Reclaiming the Narrative: Sommer Itawi

Visions and Voices, the first publication from ISPU's Native American and Indigenous Muslim Stories (NAIMS): Reclaiming the Narrative project, is the first-ever photo narrative project to center the lived experiences of Native American and Indigenous Muslims in the United States. This research amplifies Indigenous Muslim voices to highlight the challenges, strengths, and needs of this small but incredibly diverse community.

ISPU Researchers conducted 17 in-depth, semi-structured interviews with Native American Muslims over a period of six months. Interviews explored identity, ways to navigate multiple marginalized communities, and insights into participants' struggles, hopes, and dreams. Listen to an audio clip from Sommer Itawi's (Monacan Indian Nation) story, excerpted from the interview. 

Explore the full project: ispu.org/naims-visions-and-voices.

The research team for NAIMS: Reclaiming the Narrative includes: 

• Brennan McDaniel, Principal Investigator, Ph.D. student, Yale University.
• Dalia Mogahed, Director of Research, Institute for Social Policy and Understanding
• Dr. Nida Ahmad, Research Associate, independent researcher and consultant
• Huda Rahman, Research Associate, undergraduate student, Vassar College
• Nura Maznavi, writer and editor
• Ayesha Mattu, writer and editor
• Maha Elsinbawi, Research Project Manager, Institute for Social Policy and Understanding