Jarrette Werk

Jarrette is a multimedia journalist with experience in digital news, audio reporting and photojournalism. He joined Underscore in June 2022 as a staff reporter and photographer, in partnership with the national Report for America program. Originally from Montana, Jarrette is a proud member of the Aaniiih and Nakoda Tribes of the Fort Belknap Indian Community. Prior to joining Underscore, he served as an associate producer for Nevada Public Radio’s (KNPR) “Native Nevada Podcast,” an eight-part podcast series highlighting the culture, issues and perseverance of the 27 tribal nations in present-day Nevada. He has been a member of the Native American Journalists Association since 2017 and has participated as a Native American Journalist Fellow four times, including once as a mentor-in-training. He has earned a national Hearst Journalism Award and regional Edward R. Murrow Award for his reporting.

Twitter: @Jarrette_Werk

Email: jwerk@underscore.news

Click here to view stories by Jarrette.

Pieces by this contributor

City of Portland Staffs Smaller Tribal Relations Office

April 19, 2024
Once a three-person program, the city’s tribal relations office sat empty for months. On Friday, city leaders announced that Adam Becenti, Diné, will be the new Tribal Relations Program manager.

‘Rooted in Tradition’

April 10, 2024
Meet Mikailah Thompson, Nimíipuu and Black, entrepreneur and spring 2024 seasonal artist for Canada-based and Indigenous-rooted brand Manitobah.

Barbie’s Village Officially in Hands of Native Organization

March 28, 2024
After years of negotiation, Future Generations Collaborative officially owns the former Presbyterian Church of Laurelhurst, and can move forward with creating a tiny home village and early childhood center for Indigenous families experiencing homelessness.

‘Elevating Indigenous Voices in Oregon Is a Top Priority’

February 22, 2024
Annual McMinnville Short Film Festival brings filmmakers from around the world for a weekend of impactful visual storytelling.

Native Orgs Call on Oregon Legislature to Advance Indigenous Community Priorities

February 15, 2024
Native American Youth and Family Center and Future Generations Collaborative are advocating for a legislative agenda that emphasizes housing, education and economic equity.

Portland State to Become Destination School for Indigenous Doctorate Students

February 7, 2024
Portland State University announced plans to increase the diversity of its Ph.D. programs with the help of a two-year, $250,000 grant from Alfred P. Sloan Foundation.

Year in Review: Photos that defined 2023

December 28, 2023
A look back at Underscore’s photojournalism of the year.

Art Show Helped Bring Indigenous Woman Home

December 20, 2023
With ‘Portraits in Red,’ artist Nayana LaFond aims to raise awareness of Missing and Murdered Indigenous People. Currently on display at Yakima Valley Museum, the traveling art show will continue its Pacific Northwest tour in January.

‘Bad Press’ Chronicles Muscogee Journalism Victory

November 20, 2023
The documentary reveals the struggles of Indigenous journalists to freely cover tribal governments. The movie will screen Nov. 26 at Portland Art Museum’s Tomorrow Theater, followed by a panel discussion moderated by Underscore News.

A Seat at the Table

November 10, 2023
Northwest youth leaders advanced their communities’ agendas at the White House Tribal Youth Forum.

Barbie’s Village is Portland’s Latest Land Back Achievement

November 6, 2023
After years of planning and fundraising, a tiny home village for Indigenous families experiencing houselessness has a permanent home at the former Presbyterian Church of Laurelhurst.

Indigenous Artists Join Forces for National Tour

November 2, 2023
Launching in Seattle, Xiuhtezcatl Tonatiuh and Mato Wayuhi, will bring the “2 the Moon and Back Tour” to 8 cities across the country.

California Gold Rush Outpost Now in Native Hands

October 19, 2023
After nearly two centuries, the Salmon River Outpost has become a hub for Indigenous community members.

NAYA Powwow Marks Land Back Achievement

September 18, 2023
After a four-year pause, the Native American Youth and Family Center powwow returned to Neerchokikoo.

Getting to Know Portland’s Premier Drag Clown

June 28, 2023
Anthony Hudson’s first public drag performance was for his senior showcase at McNary High School in Keizer, Oregon. Today, he performs as Carla Rossi on stages across the world.

Muckleshoot Tribal College Makes History With 2023 Doctoral Graduates

June 23, 2023
The University of Washington in Tacoma partnered with the tribal college to train the inaugural graduates of the Muckleshoot Cohort, a doctorate in education program for educators working with tribes.

At Thacker Pass, Extraction and Resistance Come to a Head

June 9, 2023
Police and private security for a Canadian mining company arrested an Indigenous protester and demolished a protest blockade on Wednesday that was erected by descendants of a survivor of the 1865 massacre at the site, according to land and water defenders who were there.

‘A Centerpiece of Our Community’

May 10, 2023
An idea sparked by Warm Springs teens culminated this spring in a new skate park enjoyed by community members of all ages.

This Year’s Salmon Run is a Celebration

May 2, 2023
Twenty years ago, tribal youth founded the Salmon Run to call for the removal of four dams along the Klamath River. This year’s run will coincide with work to demolish them.

‘Rutherford Falls’ Star to Update ‘Uncle Buck’

April 27, 2023
‘It's a really exciting time to be a Native person in Hollywood,’ Jana Schmieding said. ‘Especially as a storyteller and as a writer.’

Olympian Billy Mills Nurtures the Dreams of Indigenous Youth

April 18, 2023
‘Billy was a kid with a dream,' said Sydney Mills Farhang, Mills’ granddaughter and executive director of Running Strong. 'It's truly an honor to be able to make the dreams of other Native youth come true, in honor of my grandfather.’

Portland Art Museum Changes Policy After Karuk Mother Speaks Out

March 17, 2023
Offended by multiple employees who told her to remove her traditional woven willow baby carrier, Sophie Weinstein left the Portland Art Museum’s exhibit on Yankton Sioux artist Oscar Howe. The incident caused an uproar.

‘Our Profit Is in the People’

February 28, 2023
When Bobbie Hill returned home from treatment for addiction, she knew she wanted to do something to help others on their journey to sobriety. So she started a business.

She Said the Land Called Her Home

February 6, 2023
Black Belt Eagle Scout gears up for a spring tour, after the release of the band’s third album.

The Future Past: Artists in Conversation

January 25, 2023
Dakota modernist Oscar Howe redefined Native American art, making space for younger generations. New exhibits at the Portland Art Museum showcase the conversation between Howe's work and contemporary Choctaw and Cherokee artist Jeffrey Gibson.

Pendletons and Ph.D.s

January 3, 2023
How one single mom uses her sewing machine to support her family, business and doctoral degree.

2022: Underscore's Year in Photos

December 29, 2022
Take a closer look at what we do.

Running Down a Dream

September 30, 2022
Ku Stevens’ great-grandfather escaped an Indian boarding school, repeatedly, by running 50 miles through the desert to get home. Decades later, Ku runs to honor that legacy, and his speed has earned him a spot at his dream school.

Surviving the Pandemic with the Snotty Nose Rez Kids

September 20, 2022
The politically minded hip hop duo from the Haisla Nation kicked off their latest tour in Portland, after building a fanbase with the release of hit songs like “Skoden” and “Boujee Natives.”

Photo Essay: Inaugural Native and Indigenous Bike Ride a Success

September 2, 2022
Pedalpalooza’s first ride geared exclusively toward Native and Indigenous riders drew attendees from as far away as the Gila River Indian Community in Arizona.

Inaugural Native and Indigenous Pedalpalooza Ride Set to Roll Out

August 23, 2022
Organizers Nanette Beyale and Alexis Vazquez want their Aug. 27 ride to build connections within Portland’s Native American and Indigenous community.

Combining My Two Passions: Journalism and Working With Youth

August 10, 2022
Underscore staff writer and photographer Jarrette Werk shares his experience mentoring at the weeklong High School Journalism Institute, a collaboration between Oregon State University, The Oregonian and other media outlets. 

Indigenous and Two-Spirit Identity through the Airwaves

July 1, 2022
Jack Malstrom’s journey of self-discovery, beginning as an adoptee to a non-Native family, has been defined by revelations of family history and roles as an Indigenous advocate, radio host, DJ and director of the Portland Two Spirit Society.
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