Dear Tisch Community,
This November, as we observe Native American Heritage month, we celebrate the profound legacy of Indigenous storytelling while acknowledging our responsibility to
expand opportunities for Native voices in contemporary media. At Tisch, we understand that Indigenous narratives are fundamental to preserving and sharing cultural wisdom across generations.
We are proud to highlight a groundbreaking initiative from our Graduate Film Program that demonstrates our ongoing commitment to supporting Indigenous storytelling. This summer, under the leadership of Professor Andrew Okpeaha MacLean and in collaboration with Santa Fe Community College and the Institute of American Indian Art, Tisch launched its first-ever off-campus intensive filmmaking workshop in Santa Fe, New Mexico. The tuition-free program welcomed 11 Indigenous students from across the United States and Canada, marking an important step in making our film education more accessible to Native communities.
Working alongside colleagues Barbara Schock and Jennifer Ruff, MacLean continues to forge new pathways for authentic Indigenous storytelling. Their collective work strengthens our commitment to supporting Indigenous artists who are transforming the landscape of film and television—creators whose perspectives enrich our understanding and guide us toward a more inclusive future in the arts.
With gratitude,
Christina Salgado
Assistant Dean of Diversity