A filmmaker from the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs has made Northwest Emmy history. LaRonn Katchia — a Warm Springs/Wasco/Paiute tribal member — won multiple Emmy Awards at the 63rd Annual Northwest Emmy® Awards, earning recognition for two powerful films that bring Indigenous perspectives to Oregon audiences and beyond.

The Winning Films

Katchia's wins came for two distinct projects:

  • "Uncovering Boarding Schools" — Made in partnership with the Oregon Historical Society, this film took home the 2026 Community Outreach Award (Large Market), recognizing its work bringing difficult but necessary history to public attention.
  • "First Descent: Kayaking the Klamath" — A sweeping adventure and environmental documentary that won in the Documentary (Topical) category, following the first descent of the Klamath River after the largest dam removal project in American history.

Earlier in the year, Katchia was nominated for his documentary "Guardian of the Land" in the cultural/historical category, demonstrating the breadth of his work across subjects central to Indigenous sovereignty, land stewardship, and oral history.

A Moment for Warm Springs

According to KWSO 91.9, the Warm Springs tribal radio station, Katchia's Emmy victory stands as "a beautiful testament to the power of collaborative storytelling, a celebration for the Warm Springs community, and a guiding light for the future of authentic Indigenous filmmaking."

Spilyay Tymoo, the tribal newspaper, reported that during his acceptance speech, Katchia thanked the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs and Oregon Public Broadcasting, saying:

"I wouldn't be here without the support of my tribe. OPB allowed Indigenous creators to tell their own stories."

Why It Matters

Katchia's success is particularly significant in an era when Indigenous voices are increasingly centered in mainstream media — but still underrepresented behind the camera. His work with OPB demonstrates what's possible when tribal communities have the resources and platform to shape their own narratives.

The Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs, based on the Warm Springs Reservation in Jefferson County, have long been advocates for cultural preservation and economic self-determination. Katchia's Emmy wins add another chapter to a proud tradition of Warm Springs people making their mark far beyond the reservation's borders.