encoder

Instagram

YouTube

quindrea-yazzie-about-cut-out

My Thoughts

This was such a fun broadcast package I visually produced and social media managed. The inspiration came from my love of coffee and Indigenous sweet treats. I also felt like the coffee shop was a little pocket of “home” in my city.

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NAJA - 2023 National Native Media Awards

NAJA Award Winner 2022 & 2023

July 6, 2023

ICT receives multiple National Native Media Awards

ICT took top honors in both online/digital and broadcast awards according to the Native American Journalists Association announcement of its 2023 National Native Media Awards.

More than 800 entries were submitted across different divisions and categories, according to the website, which published the results July 3. ICT received both first and second place in the Professional Division III – TV for Best Newscast. In the Professional Division III – Print / Online, ICT took first place in both Best Digital Publication and General Excellence categories.

… Continue reading on ICT.

NAJA 2023 – National Native Media Award Winners

NAJA 2022 – National Native Media Award Winners

NAJA - 2023 National Native Media Awards

NAJA - 2023 National Native Media Awards

NAJA - 2022 National Native Media Awards

2023 – National Native Media Award Winners

NAJA - 2023 National Native Media Award Winner: TV Best Newscast

NAJA - 2023 National Native Media Award Winner: TV General Excellence

2022 – National Native Media Award Winners

NAJA - 2022 National Native Media Award Winner: TV General Excellence

NAJA - 2022 National Native Media Award Winner: TV Best Newscast

quindrea-yazzie-about-cut-out

My Thoughts

I am incredibly proud to have been part of the ICT team over the past few years, during which we’ve worked tirelessly to achieve excellence in our newscasts. Being involved with ICT since the inception of our broadcast, I’ve had the opportunity to contribute to various aspects of production, witnessing firsthand the growth and success of our team.

My role as a producer and editor for both broadcast and digital segments has been integral in helping us earn these prestigious awards. It is an honor to have been recognized as a named contributor and award winner, and I’m truly grateful to be part of such a talented and dedicated team.

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IGA 2023 in San Diego

2023 Indian Gaming Association Tradeshow & Conference, ICT

IGA 2023: Latest and Greatest Slot Machines

March 31, 2023

I had the opportunity to report from San Diego, CA, at the 2023 Indian Gaming Association (IGA) Tradeshow and Conference. I captured, edited, and produced content for the newscast, social media, and web platforms using Premiere Pro, Photoshop, and Hootsuite. The story was developed into multiple videos, featured in the newscast, and shared as a full-length piece on YouTube, Facebook, and Instagram.

The 2023 IGA Tradeshow and Conference brought together the largest gathering of tribal leaders and casino executives in the U.S. It served as a hub for learning, networking, and exchanging industry insights, while also celebrating Native American success, strength, and self-reliance.

Now in its 37th year, the Indian Gaming Tradeshow & Convention continues to be the premier event for the Indian gaming industry, symbolizing the thriving heartbeat of Native American achievement.

Full video story on Youtube.

IGA day 1 breakout story on YouTube.

Included in the newscast on March 31, 2023 – ICT’s website.

Full Story

IGA Day 1 - Breakout Story

Newscast Story Inclusion

I had the opportunity to report from San Diego, CA, at the 2023 Indian Gaming Association (IGA) Tradeshow and Conference. I captured, edited, and produced content for the newscast, social media, and web platforms using Premiere Pro, Photoshop, and Hootsuite. The story was developed into multiple videos, featured in the newscast, and shared as a full-length piece on YouTube, Facebook, and Instagram.

The 2023 IGA Tradeshow and Conference brought together the largest gathering of tribal leaders and casino executives in the U.S. It served as a hub for learning, networking, and exchanging industry insights, while also celebrating Native American success, strength, and self-reliance.

Now in its 37th year, the Indian Gaming Tradeshow & Convention continues to be the premier event for the Indian gaming industry, symbolizing the thriving heartbeat of Native American achievement.

Full video story on Youtube.

IGA day 1 breakout story on YouTube.

Included in the newscast on March 31, 2023 – ICT’s website.

Full Story

IGA Day 1 - Breakout Story

Newscast Story Inclusion

Social Graphics

Key graphical elements that were created for sharing on social media platforms such as Facebook and Instagram.

coming soon

2023 Indian Gaming Association Tradeshow & Conference, ICT

Social Reels

Full length and shortened clips of the original story exported as reels for sharing on social media platforms such as Facebook and Instagram.

coming soon

Key Metrics

Household Reach

Social Views / Reach

Social Likes

Social Comments

Total household reach within syndication network for content broadcast to TV and Digital stations such as 40+ news and radio stations, PBS nationwide, PBS World, SBS Australia/NITV, Comcast, FNX, Free Speech TV and TBS.

Analytical data aggregated from website and social channels for the first 30 days of original publication date.

Programs & Platforms

Used for creating, editing, designing, and analyzing content in this project.

Adobe Premiere Pro

Adobe Media Encoder

Instagram

YouTube

quindrea-yazzie-about-cut-out

My Thoughts

Covering the 2023 Indian Gaming Tradeshow & Convention was an intense yet incredibly rewarding experience. Traveling to the location, capturing footage, and editing a video package for same-day turnaround was challenging, but it allowed me to grow both professionally and personally. I had the privilege of learning more about the gaming industry and connecting with key figures such as Stephen Roe Lewis, Governor of the Gila River Indian Community, Phil O’Shaughnessy, VP of Global Communications for IGA, Wayne Newton, VP of Sales for Go Zone, and other tribal leaders and executives from Indian Country.

Beyond gaming, the tradeshow was a platform for deeper discussions through its conference tracks, addressing a range of critical issues for tribal leaders. Topics included legal and regulatory frameworks for gaming, data security, future trends in gaming, casino security, sustainability, branding, and economic partnerships, among many others. It was an opportunity to broaden my understanding and share stories that resonate with Indian Country’s leaders and communities.

This event is about much more than gaming—it’s about preserving tribal sovereignty, nurturing future leaders, and promoting the growth and success of Native communities.

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Website design example - Save Money Towing Tempe

Website Design for Save Money Towing Tempe

Custom website design with Google Places listing

Designed in 2022

The client was a small local service business in Tempe, Arizona. Save Money Towing was looking for a better organically ranking website to bring traffic without spending money on AdWords. The client’s previous website was heavily reliant on AdWords, difficult to make changes to and lacked the content needed to build organic traffic.

See the website: savemoneytowingtempe.com

The client was a small local service business in Tempe, Arizona. Save Money Towing was looking for a better organically ranking website to bring traffic without spending money on AdWords. The client’s previous website was heavily reliant on AdWords, difficult to make changes to and lacked the content needed to build organic traffic.

See the website: savemoneytowingtempe.com

Web Design Strategy

WordPress based for easy content management.
Strategic content and keyword placement, along with a scheduled blog strategy, to enhance internal link building and boost long-tail keyword SEO.
Google business places listing for improved local SEO ranking and search traffic.

While there’s certainly more to it, this captures the three key elements of the project.

Google Places Listing

Google business places listings are important for increased search presence and ranking in local geographically zoned markets.

Save Money Towing Tempe Business Places Listing

Google Search Rankings

Ongoing keyword performance analysis is important. As of September 2024, the website continues to rank highly on the first page of Google search results.

The following keywords all ranked on the first page of Google search.

Keywords Ranking Top 3 on Google

3rd – Best Tow Truck Tempe

3rd – Emergency Towing Tempe

3rd – Discount Tow Truck Tempe

3rd – Tempe Tow Truck Near Me

Keywords Ranking Top 7 on Google

4th – Best Towing Tempe

5th – Tow Tempe

5th – Tow Truck Tempe

7th – Tempe Tow Truck

Securing a first-page Google search result is crucial for sustaining organic traffic. According to many SEO sources, the top 3 search results capture over 50-66% of all clicks. Therefore, while maintaining a first-page presence is important, achieving and holding a top 3 position is even more vital.

Search Result Screenshots

Programs & Platforms

Used for creating, editing, designing, and analyzing content in this project.

WordPress

Adobe Photoshop

quindrea-yazzie-about-cut-out

My Thoughts

Freelancing is always exciting because every project brings something unique and offers the chance to learn about different industries. Working with Save Money Towing was a rewarding experience, as I got to develop a new website with improved SEO. By implementing a targeted content strategy that included a few well-crafted blog posts for keyword optimization, we successfully achieved high rankings on Google for several localized search terms.

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IHS Emergency Management - Test fitting N95 - Photo by Reba Benally

Reality check: Risk from virus remains ‘very low’ at this point, ICT

January 29, 2020

Quindrea Yazzie

I had the opportunity to cover the early days of the COVID-19 outbreak for Indian Country Today, reporting on health officials’ briefings and their response to the virus, which included increased screenings and precautions in the U.S. Covering this story helped highlight key concerns regarding public health and the measures taken to safeguard communities. The Associated Press contributed to this report, and it was an important moment to share evolving updates on the virus and its spread to help inform our readers.

The story was published on ICT’s website and can be viewed by clicking the link below or downloading the PDF.

Reality check: Risk from virus remains ‘very low’ at this point – Indian Country Today.

Indian Country Today story (PDF)

Food systems and beyond event - Photo by Delia Johnson

quindrea-yazzie-about-cut-out

My Thoughts

I have a deep passion for storytelling and creating content that informs both Native and non-Native communities about important news and issues. Covering stories like the early COVID-19 outbreak gave me the chance to bring critical information to the forefront, especially for underrepresented groups. I believe in the power of journalism to educate and connect people, and it’s incredibly fulfilling to use my skills to highlight the challenges and stories that matter to our world. It’s a privilege to create content that has an impact on communities.

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Indigenous food advocates - Food Tank Summit 2020

Commodity? A gift from the Earth, ICT

January 28, 2020

Quindrea Yazzie

I had the opportunity to cover a powerful story for Indian Country Today on faith-based farming in Indian Country, focusing on the Wisdom of Indigenous Foodways Summit held at Arizona State University. Native farmers, chefs, and food sovereignty advocates from across the country came together to discuss how traditional agricultural practices are deeply intertwined with faith, resilience, and sustainability. Reporting on how food is seen as a sacred gift from the Earth by Indigenous peoples allowed me to highlight the strength of their cultural traditions and the importance of preserving food sovereignty for future generations.

The story was published on ICT’s website and can be viewed by clicking the link below or downloading the PDF.

Commodity? A gift from the Earth – Indian Country Today.

Indian Country Today story (PDF)

Food systems and beyond event - Photo by Delia Johnson

quindrea-yazzie-about-cut-out

My Thoughts

Covering this story for Indian Country Today was a deeply fulfilling experience for me, blending my passion for storytelling and content creation with my roots as a Native American. It allowed me to share an important narrative about the connection between Indigenous farming, faith, and resilience. As someone who values raising awareness about Native issues, I felt proud to help amplify these voices and stories. It’s a privilege to create content that not only informs but also highlights the strength of our traditions, showing the world the beauty and significance of our cultural practices.

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Native royalty pose on floor of Arizona House of Representatives gallery floor

Arizona legislators want ‘to make all feel welcome’, ICT

January 16, 2020

By: Aliyah Chavez, Kalle Benallie and Quindrea Yazzie

I had the privilege of working alongside my team members, Aliyah Chavez and Kalle Benallie, to report on Indian Nations and Tribes Legislative Day at the Arizona Capitol. As a Native American, this event was particularly meaningful for me, highlighting important discussions on tribal sovereignty, water rights, and elder services. I enjoyed covering the vibrant atmosphere, from tribal leaders speaking in their languages to Native youth discussing key issues with state lawmakers. It was an honor to share this impactful day with the world, giving a voice to tribal communities and their concerns.

The story was published on ICT’s website and can be viewed by clicking the link below or downloading the PDF.

Arizona legislators want ‘to make all feel welcome’ – Indian Country Today.

Indian Country Today story (PDF)

Food systems and beyond event - Photo by Delia Johnson

quindrea-yazzie-about-cut-out

My Thoughts

Storytelling has always been a powerful way for me to connect with my roots, and covering this event at the Arizona Capitol was especially fulfilling. I take great pride in sharing stories that uplift Native communities, bringing awareness to the issues and triumphs that shape our lives. This experience allowed me to create content that not only informs but celebrates the strength, resilience, and culture of Indigenous people. I find deep meaning in using my voice to highlight these important stories and foster understanding between Native and non-Native communities.

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Orme Dam Days - 2019

Celebrating the dam that wasn’t built, ICT

November 19, 2019

Quindrea Yazzie

I had the opportunity to write and report on this story for Indian Country Today, one of the first assignments I received. I was fortunate to cover the Orme Dam Victory Days on the Fort McDowell Indian Reservation, where I captured photos, videos, and interviewed community members. The story was published on their website and can be viewed by clicking the link below or downloading the PDF.

Celebrating the dam that wasn’t built – Indian Country Today.

Indian Country Today story (PDF)

Food systems and beyond event - Photo by Delia Johnson

quindrea-yazzie-about-cut-out

My Thoughts

Covering Orme Dam Victory Days was especially meaningful to me as a Native American and content creator. It felt like a full-circle moment, giving a voice to Native communities and raising awareness for their stories through my role at Indian Country Today. This event was one of my first assignments, and I truly enjoyed every part of it— from savoring the fair food to watching the incredible hoop dancers, rodeo, and exploring booths with beautifully handcrafted Native pieces. Reporting on this event allowed me to connect my passion for storytelling with my culture, making it an unforgettable experience.

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