FOUNDER & PRESIDENT

Jordana R. Bass, B.F.A., a proud member of the bear clan of the Winnebago tribe, is a versatile storyteller whose creative talents span multiple mediums, including screenwriting, filmmaking, journalism, and photography. As a dedicated daughter, granddaughter, sister, and auntie, Jordana embraces her cultural heritage while passionately pursuing her artistic endeavors. 

She earned her Bachelor of Fine Arts from the esteemed Institute of American Indian Arts, specializing in Cinematic Arts & Technology. During her studies, Jordana excelled in screenwriting, ultimately receiving the prestigious Master Storyteller Award from the George R.R. Martin Literary Foundation. Her academic achievements were further highlighted by her graduation with honors, solidifying her place as a distinguished graduate in her class.

Jordana's journey as a filmmaker began with her first student short film, 4 Years to Infinite, which garnered recognition as an official selection for the New Mexico Student Shorts program at the Santa Fe Independent Film Festival.

In addition to her filmmaking, Jordana has made significant contributions to journalism. During her first year as editor for the Winnebago Indian News, she showcased her writing prowess by earning an award for “Best Sports Story” from the Indigenous Journalist Association (formerly the Native American Journalist Association). Her talent and dedication to the field were further recognized when she participated in the 2023 Native American Journalist Fellowship, an experience that broadened her understanding of storytelling within the context of Indigenous perspectives.

Driven by her passion for sharing and preserving cultural teachings and knowledge, Jordana is committed to utilizing both digital and artistic mediums to amplify Indigenous voices. Her work not only reflects her personal experiences but also aims to connect with a broader audience, fostering understanding and appreciation for the rich tapestry of Native American culture. 

VICE-PRESIDENT

Savannah Berlyn (Ricehill) Anderson, B.A., is a photographer, graphic designer, and creative entrepreneur specializing in storytelling, cultural preservation, and community-driven art.

With degrees in Professional Photography (2014) and Graphic Design (2021), her work has been exhibited in institutions such as the Angel DeCora Museum, Great Plains Art Museum, Joslyn Art Museum, and Sioux City Art Center. She is the owner of Savannah Berlyn Photo & Design and Portrait Studio, where she provides photography and design services while continuing to develop impactful artistic projects.

Through her work, she blends portraiture and storytelling, creating visual narratives that honor history, identity, and community.

SECRETARY & TREASURER

Trisha Rivers is an enrolled member of the Winnebago Tribe of Nebraska with ancestral ties to the Pima, Meskwaki, and Ojibwe. She graduated from University of Northern Iowa in 2019 and is returning to pursue her Master of Public Policy. Trisha is the Executive Director for Red Sky Nation, a Native-led nonprofit organization based out of the tri-state metro area of Sioux City, Iowa that focuses on ending the Missing & Murdered Indigenous Relatives (MMIR) crisis by addressing all interconnected issues through grassroots organizing and community engagement.

Trisha is best known for her advocacy work and activism. She was awarded the Young Women of Excellence Award from Women A.W.A.R.E. and the Sioux City Human Rights Commission War Eagle Award in 2022. Among her vast skills, creating social media content, podcasting, graphic design, and filming are her creative talents. Some of her works include Ho-Chunk Renaissance’s first series of Language Videos, Horaxikra, and Indigified Podcast.

MEMBER

Isaiah was born in Winnebago, Nebraska, and has experienced life both on and off the reservation throughout his upbringing. He grew up as a fancy dancer on the Pow-Wow circuit, gaining valuable experiences while traveling across Indian Country to both perform and teach these cultural skills.

Isaiah earned an Associate's degree in Business from Little Priest Tribal College before transferring to the Institute of American Indian Arts, where he is pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in Performing Arts. Inspired by his grandfather, a prominent Indigenous actor in the 1960s, Isaiah has been driven to follow a path in acting. He has worked in film and television on notable projects, including Dark Winds, The Lost Bus, and the Netflix series Pulse.

As he approaches his graduation in the spring of 2025, Isaiah looks forward to further developing his production company, NOTA, LLC, which he founded with a group of fellow students. NOTA's mission is to empower Native voices by facilitating the telling of their own stories through performance and creative writing. Alongside his professional pursuits, Isaiah is a proud parent to three daughters, balancing his artistic ambitions with family life.

MEMBER

Allison Levering is a dedicated Media Communications student at Haskell Indian Nations University with a strong passion for Indigenous storytelling and journalism. A first-generation college student and recognized leader, she has contributed to both tribal and university media as a news writer, news anchor, and publishing consultant. Her work has been featured in the Winnebago Indian Newspaper and The Haskell Indian Leader, and she currently hosts Good Morning Indian Country, a student-led tv news broadcast. She is a trailblazer in leadership with her work establishing The Haskell Hour - a student-led radio hour out of Kansas University 90.7FM Lawrence, the first cross-university collaboration of its kind out of HINU. Honored as the Winnebago Tribal Member Spotlight in May 2023, and Kansas University DJ of the Month in November 2024, Allison brings a strong voice, creative vision, and commitment to uplifting Native perspectives through media and storytelling, channeling strength through her roots as a Hochunk - the people of the big voice.