BILLINGS, MONTANA – MAPS Media Institute is honored to announce that “Walking Between Two Worlds: The Urban Indigenous Youth Experience” has won the 2025 National Student Production Award (NSPA) in the Nonfiction Long Form category. The National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences (NATAS), the organization behind the Emmy Awards, announced the winner on Friday, November 21, 2025, during a national livestream event.
This achievement represents the nation’s highest honor for high school filmmakers. The 25-minute documentary competed against top student productions from across the country, advancing from regional competition where nearly 1,700 entries across all categories were submitted to NATAS chapters nationwide.
Photo credit: MAPS Media Institute
Created in collaboration with Billings Public Schools’ Indigenous Education Department and supported by the Rocky Mountain Tribal Leaders Council, the film explores identity, resilience, and belonging among Indigenous youth in urban Montana. The project began with preproduction during spring 2024, followed by a five-day intensive production workshop in June 2024, where students learned every aspect of filmmaking, from camera, audio, and lighting to the art of interviewing.
The production took the crew out of the classroom and into the community. Students filmed artist Ben Pease as he painted and set up a tipi honoring ancestors. They also interviewed respected community leaders, including celebrated educators Florence Garcia and Aldora Big Man; cultural consultant Rumeal Good Luck; Bill Snell, Executive Director of the Rocky Mountain Tribal Leaders Council; Leonard Smith, Executive Director of Native American Development Corporation; and Ginger Goes Ahead, a licensed school, mental health, and addiction counselor. Together, this group of Knowledge Carriers and cultural leaders shared stories and guidance that helped the student crew deepen their understanding of how cultural identity supports and strengthens Indigenous people living in urban communities.
Photo credit: MAPS Media Institute
“This film is important because it gave us a chance to talk about what it’s like to grow up in a city but still be part of our culture. I want people to understand that you don’t stop being Indigenous when you live off the reservation,” shared Kolbi Johnston, a Billings High School student and youth crew member on this project.
“This recognition shows what’s possible when we trust youth to tell their stories,” said Calli Rusche-Nicholson, Director of Indigenous Education for Billings Public Schools. “They’re not just learning media; they’re leading meaningful conversations about identity and community.”
The project was created through the MAPS Media Lab, the statewide educational outreach program of MAPS Media Institute. “This national win reflects the heart of our mission,” said Clare Ann Harff, MAPS Executive Director. “MAPS students aren’t just learning technical skills; they’re using media as a force for change, advancing critical community issues, and challenging others to see their experiences through their eyes. That’s the power of youth voice. That’s the future we’re building with MAPS.” Harff added, “We’re deeply grateful for the inspiring leadership and collaboration of Billings Public Schools, the Rocky Mountain Tribal Leaders Council, the student crew and their families, and the many Tribal and cultural leaders who made this achievement possible.”
View the Award-Winning Film: “Walking Between Two Worlds: The Urban Indigenous Youth Experience”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FLCYTJrc1Cg.
To learn more about the Billings Public School Indigenous Education: https://www.billingsschools.org/departments/student-support-education-services/indigenous-education