08/19/2026
She:kon, my name is Kanatires Barreiro. I am an intern producer this summer at Akwesasne TV, within the Center for Media and Communications. My experience with this fabulous crew has allowed me to serve and empower my community through video production and storytelling. I’ve gained confidence in my journalistic abilities and learned lots of new technical skills that can be applied in my university curriculum. I recently graduated from Tompkins Cortland Community College with an A.A. in Creative Writing, and will attend the Newhouse School of Public Communications at Syracuse University this fall. My major is Television, Radio, and Film with a Production focus. The goal has always been to highlight Indigenous perspectives, whether through written or digital mediums. When I’m not working, I’m watching comfort tv shows, travelling to new places, laughing with my brothers, and keeping an eye on planetary movements.
Day In The Life:
My work day largely depends on the current stage of any ongoing projects. Once a week, my morning will begin with an ATV team meeting where we provide each other with updates on
tasks, clarify deadlines, pitch new ideas, and more of those kinds of things. Then we’ll meet up with the rest of CMC at Ionkwakiohkwaró:ron for a departmental meeting.
The rest of the day is usually spent in front of the computer, editing clips on Final Cut Pro. This summer I created mostly short-form content, covering events such as the Avatar (ATLA) Screening and Akwesasne Thunder’s Senior Night, as well as contributing to various other segments by assisting during the planning and production stages.
Shoot days are busier, but I appreciate the break from my desk. If we have interviews scheduled in the studio, we’ll set up lighting, audio, and camera equipment. I’ll prepare my questions and sometimes work on a storyboard, to give myself some direction as we capture footage and to eventually refer to in post-production. The process is similar for field work, except we’re transporting our equipment and having to adapt to site factors, whether environmental or logistical. Days like these are long, and often require us to work overtime, but I really love what we do.
Fast Questions:
1. What does giving back to your community mean to you?
I’m grateful to serve my community in any way that I can, especially when I’ve become so inspired by it. My role here feels rewarding, being able to hold up a mirror and show Akwesasne, “This is us! Aren’t we awesome?”.
2. What’s your go-to coffee or snack during work?
I don’t drink coffee, but I love a hot green tea from Dunkin or Edith Mae’s. My go-to snack is a peanut butter protein bar from our munchies table.
3. If your internship had a theme song, what would it be?
Sisters of the Moon, by Fleetwood Mac.
4. If your internship had a mascot, what would it be?
Water Drum Boy!!!
5. What’s your favorite local spot in Akwesasne?
Happyeeets for sure. Their mexi-cali wraps have been my favorite meal this summer.
6. Who is someone in your life that inspires you and why?
My mom, Randi Barreiro! She brings effort and expertise to all of her professional endeavors, which I really admire. She is also known to be super passionate, innovative, and stylish. I feel motivated to work as hard as her, and leave the same impact as she does