Fake News Awareness 

Misinformation can spread fast, especially online. As Indigenous people we know the power of storytelling, but we also know the damage false narratives can cause. Fake news and inaccurate information can shape public perception in dangerous ways. That’s why it’s important to recognize misleading information before sharing it. Here’s how to spot fake news and protect the truth. 

1. Check the source 
   • • Is this information coming from a reputable, fact-checked, reliable source? Do you immediately recognize the website, author, or outlet? If not, take precaution when reading or listening to the information. 
2. Verify with multiple sources 
   • • If only one site, one person, one organization is reporting something, be skeptical. Because of the liability that come with reporting fake news, it’s not common for the information to be widely reported.  
3. Watch out for clickbait. 
   • • Fake news will often use dramatic and emotional headlines and captions to get reactions, views, and shares. If a headline feels shocking or extreme, be wary of the information.  
4. Look for manipulated images or videos 
   • • In today’s day and age, photos and videos can be edited, taken out of context, and even AI generated. AI images and videos will tend to have a “red herring” a.k.a something that looks out of place, unusual, or unrealistic. Sometimes images, videos and graphics can even be years old and recycled to push a certain narrative.  Use Google Reverse Image Search to see where an image really came from. 
5. Check the date 
   • • Often times old news stories resurface to push false narratives. Make sure the information is recent and relevant before reading and sharing. The date should always be at the top of the article with the author’s name. If an article does not have a date or an author listed, it is likely fake news. 
6. Look for credible sourced information 
   • • Reliable news will include links to it sources. Links will source back to information directly from government entities, official reports or direct statements. If a story makes big claims without evidence or only links back to its own articles, you should question the information. 
7. Be aware of bias, even your own 
   • • We all have biases and it’s easy to believe things that align with our views. Real journalism present multiple perspectives. Be cautious of one-sided reporting or sources that push a single agenda and try to convince you of agreeing with their point of view. 
8. Use fact checking tools 
   • • If something seems off, check fact-checking sites like Snopes, FactCheck.org and PolitiFact. These sites are nonpartisan and dedicated to the unbiased truth. 
9. Pause before sharing 
   • • Misinformation can spread fast because people react quickly and may not know how to fact check. Take a moment to verify the information before sharing it with others. Spreading false information can cause real harm. 

 

Where to find reliable information 

If you want the full picture, go straight to the source. Instead of relying on social media posts or secondhand accounts, check these trusted places for primary source information.

• C-SPAN
  • Live feed footage and coverage of government proceedings, hearings, and speeches
• Government websites
  • Government websites are reliable sources for laws, policies and official statements.
  • Disclosure: Some government websites have been instructed to remove or alter information on their sites, so we encourage readers to verify information they find on any government websites with other trusted primary sources.
• Congress.gov for legislation and voting records.
  • Data.gov for government datasets and reports
  • Verified tribal government websites are also trusted sources
• Library of Congress
  • Loc.gov has historical documents, treaties, and primary source records
• Academic and research institutions
  • Universities, research centers, and peer reviewed studies provide evidence-based information
  • Google Scholar
  • Native American Rights Fund (NARF) for legals cases and policy issues
• News sources
  • Associated Press
    • Straight facts and minimal bias
  • Reuters
    • Global news outlet with a focus on accuracy
  • BBC news
    • International perspective, less influenced by US political divides
  • AFP
    • Agence France-Presse is a French international news agency that provides verified information on global news
  • Indian Country Today
    • One of the leading Indigenous-run news organization
  • Native News Online
    • Covers Indigenous policy culture and community stories
  • Lakota Times
    • Covers local and national stories affecting Indian Country
• Fact checking organizations
  • Snopes
  • Factcheck.org
  • PolitiFact

Misinformation is everywhere, but having the right tools helps us protect our narratives and ensure our communities get the truth. Always question, always verify, and always seek sources that respect our voices.