Kimber is a world renown photographer. Her work has been featured & published online, and in magazines, newspapers, books, tour booklets, newsletters, brochures, music videos, and albums around the world. Pieces of her work are also hung in museums across the country.
As a published author, business consultant, producer, director, news anchor, entertainment host, editor, marketing/advertising director, journalist, photographer, solutions authority, and online guru, Kimber Acosta has been setting trends while expanding her career titles and gaining accolades for three decades.
Through her own determination and compassion for others she has built a self-taught career on lifting others up by continuing to shine a light on those that she felt had been left in the dark.
Kimber brings a multicultural approach to her unique worldview; her ethnic background is a mixture of Ojibwe from the Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa Indians, Cree First Nations, French and German.
Industry Trendsetter
1993
– Started writing as a journalist
1995
– Began her photography career
1997
– Built her first website (six months before Google existed)
– Organized her first benefit concert with 3 national recording artists
1999
– Began business consulting for national businesses
2000
– Was a segment producer for national music award show
2001
– Began doing Google ads online
– Printed her first limited edition photography print
2003
– Went from traditional film to digital for her photography
– Began marketing and running ads across social media
2004
– Created her first online store
2005
– Organized and directed a national benefit concert with 12 national recording artist
– Produced her first e-edition
2007
– Started her first online Blog and began her social media career
2008
– Started producing and directing online video
– Began livestreaming online video
– Became an entertainment host for an online entertainment talk show
2009
– Created her first museum piece
– Became the anchor, writer, producer and director of a national online news program
– Started her first Podcast online
2010
– Became an online news correspondent
– Produced and directed her first documentary (Native Americans: Homeless in Their Homeland)
– Hosted a Red Carpet event for a national music award show
2012
– Created her first phone app
2014
– Became an international distributed recording artist
2015
– Started producing and directing commercials for TV and online
2018
– Became an associate producer on cable TV
2018
– Became a published author
2019
– Received a "Silver Play" button award from YouTube
Kimber A Consulting
Jan 1997 – Present
Solutions Authority – For Tribes and Businesses
Taking visions to the next level.
Online brand marketing with social media management & target advertising.
Kimber A Photography & Design
1996 – Present
* Event photography
* Portrait Photography
* Video production
* Design services
* Website design
Wassaja (FNX original... Native News)
(Associate Producer )
Feb 2018 – Feb 2019
Wassaja is a Native News program by First Nations Experience (FNX).
Hosted by Mark Trahant. Available on cable TV and online.
Indian Country Communications, Inc.
Publishers of News From Indian Country
Dec. 1991 – August 2019
The longest running independent national Native American newspaper in the country. Covering news and stories on all of Indian Country for over 30 years. Located on the Lac Courte Oreilles Ojibwe Reservation in Northern Wisconsin. Available as a hardcopy or e-edition.
Current Responsibilities:
Advertising/Marketing Director • Layout/Design Artist • Pow-wow Directory Administrator • Photographer • Journalist • Editing culture/entertainment stories • Associate Editor
Past Responsibilities:
Web Editor • Explore Indian Country Editor • Subscription Manager • Distribution Manager • E-edition Administrator
IndianCountryTV
RezStyle - October 2008 – August 2019
(Host, Director and Producer)
An entertainment show with host Kimber talking with Native American musicians, artists, authors, etc... across all of Indian Country. A program brought to you by IndianCountryTV.com located on the Lac Courte Oreilles Ojibwe Reservation in Northern Wisconsin. Available on IndianCountryTV, YouTube, Facebook, iTunes, Google Play, Stitcher, Livestream/Vimeo, Sound Cloud
Native News Update - March 2009 – August 2019
(Anchor, Writer, Director and Producer)
A weekend news program covering current stories on the happenings of Native Americans across all of Indian Country. With anchor Kimber at the studios of IndianCountryTV.com located on the Lac Courte Oreilles Ojibwe Reservation in Northern Wisconsin. Available on IndianCountryTV, Indian Country Today, YouTube, Facebook, iTunes, Google Play, Stitcher, Livestream/Vimeo, Sound Cloud
News Correspondent & Producer IndianCountryTV
(Correspondent, Producer and Director)
December 2009 – August 2019
Board of Directors:
Indian Country Communications, Inc.
* (Secretary/Treasurer)
March 2008 – January 2020
Waadookodading Ojibwe Immersion Charter School
* (President) April 2003 – June 2006
Native American Educational Technologies
* (Board member) June 2003 – January 2020
Native American Music Awards Advisory Board
* (Board member) 1998 – Present
Native American Music Association
* (Board member) 1998 – Present
LCO Headstart Parent Advisory Board
* (Board member) 1999 – 2000
Spirit Wind Records
* (Board member) 2010 – 2023
Wise Women Gathering Place
*(Board member) 2012 – 2016
Notable Events & Projects:
* Break Through Featuring Kimber Acosta
- Became a published author. Co-authored this book with Les Brown (Top Global Motivational Speaker); Johnny Wimbrey (Life Coach & Television Personality); and Nik Halik (#1 Best Selling Author "The 5 Day Weekend"). A book filled with powerful stories from Global Authorities that are guaranteed to equip anyone for real life breakthrough.
* WI Historical Society Museum
- Created a Pow-wow Mural that is 10'x7' for the Native American Section of the Museum in 2009.
* Lac Courte Oreilles Com. College
- Was the key-note speaker who gave the commencement speech at the 2010 Graduation Ceremony.
* Red Lake Nation Benefit Concert
- Was one of the main organizers along with Leon Thompson and Grammy/Nammy winner Mary Youngblood, for a benefit concert at the Target Center in Minneapolis, MN on May 29, 2005 with ticket sales being donated to the Red Lake Nation.
Artist included: Bill Miller, Micki Free, Joanne Shenandoah, Dianne Shenandoah, Mary Youngblood, Martha Redbone, Lorrie Church, Charlie Hill, Annie Humphrey, Robby Romero, Litefoot and special guest Danny Flowers.
* Abiinooji Aki
-Helped coordinate a benefit concert featuring Billy Ray Cyrus, Molly & the Haymakers and Bobbi Bullet 1997
* Native American Music Awards
- Official Photographer from 1999-2014
- Presented awards every year from 1999 to 2005. Then again in 2010.
- As one of the original board members of NAMA, gave input into the proposal for the Grammys to create a Native American category 2000. (First Native Grammy was given in 2001 on National TV)
- Segment Producer at the show in 2000 and 2001
- Designed the show brochure from 2002 to 2008
- Hosted the 2010 Red Carpet at 12th Nammys LIVE on IndianCountryTV.com, viewed by millions around the world
- Co-Hosted and directed the 2018 Red Carpet at the Native American Music Awards
- Produced the video for the opening ceremonies of the 2018 Native American Music Awards
* Gathering of Nations
- Judged the Miss Indian World Traditional Category 2000
* Native American Journalist Association (NAJA)
- Ran a panel on advertising in Indian Country 2000
* Native American Tourism Conference
- Judged a Native American Art show 2002
* Lac Courte Oreilles Com. College
- Co-Instructor for a three week Computer Youth Camp for 6-9 graders - Taught them how to operate a Mac computer. Every- thing from turning it on, setting it up, downloading music, word processing, making a movie, using video and camera equiptment, etc. 2006
* American Indian Christmas
- Jana's album released in 2005
Helped with translation and pronunciation for the song Winter Wonderland that she sang in Ojibwe for this album.
* Pipestone Honoring
Put together a multi-media presentation of pictures and video highlighting Pipestone for an honoring banquet in Nov. 2007 after they won Album of the Year at the 2007 Native American Music Awards.
Photography Awards:
NAJA June 2001
(first time I ever submitted any of my work)
Photo editing (honorable mention)
Best Photographer in Indian Country (honorable mention)
International Library of Photography
Selected as one of the "Best Photographers of 2007"
2007 Editor's Choice Award - "Pondering the meaning of life"
Nominated to join the ISP Hall of Fame for the class of 2008
2008 Editor's Choice Award - "Traditional Dancer"
Photo laureates
Selected as photography member of the month - August 2007
Selected as photography member of the month - August 2008
Selected as one of the Best Photographers of 2008
Memberships:
The Native American Journalist Association (since 1992)
Unity, Journalist of Color (since 1994)
Native American Music Awards (since 1997)
The Grammys (since 2001)
International Freelance Photographers Organization (since 2000)
Some of the Events I've taken Pictures at:
* Tina Turner 24/7 world tour - Minneapolis, MN 1997
* Building Bridges: Religious Leaders
in Conversation with the Dalai Lama
- Chicago, IL - July 18, 2011
* WOJB Hand Drum Contest
- Hayward, WI - Feb. 13, 2007
* WOJB Fundraiser - Hayward, WI
- Dec. 8, 2007
* Brulé Christmas Concert - Duluth, MN
- December 2, 2006
* American Indian Community House
Benefit Auction - New York, NY -
October 17, 2006
* Gathering by the River - St. Paul, MN
- September 9, 2005
* "Red Lake Nation Benefit Concert"
- Target Center, Mnpls, MN
- May 29, 2005
* The Grammys Los Angeles, California
- February 21, 2001
* Loretta Lynn's Museum Grand Opening
Hurricane Mills, Tennessee
- May 26, 2001
* Indy 500 Indianapolis, Indiana
- May 27, 2001
* The Presidents Cup
(Golf Tour.: Notah Begay & Tiger Woods)
Gainesville, Virginia
- October 21-22, 2000
* Native American Music Awards
(Nammys)
- Albu., New Mexico - Nov. 6, 1999
- Albu., NewMexico - Nov. 11, 2000
- Albu., New Mexico - Oct. 20, 2001
- Milwaukee, Wisconsin - Sept. 7, 2002
- Albu., New Mexico - Nov. 6, 2003
- Hollywood, Florida - Feb. 10, 2005
- Hollywood, Florida - June 8, 2006
- Niagra Falls, New York - Oct. 6, 2007
- Niagra Falls, New York - Oct. 4, 2008
- Niagra Falls, New York - Oct. 3, 2009
- Niagra Falls, New York - Nov. 12, 2010
- Niagra Falls, New York - Oct. 7, 2011
- Niagra Falls, New York - 2012
- Niagra Falls, New York - 2013
- Salamenca, New York - 2014
- Niagara Falls, New York 2018
* Seminole Tribal Fair
Hollywood, Florida
- Feb. 11-12, 2005
* Shakopees Native American Music Fest.
Prior Lake, MN
May 20, 1999 • May 19-20, 2000
• May 12, 2001
* Gathering of Nations
Albuquerque, New Mexico
April 21-23, 2000 • April 26-28, 2001
April 25-27, 2002 • April 24-26, 2003
* Indian Summer Festival
Milwaukee, Wisconsin
September 8-10, 2000 • Sept. 7-9, 2001
September 6-8, 2002 • Sept. 5-7, 2003
September 10-12, 2004 • Sept. 12, 2009
Sept. 8-10, 2010 • Sept. 9-11, 2011 • Sept. 2014 • Sept. 2015
* Shakopee Pow-wow
Prior Lake, Minnesota
August 18-20, 2000 • August 17-19, 2001
* Native American Tourism Conference
Green Bay, Wisconsin
September 28-30, 2000
Black River Falls, Wisconsin
June 11-12, 2002
Bayfield, Wisconsin June 10-11, 2003
* Pow-wow Cruise
- Los Angeles, CA -
September 18-22, 2000
- Miami, FL - January 24-28, 2008
* Indian Summer Festival
Hunter, New York - September 1-4, 2000
* NABA Conference
Dearborn, Michigan July 9-10, 2000
Hinckley, Minnesota August 12-14, 2001
* NAJA Conference (Unity Conference)
Seattle, Washington July 1999
Ft. Lauderdale, Florida June 15-17, 2000
Washington DC August 3-8, 2004
* Anishinabe Way Conference
Hayward, Wisconsin
June 21-24, 2000 • June 19, 2002
• June 16, 2004
* Honor the Earth Pow-wow
Hayward, Wisconsin
July 1999 • July 14-16, 2000 • July 19-22, 2001 • July 14-16 2006 • July 16-18, 2010 • July 2015
* LCO Contest Pow-wow
- Hayward, Wisconsin - June 2-4, 2006
* LCO Rodeo
- Hayward, Wisconsin July 1999
* Green Bay Packer Game
- Green Bay, Wisconsin - August 1999
* Indian Motorcycle Factory
Gilroy, California September 1999
Tour with their new Office of Indian Affairs Board
Photography published in
Newspapers & Magazines:
Indian Gaming Magazine - Washington
News From Indian Country - Wisconsin
Explore Indian Country - Wisconsin
Akiing (aka Ojibwe Akiing) - Wisconsin
Rhythm Magazine - New York
Heat Beat Magazine - Florida
Billboard Magazine - New York
Native Voices - South Dakota
Indian Country Today - New York
The Circle - Minnesota
Windspeaker - Canada
Native Peoples - Arizona
Navajo Times - Arizona
The Visitor - Wisconsin
Sawyer County Record - Wisconsin
Cowboys & Indians Magazine - Texas
Whispering Wind - Louisiana
Well Nations Magazine - South Dakota
Native American Casino Magazine - California
Fireworks (The Melodic Rock Magazine) - United Kingdom
National Museum of American Indian: Special Music Issue - Wash DC
Music Albums:
Micki Free CD - The Micki Free Experience (Europe release '05)
Joanne Shennandoah CD - Peace and Power
Micki Free CD - American Horse (Relaeased June 2011)
Bobby Bullet CD - Justice In Time (Released in 2015)
Music Videos:
Joanne Shenandoah Music Video "What are We Fighting for?" '07
Evren Ozan - Native American Flute Musician
Saganaw Grant - Don't Let the Drums Go Silent
Books:
Stevie Salas biography – When we were the boys
From Kokopellis to Electric Warriors book by Sandra Schulman
Paths of Perception -The International Library of Photography
2007 edition of the Photography Laureate manuscript
The Best Photos and Photographers of 2007 - The International Library of Photography
Endless Journeys - The International Library of Photography
BEST OF 2008 PHOTOGRAPHY ANTHOLOGY: by Photography Laureate
Break Through featuring Kimber Acosta
Newsletters, Program Booklets & Business Pamphlets:
Gathering of Nations Program Booklet - New Mexico
Loretta Lynn's 2001 Tour Booklet
Native American Music Awards Program Booklets (1999 - 2008)
Native Wisconsin Education Package
Native American Music Association Pamphlet
Living Adventures Spring 2005 mailer
Native American Tourism packet
Pow-wow Cruise Brochure
Chippewa Wood Crafters Brochure
LCO Head Start Year Books - Wisconsin
Honor the Earth Powwow Program Booklet - Wisconsin
Rise - LCO Casino Employee newsletter
LCO community newsletter
LCO Health Clinic - Community newsletter
Websites:
Oprah.com
NativeAmericanMusicAwards.com
IndianCountryNews.com
IndianCountryToday.com
MickiFree.com
StevieSalas.com
frontrownews.com
StarNayea.com
TiekenTwins.com
Janice-Marie.com
JanaNation.com
ArvelBird.com
GatheringofNations.com
TomahawkRecords.com
NativeRadio.com
IndianSummer.org
RushTrucking.com
brain-box.com
OzanMusic.com
Rathole.com
MarkSonderProductions.com
HardRockHouse.com
NativeStars.com
Powwows.com
PowwowCruise.com
and 100s of more...
