We are proud to share that Irene Rowan, a founding member of the Alaska Native Media Board, received the Howard Rock/Tom Snapp First Amendment Award from the Alaska Press Club on April 18.
The annual award recognizes an individual, group, or organization in Alaska that has promoted, defended, or preserved rights guaranteed by the First Amendment. It is named for Howard Rock, founder of the Tundra Times, and journalist Tom Snapp.
Irene attended the event in person, and her daughter, Rochene Hellén, delivered acceptance remarks on her behalf, honoring her mother’s lifelong commitment to Indigenous rights, community voice, and the power of a free press.
In her speech, Rochene reflected on how the Tundra Times connected rural Alaska Native communities to critical issues affecting their lands and people, and how that experience helped inspire Irene’s later work supporting Native journalists and amplifying rural voices.
Please join us in congratulating Irene on this well-deserved recognition and thanking her for decades of leadership, vision, and service.
