Marquette University’s Diederich College of Communication announced a new partnership with ICT, formerly Indian Country Today and the flagship news organization of IndiJ Public Media, to house a regional ICT bureau inside Johnston Hall beginning in January 2026.
Dr. Patrick Johnson, assistant professor of journalism and media studies, says the collaboration emerges naturally from shared commitments. “Ultimately, it came down to mission and institutional alignment.”
He adds that the partnerships builds on the relationships Marquette already has with public–service news organizations. “When you look specifically at NNS [Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service] and their service to marginalized Milwaukee communities, ICT feels like a natural extension,” Johnson says. “They serve one of the most historically marginalized communities in the country: Indigenous people.”
For Johnson, the collaboration advances a journalism curriculum centered on service, engagement and ethics. “Journalism has historically caused real harm to Indigenous communities, creating distrust,” he says. “ICT is working to repair that, to serve those communities with integrity. That aligns directly with our Jesuit mission and our journalism program’s commitment to public service.”
Katie Oyan, president, CEO and chief editorial officer of IndiJ Public Media, sees this alignment as well. “For me, what stood out first was that Marquette’s mission emphasizes the search for the truth and the discovery and sharing of knowledge,” she says. “That aligns squarely with ICT’s values and goals.”
After touring campus, she notes the facilities and atmosphere reinforce the partnership: “The atmosphere just feels right — vibrant, welcoming and supportive.”
The Great Lakes region is home to dozens of tribal nations and thousands Native Americans living in urban areas, and hosting a bureau in Milwaukee helps ICT expand its reach.
“For one, it strengthens our capacity to report not just on Native communities, but from Native communities. That’s vitally important to us,” Oyan says. The additional reporting, she adds, enhances local and national storytelling. “This bureau gives us an opportunity for added field reporting, which bolsters our local and regional coverage, and in turn helps us bring these stories and voices to the forefront of the national conversation.”
Marquette students gain new opportunities, as well. According to Johnson, “One of our journalism students is guaranteed an internship with ICT, and we hope that expands. They’ll also be in our building, just like NNS, so students will engage with them regularly.”
ICT journalists may also teach courses in the future. “You may start seeing courses on reporting in Indigenous and Native communities,” Johnson adds. “In the Great Lakes region, that knowledge is essential: the language, the cultural nuances, and how to enter those spaces with care.”
Oyan hopes the bureau’s presence increases visibility for Indigenous storytelling on campus.
“We hope this partnership and having a presence at Marquette will help foster greater awareness of Indigenous issues and the important work we’re doing to cover them every day at ICT,” she says. “When Indigenous students see ICT journalists on campus, or when they see stories that reflect their communities, it sends a message: there’s a place for you in this field.”
Johnson views the bureau as part of a long-term vision for the college. “ICT will be in our building, students will interact with them, they’ll teach and they’ll attend department meetings,” he points out. “They’ll essentially be members of the college.”
Johnson also sees it as a continuation of Marquette’s historic leadership in journalism education. “Many people don’t know this, but Marquette’s journalism program is the first journalism degree granted by a Catholic institution,” adding that with industry partnerships, ethics centered coursework and immersive learning, “Marquette offers a very distinct model.”
Oyan emphasizes that the partnership represents a deeper, shared purpose.
“This is more than a bureau — it’s a commitment to our mission of expanding our geographical footprint and mentoring the next generation of Indigenous media professionals.”
