Teresa Lamsam: Bismarck Native news organization welcomes journalism expert as new staff member

The Indigenous Media Freedom Alliance is pleased to announce TeresaTrumbly Lamsam, Ph.D., as the newest staff member to join the IMFA team. She begins her duties this week as director of research and strategic initiatives for the organization. Lamsam, an enrolled member of the Osage Nation, will lead IMFA’s research and program development.

The IMFA advocates for independent media and publishes online news at buffalosfire.com.

“I am honored to join IMFA at such an important time in Indigenous journalism,” said Lamsam. “I look forward to contributing to our shared mission of enhancing the quality of life for Native communities through robust reporting and initiatives that uplift Indigenous voices.”

Lamsam is a seasoned consultant and researcher with decades of experience in journalism, culturally competent research and communication strategies. Throughout her career, she has combined grassroots advocacy and academic research to empower organizations to make a real-world impact. 

A former executive editor of the Native Health News Alliance, Lamsam has advanced Native American issues in both Native and mainstream media outlets. She is also an emeritus professor at the University of Nebraska Omaha, where she taught journalism and researched development communication, media framing and the role of information technologies in Native American communities.

“We consider Teresa’s addition to our staff a blessing, given her depth of knowledge and experience in journalism and culturally sensitive community engagement practices. She’s immediately become an invaluable asset to IMFA,” said Jodi Rave Spotted Bear, founder and executive director of IMFA. “Her dedication to empowering Indigenous communities through media and strategic initiatives aligns perfectly with our vision.”

Lamsam grew up on her reservation in Northeastern Oklahoma. She is of the Trumbly and Denoya families. She is the descendant of five original allottees of the Osage Nation and has deep ties to her family’s history of leadership within the tribe. Her great-great paternal grandfather, Frank Trumbly, served as General Counsel for the Osage Nation in the late 1800s, and her great-grandfather Andrew Trumbly, served on the Osage Tribal Council in the early 1900s. Her father, Joseph Trumbly, was a member of the Osage Tribal Council from 1990 to 2002.

In her new role, Lamsam will help lead initiatives to develop news infrastructure, address tribal press freedom and decolonize journalism practices. She will also promote data sovereignty and create pathways for Indigenous journalism to thrive in Bismarck, North Dakota and the surrounding area.  

Lamsam’s research has been published in numerous academic journals and presented at national and international conferences. She is a recognized expert in culturally competent research and communication strategies and has taken lead roles in helping organizations connect meaningfully with diverse communities.

“As the IMFA and Buffalo’s Fire continue building our local news network, research, and strategic initiatives, we look forward to Teresa’s guidance in charting a new path in community-based journalism.”