Alyssa London, the first Native Contributor for NBC News and MSNBC, on bringing Indigenous Perspectives and Embracing All Aspects of Her Identity

October 31, 2024

Committed to preserving and promoting Native culture, Alyssa London has made waves as the first Native/Indigenous Contributor for both MSNBC and NBC News. She is a trailblazer in media, having hosted The Culture Is: Indigenous Women special on MSNBC, which explored the roles, experiences, and influences of Indigenous women in today's world.

As a member of the Tlingit and Haida Indian Tribes of Alaska, Alyssa draws from her heritage to shape her storytelling. She served as a Cultural Ambassador for Sealaska Heritage Institute during her reign as Miss Alaska USA, representing her community with pride. She is a Native American 40 Under 40 honoree, and award bestowed by the National Center for American Indian Enterprise Development (NCAIED) that recognizes young leaders across Indian Country who have made significant contributions to their community.

We spoke to Alyssa about her background, how her heritage influences her and what it means to be the first Native American contributor for NBC News and MSNBC.

Can you tell us a little bit about your background, and why being Native American is important to you personally and to your career?

I am Tlingit, and my heritage is rooted in the Ketchikan Indian community and the Eagle-Killerwhale Clan, with ancestral ties to the Killerwhale Chasing Seal House of Angoon, Alaska. Being Alaska Native (our term for being Native American up in the North) is central to who I am, and it influences both my personal and professional life. My culture teaches me the importance of community, reciprocity, and preserving the legacy of my ancestors, which drives me to amplify Indigenous voices through my work. As the first Tlingit Miss Alaska USA and finalist at Miss USA, I’ve been able to use my platform to highlight the beauty and vitality within Indigenous cultures and bring awareness to important issues that affect our communities. Today, I continue that work as the CEO of Culture Story, a media company focused on sharing authentic Indigenous narratives, and as a contributor for NBC News and MSNBC. My Native identity gives me a unique perspective and sense of responsibility to ensure that Indigenous stories are told accurately and respectfully in mainstream media.

You are the first Native Contributor for NBC News and MSNBC. How do you bring your perspective to the company and your role?

Being the first Native Contributor for NBC News and MSNBC allows me to bring a distinct viewpoint to the table. I approach every story with a deep sense of purpose, knowing that I’m representing my community and generations of Indigenous people who have not had their voices heard in these spaces. Through my work, I strive to have Indigenous perspectives woven into the National conversation, whether I’m covering stories on the ground or contributing to larger discussions about diversity and inclusion in media. One of the projects I’m most proud of is "The Culture Is: Indigenous Women," which aired on MSNBC and continues to stream on Peacock. It was a groundbreaking special that highlighted the resilience, leadership, and contributions of Indigenous women across various sectors. I aim to continue fostering representation through stories that inspire understanding and respect for Indigenous cultures.

Can you touch on your favorite NBC project(s) to bring awareness to Indigenous peoples and communities?

One of my most meaningful projects has been working on "The Culture Is: Indigenous Women." This special was an incredible opportunity to shine a spotlight on the powerful stories of Indigenous women leaders, while also helping to bridge cultural gaps by bringing these voices into the mainstream. In addition, I’ve been actively involved in discussions on expanding Indigenous representation across NBC’s broader programming. I’m particularly proud of shaping field reporting that focuses on real-time issues affecting Indigenous communities, such as voting rights and water access on the Navajo Nation. Recently, I had the privilege of producing and hosting timely segments, including "The Power of the Native Vote" in the lead-up to the 2024 election, and "Navajo Water Rights Settlements." These segments were picked up by multiple NBC and MSNBC shows, and I’m thrilled with the impact they’ve had. It’s important to me that Indigenous peoples are seen as contemporary, thriving communities—not just viewed through a historical lens or limited to stereotypes—and I’m proud that these projects contribute to that broader understanding.

What are your passions outside of work?

Outside of work, I’m passionate about staying connected to both the land and my cultural roots. I love outdoor activities like skate skiing and hiking, particularly in the beautiful landscapes of Alaska and where I now live in the Pacific Northwest. These experiences keep me grounded and provide a sense of balance. I also enjoy creative outlets such as playing the piano and singing, which are personal ways for me to center myself.

Recently, I’ve become deeply invested in home design and renovation as I work on remodeling my first house. This journey has sparked a new interest in architecture and real estate, expanding my creative horizons. Landscaping, gardening, and caring for my apple tree have also become meaningful ways I connect with nature on a regular basis.

Additionally, I have a strong appreciation for aesthetics, particularly in fashion, beauty, and design. My past experiences in pageantry were a focused expression of this, but I hope to explore these passions further and get involved in the world of fashion and design beyond just following trends. I also love experimenting with healthy, whole food recipes I find on Instagram, and cooking and baking have become enjoyable ways to nourish both body and soul.

What is the best piece of career advice you’ve ever gotten?

The best career advice I’ve received is to embrace all aspects of my identity and leverage them as strengths. I was once told, "Your mixed heritage CAN be a strength, not a limitation," which resonated deeply with me. It reminded me that, despite being mixed-race, I am an enrolled tribal citizen of my Tlingit Nation, and my career can be a platform for cultural advocacy and storytelling. My parents also instilled in me the grounding wisdom, "You know who you are, and you know who your family is." This has given me a strong sense of belonging and confidence.

That advice has been a guiding force through the complexities of my multi-hyphenate career. Whether I’m hosting a television special, coaching executives, or building new ventures, I carry those words with me, always staying authentic to my identity and purpose.