First Person Productions
The original storytellers
About First Person Productions
First Person Productions is a paid media internship aimed at empowering our young people to be the next generation of Native storytellers.
For too long, our people have been inaccurately portrayed in the media, but our internship program allows our young people to take ownership over their own stories. From filmmaking and podcasting to social media and marketing — FPP pays young people to learn the mechanics of media while increasing the visibility of Native peoples and ensuring accurate and authentic portrayals of our community.
Upcoming Cohorts
FPP has 4 cohorts per year - three during the school year and one during the summer. Each cohort lasts approximately 8 -10 weeks and meets Monday - Thursday from 4:00PM-6:00PM or 9:30AM - 3:30PM in the summer. Interns get an hourly rate of $13.75 and must be 14 years or older to be eligible.
Spring 2023 Cohort - April 10th - May 25th
Current enrollment status: FULL
Location: 2610 E 32nd St, Minneapolis, MN 55406
Be the next generation of storytellers and get paid to learn about podcasting! FPP will be producing Season 2 of our, "You're Supposed to be Okay" podcast where interns will discuss topics like Missing & Murdered Indigenous Relatives, threats against the Indian Child Welfare Act, and the legacy that 2-spirit and LGBTQ+ community members have and continue to have in our culture.
Meet Your Instructor
Binesikwe Means was born and raised in Minneapolis, Minnesota and is an enrolled citizen of the Oglala Lakota Tribe in Pine Ridge, South Dakota and a descendant of the White Earth Nation.
As a MIGIZI alumni herself, Binesikwe spent many years traveling to different tribal communities and working with elementary aged students on video projects. For the last 6 years she has dedicated her time and skills to advancing FPP and supporting her home community.
Binesikwe was recognized for her hard work, dedication, and mentorship as Step Up's Supervisor of the Year for 2022. This prestigious award is given to supervisors who have gone above and beyond to provide an exceptional experience for their Step Up interns, who nominate deserving supervisors. She develops incredible relationships and creates safer spaces for these talented students. She is committed to connecting the students to the community and fostering the next generation of storytellers. Binesikwe empowers these students by allowing them the space and opportunity to become their authentic selves. She has continually nurtured the development of American Indian youth.
"Binesikwe was really the first person I met who made me believe that I can actually become a filmmaker. With her i've met other Indigenous creatives who are living my dream. I get to experinece so many new opportunites that I never thought would be availbale for people like me" - MIGIZI Intern 2022
Our Past Work
MIGIZI Speaks
June 2nd, 2023
Earlier this year, we met with a wonderful group of young Native women for our newly founded program, MIGIZI Speaks. MIGIZI Speaks is a WRITING CHANGE initiative from Estée Lauder Companies and National Youth Poet Laureate, Amanda Gorman to support grassroots organizations dedicated to advancing literacy as a pathway to equality, access, and social change, through the power of young voices.
With the help of our Lead Media Instructor, Binesikwe Means, and singer/song writer, Jamela Pettiford, our youth have been working together to build a divine sisterhood while exploring the topic of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Relatives.
You're Supposed to Be Ok
September 29th, 2022
In the summer of 2022, our First Person Productions interns dipped into the world of podcasting. From the bottom up, our interns created the name, logo, audio clips, and social media campaign for their podcast,"You're supposed to be ok." From relationships with their teachers, friends and family, to the impact isolation and the 2020 uprisings had on their mental health — tune in every Wednesday to hear young people’s perspective on how life changed during the pandemic.
Wanna Wota
August 27, 2019
This project investigates, documents and shares information and ideas concerning the revitalization of traditional food systems among the tribes of Minnesota and the upper midwest. The goal of the project is to introduce youth to traditional food knowledge and to spotlight current efforts in our community to change the status quo regarding food justice, food sovereignty, urban agriculture, as well as healthy foods and lifestyles.
Makoce Stories
August 31, 2018
Minnesota's Twin Cities has a lot of historical context and cultural significance to it that many people are unaware of. This interactive podcast will take you around the land before it was known as the Twin Cities and give you Native American insight and perspective.
Indigenous Food Labs
August 31, 2018
The Sioux Chef, Dream of Wild Health and Chef Brian Yazzie, along with many special guests, team up to present a day of indigenous food, culture and knowledge at the Great Minnesota Get-Together.
Think About It
August 31, 2018
Composting and recycling is very important and benefits our city! Learn more about the importance of recycling and composting through interviews conducted with local officials in Minneapolis. We further explore the cycles of recycling and composting as well.
Go Green and Stay Clean
August 21, 2018
The University of Minnesota Twin Cities and Edison High School explores renewable, green energy on their campuses.
Melannie Bice; Producer, Director, Camera, Editor
Adyn Pence; Animator
Isaiah Smith; Sound, Animator
Noah Kennedy; Camera, Editor, Writer
Bee Smart
August 8, 2018
The decline in honey bees has a greater negative impact in our world more so than people think. Here are a few steps people can take to preserve the bee population.