FOUNDER'S MESSAGE

Dear Community of Friends, 

Thank you for supporting Red Nation Celebration and the 2nd Annual American Indian Heritage Month in the City of Los Angeles.   This year Red Nation produced 10 city wide cultural events, celebrating our heritage, culture, history and tradition. I felt it would be very appropriate to share these very special and important words of wisdom with you.   

A Nation is not conquered until the hearts of its women are on the ground, then it is done. No matter how brave its warriors or how strong its weapons.

~ Northern Cheyenne ~

Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure.  It is our light, not our darkness, that frighten us.  We ask ourselves, who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented and fabulous?  Actually, who are you not to be?  You are a child of God. Your playing small doesn’t serve the world.  There’s nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won’t feel insecure around you.  We were born to manifest the glory of God within us.  It’s not just in some of us; it’s in everyone.  And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same.  As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.

Nelson Mandela

I am honored to be of service to our communities for over 30 years; and I am grateful that Red Nation Celebration can provide historic, inaugural, ground-breaking projects for the City of Los Angeles. We will continue to be of service within our American Indian communities for the years to come as well as the United States and the world.

The promise of possibilities ... dare to dream...

With Respect
Joanelle Romero
Oyate Wayanka Po Win
People See This Woman
Founder/Producer
American Indian Heritage Month
in the City of Los Angeles

Dear Community of Friends,

We can be a single arrow that can be broken, or we can be a bundle of arrows that can never be broken. 

Thank you for your support for entrusting me and Red Nation Celebration in providing the City of
Los Angeles with our First Annual American Indian Heritage Month.

We chose Los Angeles for our inaugural event because this city is the home of the largest American Indian urban population in the United States.  It is the second largest city in the country and the entertainment capital of the World. There are more than 350,000 American Indians living in California today. Among those, approximately 60,000 are from California Tribes. The biggest single group, around 75,000 resides in Los Angeles.

Our American Indian heritage month came to me in Sundance ceremony in 2000.   In September 2001, I approached Margie Reese in the Office of Cultural Affairs and suggested to her that the city needed to observe American Indian Heritage Month. 

Four years later, June 2005, Margie and I made a commitment to launch the first annual American Indian Heritage Month.  As founder of Red Nation Celebration, the oldest and longest-running American Indian non-profit organization funded by the Office of Cultural Affairs in Los Angeles, Red Nation Celebration received the blessing and support from all local 19 tribal
representatives including all local American Indian spiritual leaders and then Red Nation presented to Mayor Villaraigosa my dream and gave him the opportunity to be the first Mayor to officially recognize American Indian Heritage Month.

“We use this celebration of our American Indian Heritage Month to focus the world’s attention on the unique strength of our communities and the contributions of our outstanding achievements in the performing arts and to spread the message globally that Indian country is strong today.”

 “For the first time since the Europeans came to this land; our American Indian children &
communities will see their image once again in this city. This is the vision, this is the ceremony, this is the dream.”  In 1992, Senator John Kerry declared that November be set aside as American Indian Heritage Month. And while American Indian activities have been produced over the years, there had never been a mayor of any city who has officially recognized our Heritage month – until now.

Red Nation Celebration is dedicating this year’s American Indian Heritage Month to the late Edward Albert Jr., Commissioner of American Indian Affairs for the State of California, Co-founder and commissioner of Malibu’s American Indian Task Force; award winning actor, community activist, and Red Nation Board member.

I am honored that I have been of service to you for over 30 years and I will continue to be of service within our American Indian communities for the years to come.

The promise of possibilities ... I can only hope you find your passion and dare to dream...

With Respect
Joanelle Romero
Oyate Wayanka Po Win
People Who See This Woman
Founder/Producer
American Indian Heritage Month
in the City of Los Angeles

Joanelle began her broadcasting career in 2006 with launching the first American Indian internet television channel. In 2007, Joanelle Romero launched and co-hosts Red Nation Radio Contemporary & Traditional American Indian Music.

Through her company’s film division Spirit World Productions, Joanelle has produced projects about American Indian contemporary literature that have established her productions as award winning and highest honors for quality production and acting. Documentaries under the Joanelle Romero Presents banner have included the award-winning Home, Home on the Rez. American Indian Television Drama Series. This is the first American Indian Drama Series in the USA: Allan Houser: A Lasting Vision Documentary - National art exhibit on the life and work of the Apache Indian sculptor, Allan Houser; PBS Segment, Melvin and John Positive: Life with HIV - Documentary for PBS series – this is the first documentary about American Indians living with HIV/AIDS; Where The Red Road Meets The Information Superhighway Documentary; The Third Verse: 500 Years, The Land of the Children – documentary and “Why Can’t You Take Me Like I Am” music video.

In 2000, Spirit World Productions produced the internationally critically acclaimed Award –Winning documentary American Holocaust: When It’s All Over I’ll Still Be Indian Narrated by Ed Anser. Joanelle received an Armin T. Wegner “Humanitarian” Award for the vision to see the truth… and the courage to speak it.

This documentary is the first and only film that compares Hitler’s attempted genocide of German Jews with the U.S. government’s treatment of American Indians and the lasting effects on the culture today.

American Holocaust film , Joanelle is very passionate about, she directed, produced, wrote and scored the music for this controversial and groundbreaking film. Joanelle has been developing this film project since 1994. It won at the The Fargo Film Festival 2003 at the 25th American Indian Film Festival in 2000.

Her film was considered for nomination for an Oscar 2000, Joanelle Romero is the only American Indian Director/Producer to date to be this close to an Oscar Nomination (22 shorts were entered in; out of the 22 entered; 9 were chosen; Joanelle’s film was part of that 9; then 5 were nominated). To date this powerful film continues to win awards.

In 2005, Joanelle re-edited and released the documentary on DVD. Her film has been written up in both Daily Variety and The Hollywood Reporter, its theatrical release was at The Laemmle Theatre in West Hollywood to sold out audiences.

In 1994, Joanelle created, produced and starred in the first American Indian Drama Series Redblanket series HOME, HOME ON THE REZ.  A half hour pilot was produced in Taos New Mexico and received media attention with the hopes of having a drama series about American Indian contemporary lives. This pilot went on to receive Awards and opened the door to Joanelle’s production company to pitch to television executives’ projects with American Indian themes.

Telefilms under Joanelle Romero Presents banner are currently being pitched to network executives for future productions.

Founded in 1991 by Joanelle who saw a need for American Indian people to tell their own stories in television, film and music. Joanelle has formed a dynamic, creative production team of writers, producers, Native American Consultants, Chiefs Council, and Crew who complete the company. Spirit World Productions will continue to produce American Indian films, pilots and music giving voices to those who would otherwise remain unheard.

Since the company’s inception, ALL Spirit World Productions projects (documentaries, drama series, music videos) have received Awards and Recognition from some of the highest honors within the industry. Joanelle has created a significant library of American Indian documentaries, feature film scripts, telefilms, television pilots, series treatments and music specials dedicated to supporting Indian American themes.

Spirit World's introductory project was Michael Jackson's Black or White music video. Joanelle served as professional liaison between Mr. Jackson and the American Indian dancers cast for the project. Joanelle made history with this music video; these traditional dancers were and are to date the highest paid dancers in any music video. Michael Jackson shared the spot light and included Spirit World Productions in an interview in Entertainment Weekly Nov 29, 1991 which helped launched Joanelle’s production company.

In 2005, Spirit World Productions under the banner of Joanelle’s other company Red Nation; she founded and created Red Nation Web Television Channel; featuring ALL American Indian programming. This is the first American Indian programming channel.

Click here for productions credits…

In 1977, Joanelle made her acting debut in A Girl Called Hatter Fox, a 1977 telefilm for CBS, this was the first contemporary Indian woman’s story ever produced in film history. Joanelle Romero was the first American Indian woman to carry a lead role since “talkies” began. This television MOV was first a novel by Marilyn Harris, then adapted as a television movie. A Girl Called Hatter Fox is still being read and shown on most reservation schools & libraries across the country. Oscar winning actress Sally Kirkland saw Joanelle in this film and put her in Lee Strasberg's Actors Studio where Joanelle studied. This television debut began Joanelle Romero’s professional career.

In the 80’s Romero starred in numerous television mini-series, feature films, and several guest star spots on prime time television. Then ended that decade in a starring role as Bonnie Redbow in George Harrison’s Award-Winning critically acclaimed feature film 1989 “Pow Wow Highway” Pow Wow Highway started the revolution explosion of contemporary American Indian feature films today and is the #1 most popular feature film to date.

CURRENTLY: Joanelle is back in front of camera in Rick Schroeder’s feature film BLACK CLOUD released March 2005.

Romero, a 28-year member of the Screen Actors Guild with eighteen films and television credits as a lead actress, is perhaps best known for her leading roles in such highly acclaimed films as A Girl Called Hatter Fox and Pow Wow Highway, a winner at Sundance Film Festival and American Indian Film Festival. Joanelle has an impressive career in the Film/Television/Music industries.

In 2000, Joanelle created for Screen Actors Guild the first panel to date on Diversity and the Status of American Indians in the Entertainment Industry. “Where Are We?”

Click here for acting resume & acting reel…

In 2005, Spirit World Productions under the banner of Joanelle’s other company Red Nation; she founded and created Red Nation Web Television Channel; featuring ALL American Indian programming. This is the first American Indian programming channel.

Plans are in development to launch Joanelle’s Red Nation Cable Network & Studio; featuring all American Indian programming.

Red Nation Celebration (RNC) is a non profit American Indian organization established to premiere contemporary and traditional American Indian artists to the mainstream media and to the global communities to encourage understanding of the cultural traditions and modern day issues of the Native American. Founded in 1995, by Joanelle Romero, RNC started its roots in Santa Fe New Mexico produced during Indian Market; Red Nation was recognized as a groundbreaking concept and became a widely publicized event of national stature. The Red Nation Celebration moved to Los Angeles in 2000 to make this unique music directly accessible to L.A. audiences and the music industry, and timed (in February) to coincide with one of the most important weeks in the music industry: the Grammy Awards. The Annual Red Nation Celebration Concert Series is proud to announce that in 2003 during the week of The Grammy Awards in New York City; RNC became an official Grammy event in 2003.

Red Nation has successfully showcased American Indian recording artists, Grammy winners and nominees, and has been a launching pad for numerous American Indian musicians who have been signed to labels since performing at Red Nation’s concerts over the years. RNC is produced annually during the week of the Grammy Awards and is a Grammy Event. Red Nation Celebration is an opportunity for Indians and non-Indians in the City of Los Angeles to share the diverse beauty of the American Indian culture. Red Nation has grown to include “Red Nation Celebration Indigenous Nations Heritage Month” in The City of Los Angeles.

Red Nations efforts have been a major factor in bringing American Indian music, artists and performing arts to the same level of acceptability and respectability as all others honored by the recording industry associations. RNC promotes annually, a concert series as a tool to preserve and record our heritage; an instrument for Indians and non-Indians alike to erase the stereotypes and replace with positive images that reflect the diversity of American Indians. RNC carries the history of contemporary and traditional American Indian music. Red Nation Celebration is the world's largest archival home of American Indian songwriters, artists, poets, chiefs, traditional dancers and storytellers. This archival footage of performance has been produced with additional footage of interviews with the artists themselves, speaking about their music, their inspirations, their dreams and their homeland. Red Nation Celebration and Spirit World Productions archive has over 22 years of produced performances and interviews. This archival footage was created and produced to preserve the legacy of the original music of this land. Today, RNC is the leading American Indian entertainment entity in the world. RNC is the world’s oldest and most recognized international American Indian concert series dedicated to American Indians in music, film, education and performing arts. Over the last two years RNC has grown with Educational out-reach programs and music workshop programs to further our mission. Red Nation Celebration's continued commitment supports excellence in education, self-esteem and healthy lifestyles to under-privileged youth on the reservations and urban American Indian communities.

Red Nation is the umbrella for two youth non-profit organizations on environment, education and empowerment. “Help The Earth HTE” and “Speak Up.”

Red Nation Celebration Concert Series - Premiering Contemporary and Traditional American Indian Performing Arts continues to offer opportunities to many for whom doors were previously closed, and has grown to become the greatest American Indian owned organization ever launched.

Music has long been an important part of Joanelle Romero’s talents. She believes that music is a healing force which can positively motivate people. Joanelle’s motto: “MUSIC HAS THE POWER TO BRING US ALL TOGETHER”

The Legendary Leonard Cohen discovered recording artist singer/songwriter Joanelle Romero and is the only American Indian artist that has been produced by Mr. Leonard Cohen. The song I Need a Man made her the most requested Indian blues singer on American Indian radio. Romero is the first & only American Indian female Blues artist in the US.

Chief Leonard Crow Dog from the Lakota Nation on Rose Bud Reservation gave Joanelle Romero her Indian name: Oyate Wayanka Po Win - People Who See This Woman. Joanelle's traditional and cultural ways play directly into her unique rhythm of her sound. Joanelle Romero incorporates traditional American Indian drum/traditional lyrics fused with the contemporary styles of blues, folk, country, pop and rock. Recognizing the unique quality of her music, she dubbed her style as “Alter-Native.”

The King of Rock & Soul, His Majesty, Solomon Burke is Joanelle’s God-Father and to this day continues to inspire her music and talent.

As a recording artist/performer Joanelle Romero brings the passion of, and for her people to the foreground of her music. The rich tapestry of her ethnic makeup-Apache, Cheyenne, Jewish/ Spanish weaves thought-out Joanelle's creative process and her music. Joanelle Romero is a classically trained vocalist exploring new frontiers in contemporary music, and while she continues to push creative boundaries, her music remains very accessible. Her powerful political lyrics portray the struggle of American Indian people today.

Joanelle Romero has created a-lot of firsts in her music career. She is the first American Indian musician to fuse Traditional drum with Rock and Roll. She performed this new sound in Rock & Roll at a private party in late 1979, some of the people who heard this new sound for the first time were: Jackson Brown, Tim Hardin, Gene Clarke from the Byrds, John Barrymore Jr., Tommy Kay to name a few. She performed and created the first American Indian Aids Concert EVER 1993 which has become an annual event in Los Angeles CA. Romero also won a music video award for her single: “Why Can’t You Take Me As I Am” at the Red Earth Film Festival 1995. This is currently airing on Canadian Television - First Nation’s Music Program 2003.

In 1995, Joanelle Romero formed REDHAWK – THE BAND, an American Indian band that represents the Nations of Apache, Choctaw, and Cherokee, Cheyenne, Zuni, Creek and Seminole tribes.

In 1998, Joanelle Romero was asked by Sarah McLaughlin to perform her music on the Lilith Fair. Artist included Sarah McLaughlin, Sinead O’Connor, the Indigo Girls and Natalie Merchant. She was the only American Indian woman to appear on this all female tour. Then on July 25, 1998, Billboard Magazine featured Joanelle prominently in the first-ever special issue focusing on contemporary American Indian music.

Joanelle’s music has been featured in Rockin' Warriors a documentary film produced in Luxemburg for U.S. This film was broadcast in Europe and aired on the Ovation Network and the Arts Channel. Her music can be heard in such films as Vendetta, a Roger Corman film, A PBS Series POSITIVE: Life With H.I.V. (broadcast nationally in 1996) and her title song in the award-winning film American Holocaust: When It’s All Over I’ll Still Bee Indian. Ms. Romero's music videos have won in film festivals across the country and currently being seen on Canadian television.

In 2005, THE UNITED NATIONS – for their 60th Anniversary asked Humanitarian Joanelle Romero – “Oyate Wayanka Po Win” to perform opening blessings with a traditional song. Also in 2005 The City of Los Angeles asked Joanelle to perform and open the first event WORLD FORUM ON MUSIC at the Kodak, as well as a workshop on “Where is American Indian music today?”

In 2005 Joanelle cleared entry level in Grammy nominations in 10 categories for ‘THE BEST OF JOANELLE ROMERO” over three decades of music history - including first recordings produced by Legendary Leonard Cohen - first time release plus other never released songs produced by Henry Louie, Rossco Beck, Ron Tyson, Oli Pearce, Kyle Johnson, Richard T. Bear. Joanelle’s music video cleared entry level 2005 in Grammy nomination consideration.

CURRENTLY in music: Joanelle Romero is recording her long awaited blues album release date TBA. Dan Aykroyd is scheduled to release the album in 185 markets. American Indian carries the original music of this land and Joanelle Romero’s blues record will convey this unique traditional sound that has never before been recorded by any American Indian artist. Joanelle Romero is the only American Indian Female Blues recording artist in the US to date.

In addition, she has opened for notable artists as Rick Danko of The Band, Kris Kristofferson, Stevie Wonder, Eric Anderson, John Trudell, Paul Butterfield, Tin Machine, Freddie Fender, Ritchie Havens and Roseanne Cash.

Joanelle Romero began her music career at the age of three. Her mother was an actress and acted on several Elvis Presley films: Spin Out, Harlem Sepem, Speedway to name a few and her mom was the bikini girl on the Red Skeleton show, so from the beginning, she was surrounded by some of the most famous faces in music. As a young girl, Joanelle would hang out on the MGM lot with the King himself, Elvis Presley and sang with Dr. John & The Night Trippers (at age nine), Paul Butterfield, Rick Danko and Richard Manuel from The Band, Tommy Kaye, Gene Clark from the Byrds, Jesse Ed Davis and Randy Castillo, the Legendary Leonard Cohen and The King of Rock & Soul Solomon Burke. These mentors and friends of Joanelle have been some of the most important recording artists whose legendary achievements stand as hallmarks in the music industry: Their advice, tastes and knowledge were passed on to her. These friends inspired and influenced her not only to continue her music and mission but they have profoundly shaped how she creates her sound and writes her lyrics. While Joanelle Romero music is culturally charged, its themes and songs are universal.

Never before has an American Indian recording artist cleared in the entry level of the Grammy nomination consideration in this many categories over a four year music history (38 categories over three years). Joanelle Romero has sang on all Red Nation Celebration Concert Series recording.

Joanelle Romero cleared 13 categories in the first round of Entry in Grammy Nominations 2004 for “The 8th Annual Red Nation Celebration Concert Series EAST COAST WEST COAST - Double CD, recorded LIVE at The Bitter End in New York City during the Grammy week and at The John Anson Ford Theatre in Los Angeles for their summer season. Joanelle Romero/RedHawk cleared the Native American category within the Grammy’s 2004 for the first time since she founded her record label Red Nation Records in 2001.

In 2003, “The 6th Annual Red Nation Celebration -Native Women In Music-LIVE from the Sunset Strip-Introduction by DAN AYKROYD cleared 10 categories in the entry level in the first round of Grammy nomination’s 2003 for: Album of the Year, Rock Album, Best Recording Package, Producer of the Year, Best Engineering Non-Classical Album, Record of the Year, Song of the Year, Best New Artist, Rock-Female Vocal Solo, Rock Song. And from this album Joanelle Romero/RedHawk cleared 5 categories for her single: “Thunder In The River” for: Song of the Year, Best New Artist, Rock - Female Vocal Solo, Rock Song.

Her Pop Contemporary single “Come and Get Your Love Boy” was considered for: Record of the Year, Song of the Year, Best New Artist and Best Female Pop Performance in 2002. This single was co-produced by Grammy Winner Ron Tyson of “The Temptations,” Oji Pierce, RedHawk and Lolly Vegas. The second CD release that year was “The 5th Annual Red Nation Celebration LIVE 2001,” which Joanelle Romero is producer of, cleared first round in Grammy Nominations 2002 for “Best Engineered Album, Non-Classical. This album was nominated for a NAMMY Award: American Indian Music Award 2002.

Ms. Romero has been a true activist against alcoholism and domestic violence among American Indian people. With twenty-four years of sobriety, a traditional Sundancer and Chanupa (pipe carrier) including inspiring healthy lifestyles within the American Indian communities Joanelle has traveled throughout Indian Country to speak with youth about racism, alcoholism, domestic violence and encouraging careers in entertainment and to inspire them to "Live Their Dream". A spiritually sensitive woman who firmly believes in both the power of positive thought and the strength one gains from taking risks, Romero continually works to maintain an ever forward upward progression in her struggle to help Indian people. She dedicates much of her time and energy to making a difference in the lives of young people, changing the stereotypes in film and television industries, visiting tribal communities, giving public performances, motivational talks and interacting with American Indian youth whenever she can. Joanelle Romero is a mother to Elizabeth Sage and Montano Rain.

In 2001, Joanelle founded RED NATION RECORDS “The World’s Leading American Indian Record Label.” The only American Indian record label based in Los Angeles, CA. Five albums released on this record label to date all considered for Grammy nomination consideration – over the last four years these records have cleared in entry in Grammy nominations in 38 categories. This is a first for American Indian record label.

Joanelle has produced 4 albums and 2 singles since 2001; The 5th Annual Red Nation Celebration Concert Series LIVE, The Single: Come and Get Your Love Boy, The 6th Annual Red Nation Celebration Concert Series LIVE – Introduction by Dan Aykroyd, The 8th Annual Red Nation Celebration Concert Series LIVE East Coast – West Coast Double CD, A Single: LAST NAME by artist Elizabeth Sage, The Best of Joanelle Romero – double cd.

Joanelle has collaborated with notable & legendary record producers such as; Leonard Cohen, Ron Tyson, Oji Pierce, Henry Louie, Roscoe Beck, Tommy Kaye, Lolly & Pat Vegas, Kyle Johnson, Richard T. Bear.

In 1993, Joanelle founded The Annual Warriors Against AIDS Awareness Concert. American Indian women & children living with AIDS/HIV. Warriors Against AIDS was created to address the need to raise national consciousness regarding the issue of HIV/AIDS amongst American Indian women and children. This project provides a critical response to the issues, needs, and concerns of American Indians, the most under represented minority group to date. Warriors Against AIDS concert bring’s awareness to the issue of American Indians living with AIDS to the global community through music which has the power to bring us all together. The concert will consist of live music ranging from American Indian artists to high profile bands, political and social dignitaries, as well as celebrities speaking out on the issue.

Joanelle produced the first Warriors Against AIDS Awareness Concert in 1993 in Los Angeles, bringing light to the much overlooked issue of Native Americans with AIDS. Los Angeles has the largest urban American Indian population in the nation with over 50,000 Indian inhabitants, representing various tribes. The State of California boasts the largest Indian population in the country with approximately 500,000 Indian residents from more than 33 different tribes. With an American Indian population of this size, creating the concert for awareness as well as programs to bring American Indians a traditional environment in which to heal and learn about the disease was imperative. The first Warriors concert honored Elizabeth Glazer before her passing. Sponsors for that concert were David Geffen and the Gap.

The Warriors Against AIDS Awareness concert takes place annually during INDIGENOUS NATIONS HERITAGE MONTH in November in The City of Los Angeles.

In 1995, Joanelle founded Red Nation Celebration Concert Series – Contemporary and Traditional American Indian Performing Arts. RNC started its roots in Santa Fe New Mexico produced during Indian Market; Red Nation is recognized as a groundbreaking concept and became a widely publicized event of national stature.

In 1996, Joanelle founded Native Women In Music Concert Series – providing a voice for all women and children that live with Domestic Violence. The concert series brings messages of Hope and Peace. Our Women carry our youth and our Nations. Native Women In Music is held during National Women’s Month in The City of Los Angeles.

In 2000, Joanelle started an American Indian music movement in Los Angeles during the Grammy week “The Annual Red Nation Celebration Concert Series” and “An Acoustic Evening with American Indian Songwriters & Poets” Joanelle felt that American Indian music needs to be in the forefront of the music industry.

Joanelle has been producing concerts successfully for 15 years.

Click here for Mission on Red Nation Celebration ….

Joanelle founded several companies, Spirit World Productions since 1991, Red Nation Celebration ( Annual Concert Series & Educational Cultural Community Out-Reach Programs) since 1995, Red Nation Records, since 2001, Warriors Against AIDS Awareness Concert & Fund since 1993, Native Women in Music since 1996, Traditional American Indian Music in Schools 2003, Red Nation Web Television Channel since 2005, Red Nation Film Festival since 2005, Red Nation Pow Wow since 2006, Red Nation Cable Network and Studio.

In November 2005, Mayor Antonio R. Villaraigosa supported and recognized Red Nation Celebration and its founder Joanelle Romero for initiating INDIGENOUS NATIONS HERITAGE MONTH in The City of Los Angeles November 2005. Red Nation Celebration produced the Second Annual Red Nation Film Festival (American Indian Films) November 2005; this is the first American Indian Film Festival in The City of Los Angeles – The Entertainment Capitol of The World. Red Nation Celebration and Indigenous Nations heritage Month will go on with an annual celebration each year with several productions for the City of Los Angeles; bring in economic development and providing an opportunity for all to learn about the American Indian and its rich culture.

Where is our image in film, television and radio? Joanelle’s passion and mission with all companies is to make sure that American Indian become mainstream on prime time television, film and radio as contemporary human beings. All companies are American Indian owned.

Click here tor view Mayor Antonio R. Villaraigosa letter …

Joanelle strongly believes that Knowledge is Power. She also believes a child’s birth right is to be supported for success in all that they wish to create in they lives. Through her non-profit organization Red Nation Celebration, Joanelle has had the opportunity to put hope in the lives of American Indian children on the reservations.

Red Nation Scholarship Fund: Pre-school to College. Red Nation scholarship fund is designed to support American Indian youth in their quest for excellence in education and in reaching their highest potential in life.

Domestic violence issues on and off the reservations, Joanelle’s Native Women in Music Concert provides an opportunity for these voices to be heard and bring awareness and support of the issues. These concerts of hope and peace have inspired our women to re-educate and empower themselves for success in their lives including their children seeing they mothers as positive role models.

Red Nation Celebration in partnership with Toys R Us and Gifts In Kind has provided over $10,000 worth of toys to the children on the reservations. In 2003, on the Rose Bud Reservation, $4000 worth of toys were given that day; a child came up to Joanelle with a Barbie in hand and said “I’ve been waiting my whole life for this doll” that child was five years old – HOPE – SUPPORT – LOVE was inspired that day in this little young life.

Joanelle’s Warriors Against AIDS FUND supports American Indian Women & Children living with HIV/AIDS. Our first initative program “IT YOUR LIVE - GET THE FACTS” and our Warriors Against AIDS Bracelets have been create to support the efforts. Warriors Against AIDS Fund plans to raise one million by the end of 2007 with these Brackets.

• HEALTH This program provides a traditional environment where American Indian people can overcome substance abuse-The Red Road to Sobriety, Warriors Against AIDS HIV/AIDS prevention-"IT'S YOUR LIFE - GET THE FACTS", and other related health issues such as, but not limited to, domestic violence, and diabetes. Many Indian people are unable to find help in main stream programs because they are not able to relate to them. Traditional programs based in the Native way of life will help Native people to feel safe, and empowered to make change and healthy choices.
• NATIVE TRACKS An educational traditional music program to be implemented into public, private and American Indian schools curriculum's across the country. American Indian traditional music is the original music of this land. We have created a fully developed American Indian traditional music program for music educators. Red Nation Celebration believes music does heal and inspire our youth. Music has the power to bring us all together.
• LITERACY ON & OFF the RESERVATION (Los Angeles & South Dakota Schools) Red Nation Celebration is currently working with three LA based schools and one in South Dakota. “Red Nation Celebration Book Club Initiative Project” – American Indian children writing their own stories.”
• MUSIC EDUCATION Red Nation Music Workshop programs: Youth Music Council designed to hold workshops at all Red Nation Concert Series events; providing an American Indian youth voice. The workshops include panels with American Indian singer/songwriters, film & music industry representatives, agents and managers who share their experience, strength and hope on career opportunities in the performing arts.
• SPEAK UP non-profit organization Youth Empowerment Educational Project. “Youth Sobriety Tour” across Indian Country. Founded by Elizabeth Sage and is made up of Youth Leaders.
• HELP THE EARTH "HTE” non-profit organization Youth Environment Educational Leadership Project: Founded by 11 year old Montano Rain and is made up of 11 year old Youth Leaders.

MAYOR’S PROCLAMATION’S TO RED NATION CELEBRATION & SPIRIT WORLD PRODUCTIONS (Los Angeles Mayor’s, Los Angeles Assessor, Mayor Santa Fe NM Mayor and New York City Mayor)

• 1996 Mayor Debbie Jaramillo Proclaims August 17 1996 “Red Nation Celebration Native American Women’s Day in Santa Fe”
• 2001 Mayor Richard J. Riordan Proclaims February 18, 2001 as “Red Nation Celebration American Indian Music Day” in the City of Los Angeles.
• 2002 Mayor K. Hahn Proclaims February 28, 2002 as “Red nation Celebration Native Women In Music day” in the City of Angeles.
• 2003 Mayor James K. Hahn Proclaims June 2003 “Red Nation Celebration American Indian Music Month “ in the City of Los Angeles.
• 2003 County of Los Angeles Office of the Assessor Rick Auerbach be it resolved on May 30 2003 commend and congratulate Red Nation Celebration for presenting an historic native American Indian Event in Los Angeles.
• 2003 Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg in the City of New York Hosts The 8th Annual Red Nation Celebration – of traditional and contemporary American Indian music as well as the 45th Annual GRAMMY Awards on February 20, 2003.
• 2005 Mayor James K. Hahn Proclaims May 18 2005 “Red Nation Celebration American Indian Film Festival Day” in the City of Los Angeles.
• 2005 Mayor Antonio R. Villaraigosa Congratulates Red Nation Celebration for 10 year Anniversary.
• 2005 Mayor Antonio R. Villaraigosa Congratulates Spirit World Productions for the dedication by sharing diversity, contemporary arts, cultural education and traditional American Indian Entertainment to the City of Los Angeles.

AWARDS:

• 2005 Armin T. Wegner Humanitarian Award (Documentary)
• 2003 Fargo Film Festival (Documentary)
• 2002 Los Angeles Women’s Theatre (The Integrity Award)
• 2000 American Indian Film Festival (Documentary)
• 2000 OSCAR CONSIDERATION (22 shorts were entered that year, 9 were chosen and 5 nominated) Romero film was part of the 9 chosen
• 2000 12th Annual Stars in the Desert (Recognition & Dedication to American Indian Youth)
• 1997 Red Earth Film Festival (Best Drama - First American Indian Television Series)
• 1995 Red Earth Film Festival (1st Place documentary short - First American Indian story about AIDS)
• 1995 Red Earth Film Festival ( 1st Place American Indian Music Video)
• 1994 Red Earth Film Festival (1st Place Winner - documentary short - Romero's first directorial film)
• 1993 Columbus International Film & Video Festival (Honorable Mention)
• 1992 Stars in the Desert (For Outstanding Contribution to American Indian Youth).

MEDIA PUBLICATIONS:

• “Army Archerd Variety” Several over the years.
• The Hollywood Reported
• The Variety (Full Page)
• The Hollywood Reporter (Full Page)
• Billboard Magazine (Full Page)
• Entertainment Weekly (1991)
• The American Indian Report Magazine
• The Texaco Corporate Magazine
• LA Weekly (several write ups over the years)
• The LA Times (Full Page Featured Story - The First American Indian Drama Series)
• The LA Times (Full Page Featured Story – The Annual Red Nation Celebration)
• The Daily News (Full page feature story)
• Screen Actors Guild (News Magazine)
• The Music Connection (several write ups over the years since 2001)
• Billboard Magazine (Featured Story and several write ups for different years)
• Native Peoples (several over the years since 1995)
• Cowboy & Indians
• Orange County News
• The Santa Fe New Mexican (Pasatiempo)
• Indian Country Today (several write ups over the years)
• New Mexico Magazine (Full page)
• The New Mexican (Full page Features stories several write up over the years since 1977)
• The Wind & Changes Magazine
• Canadian Press

? More write ups in press (available upon request)

* 2005 – Red Nation Web Television Channel. The First American Indian Web Television Channel. American Indian programming.(Creator/Producer)

* 2005 American Holocaust: When Its All Over I’ll Still Be Indian. Re-Released – Re-Edited Documentary Short. Winner Joanelle Romero receives Armin T. Wegner “Humanitarian” Award for the vision to see the truth… and the courage to speak it (Director/Writer/Producer)

* 2005 – 2nd Annual Red Nation Celebration Film Festival – November held during Indigenous Nations Heritage Month in Los Angeles at The Laemmle Theatres Sunset/Crescent Heights. (Producer/Director)

* 2005 - First Annual Red Nation Celebration Film Festival – May 18th The First Southern California American Indian Film Festival. In Partnership with CSUN’s American Indian Student Association. (Producer/Director)

* 2005 - 10th Annual Red Nation Celebration A Night of Songs for “The Children of Tsunami” held four nights before The Grammy Awards. (Producer/Director/Performer)

* 2004 – 2nd Annual Red Nation Celebration Warriors Against Aids Benefit Concert at House of Blues during November Native American Heritage Month. (Producer/Director/Performer)

* 2004 - 9th Annual Red Nation Celebration Concert Series NATIVE WOMEN IN MUSIC One hour documentary about the history of Red Nation Celebration and the music of several American Indian women rockers; their stories, culture and music. Introduction by Dan Aykroyd. (Executive Producer/Director/Writer/Performer)

* 2003 - 8th Annual Red Nation Celebration Concert SUMMER Series - “Native Women in Music” (The John Anson Ford Amphitheatre) Opening Blessing; Chief Crazy Bull. This LIVE CD release on Red Nation Records cleared 13 categories in entry level for Grammy Nominations 2004. Concert Dedicated to Randy Castillo. (Lead Producer/Director/Performer)

* 2003 - 8th Annual Red Nation Celebration Concert Series - “An Acoustic Evening with American Indian Songwriters” (In NYC at The Bitter End) An Official Grammy Event. Opening Blessing: Chief Oren Lyons. Honoree: Richard Brown. This LIVE CD release on Red Nation Records cleared 13 categories in entry level for Grammy Nominations 2004. Concert Dedicated to Randy Castillo. (Lead Producer/Director/Performer).

* 2002 - 6th Annual Red Nation Celebration Concert Series “Native Women in Music”(House of Blues) Concert and Honor Ceremony. Featured: RedHawk, Sage, Thais, Star, Two Red Skins and One Yellow Man. Hosted by: Larry Sellers and Michael Horse. Opening Blessing: Chief Norman Tulley. Honorees: Skywalkers (American Indian Men built the Twin Towers), Navajo Code Talkers, Edward Albert Jr. (Commissioner of American Indian Affairs-State of California). Presenters: Dan Aykroyd, Sally Kirkland, Jay Tavare. This LIVE CD release on Red Nation Records cleared 10 categories in entry level for Grammy Nominations 2003. (Lead Producer/Director/Performer).

* 2001 - 5th Annual Red Nation Celebration Concert Series (Hollywood Palace) Concert and Honor Ceremony. Featured: RedHawk, Lucie Ildout, Derek Miller. MasterPeace, Two Red Skins and One Yellow Man, The Mankillers, Julian B. Hosted by Edd Hall, Jay Tavare, Larry Sellers, Vanessa Brown. Opening Blessing by: Chief Crazy Bull-Lakota Spiritual Leader. Honorees: Mike Smith: Founder American Indian Film Festival, Tom Bee: Founder SOAR Records. This LIVE cd release on Red Nation Records cleared 1 category in entry level for Grammy Nominations 2002. (Lead Producer/Director/Performer)

* 2001 PSA Created for Television. The Annual Red Nation Celebration Concert Series advertisement for concert. (Producer/Director/Writer)

* 2000 American Holocaust: When Its All Over I’ll Still Be Indian. Documentary short. Winner-Best Documentary Short, 2003 Fargo Film Festival, 2000 25th Annual American Indian Film Festival. Oscar consideration for nomination in 2000. (Director/Writer/Producer)

* 2000 - 4th Annual Red Nation Celebration Concert Series (Roxy Theatre). Concert. Brought to Los Angeles area for the first time. Featured Performers: RedHawk, The Mankillers, Sage, Aaron White & Sky Catchers with Gary Farmer, Red Bone. Hosted by Larry Sellers, Shadoe Stevens. Dedicated to Rick Danko. (Producer/Director/Performer)

*2000 Created for Screen Actors Guild (First & Only to date). First panel since history of the guild a discussion on Diversity and the status of American Indians in the entertainment industry “where Are We?” Invited Panelist: Mike Smith (American Indian Film Festival), Russell Means (Actor/Activist), April Webster (Casting Director), and Jay Tavare (Actor). (Lead Producer/Creator/Writer)

* 1997 Home, Home on the Rez. American Indian Television Drama Series. This is the first American Indian Drama Series in the USA. Pilot created for television. Winner-1st place, ‘97 Red Earth Film Festival, Best Drama category. (Creator/Writer/Executive Producer/Lead Actress)

* 1997 - 3rd Annual Red Nation Celebration Concert Series “No Borders” (Santa Fe, NM) Evening and Youth Concert with a Pow Wow Event. Featured Performers: Russell Means, RedHawk, Sage, Impaya & the American Indian Dancers. Hosted by: Larry Sellers and Michael Horse. Dedicated to: Pat Houser. (Lead Producer/Director/Performer)

* 1996 Allan Houser: A Lasting Vision. Documentary Included in National art exhibit on the life and work of the Apache Indian sculptor, Allan Houser. (Lead Producer)

* 1996 – 2nd Annual Red Nation Celebration Concert Series “Native Women In Music” (Santa Fe, NM) Evening and Youth Concert. Featured Performers: Joanne & Diane Shenandoah, Joy Harjo with Poetic Justice, Red Hawk, Cherokee Rose, Sage, Burning Sky, Boys from The Rez, Sundance and Dine Dancers. Hosted by Elaine Miles of Northern Exposure and Conroy Chino. (Lead Producer/Director/Performer)

* 1996 PSA Created for NBC News Channel 4 in New Mexico. The Annual Red Nation Celebration Concert Series advertisement for concert. Aired for two weeks several times during “Olympics 1996” (Producer/Director/Writer)

* 1995 - First Annual Red Nation Celebration Concert Series (Santa Fe, NM). Evening and Youth Concert. First concert held in Santa Fe, New Mexico during the 74th year of Indian Market. Featured Performers: The American Indian Dance Theatre, Kashtin, Bill Miller, Robert Mirabal, Red Hawk, SC Kool and The Taos Singers. Hosted by: Light Foot, Michael horse, Larry Sellers, Dedicated to Allan Houser. (Lead Producer/Director/Performer)

* 1995 PSA Created for NBC News Channel 4 in New Mexico. The Annual Red Nation Celebration Concert Series advertisement for concert. (Producer/Director/Writer)

*1995 Promo Red Nation Celebration Concert Series. Five minute promo for advertisement for annual concert series. (Director/Writer/Producer)

* 1994 PBS Segment, Melvin and John. Documentary for PBS series Positive: Life with HIV. Winner-1st Place-’95 Red Earth Film Festival. Aired nationally, January 1996. (Director/Co-Producer)

* 1995 Where The Red Road Meets The Information Superhighway. Documentary short. Winner-1st place-’95 Red Earth Film Festival. (Lead Producer)

*1995 Music Video “Why Can’t You Take Me Like I Am”. Winner at Red Earth Film Festival – Best Experimental Indian Producer. Currently airing in Canadian on First Nations’ Music Program. (Recording Artist/Songwriter/Director/Producer)

* 1995 Music Video “I Left My Heart with You”. (Recording Artist/Songwriter/Director/Producer)

* 1994 The Third Verse: 500 Years, The Land of the Children. Documentary short. 1st Place Winner - Red Earth Film Festival. Publicly screened at the 17th Annual American Indian Film Festival-San Francisco, screened three consecutive years at this festival. (Director/Producer/Writer)

* 1993 The Third Verse: 500 Years, The Land of the Children. Honorable Mention at the 41st Columbus International Film and Video Festival.

* 1993 - First Annual Warriors Against AIDS Awareness Benefit Concert. Benefit concert held at the Roxy Theatre, Los Angeles. First concert produced for American Indian women & children with AIDS. Honored Elizabeth Glassier. (Lead Producer/Director/Performer)

* 1992 The Third Verse: 500 Years, The Land of the Children. Documentary short publicly screened at the 17th Annual American Indian Film Festival-San Francisco, CA in November. Winner-41st Columbus International Film and Video Festival-1993. Winner-1st place-’94 Red Earth Film Festival. (Director/Writer/Producer)

* 1992 Leonard Peltier Benefit Concert. Benefit concert held at the Whisky A Go-Go, Los Angeles. Raised thousands of dollars for defense fund for Leonard Peltier. American Indian political prisoner. Featured Performers: Kris Kristofferson, Tin Machine, plus others. Celebrities in attendance: Lou Diamond Phillips, Connie Stevens, Richard Movescamp (Lakota Spiritual Leader), including many more. Hosted by Peter Coyote. (Lead Producer/Director/Performer)

* 1991 Black or White. Michael Jackson music video. Romero bought Mr. Jackson the American Indian dancers.

* 1991 Spirit World Productions Launch Concert Launch of the first American Indian production company in Los Angeles. (Lead Producer/Director/Performer)

* Ms. Romero has produced several other benefit concerts on behalf of American Indian issues from the 1980’s to today.

JOANELLE ROMERO (SAG)

Acting Credits

Contact: Spirit World Productions 818 904 9256

FILM

BLACK CLOUD (Release March 2005) Rick Schroder Award Winning Feature Film

POW WOW HIGHWAY Lead Handmade Films Won at Sundance Film Festival & American Indian Film Festival

VENDETTA Lead Roger Corman

THE DOORS Cameo Oliver Stone

BARBAROSA Featured Marble Arch Prod.

PARASITE Co-Star Afco Productions

HORSE DEALERS Co-Star A.F.I. Film

DAUGHTER

CITY LIMITS Cameo Sho-Films

VICE SQUAD Cameo

TELEVISION/MOW'S

HOME, HOME ON THE REZ Lead Spirit World Productions Winner - Red Earth Film Festival

MURDER SHE WROTE Guest-Star Universal Studios

MIRACLE IN THE WILDERNESS Co-Star Turner Network

CUTTER TO HOUSTON Guest Star MGM

HILL ST. BLUES Guest-Star NBC

WHEN JENNY WHEN Co-Star Paulist Productions

HATTER FOX Lead EMI/CBS

BEATRICE Featured CBS

ROUGHNECKS Featured Metromedia

MINI-SERIES

MYSTIC WARRIOR Co-Star David Wolper Prod.

LEGEND OF WALKS FAR WOMAN Co-Star EMI/NBC

* PSA’s – Available upon request

TRAINING – Currently Studying with: Carlen/Heller Acting Workshop

DANIELE SUISSA

ACTOR'S STUDIO - Lee Strasberg

HARVEY LEMBECK'S COMEDY WORKSHOP

*STARRED IN SEVERAL STAGE PRODUCTIONS

SPECIAL SKILLS

Singer/Songwriter; Guitar; Award-Winning-Director, Producer, Writer

Demo Reel Available upon request

American Indian documentation available upon request

1979 - “Hey That’s No Way to Say Goodbye” including Romero’s first songs professionally recorded at A& M Records. Producer Leonard Cohen. This was the first time Romero had ever been in the recording studio with her songs. DEMO.

1984 - “Make No Bones” vinyl record a and b side. Produced by Richard T. Bear.

1988 - “I Feel Like A Woman for The First Time” a and b side. Producers Henry Louie and Rosco Beck.

1994 - “Indian Country Blues” First album. Producers Kyle Johnson, Joanelle Romro.

1997 - “American Holocaust: When It’s All Over I’ll Still Be Indian” 3 song CD. Producers Kyle Johnson, Joanelle Romero.

2001 - “RedHawk - Come and Get Your Love Boy”, Pop single. Producers Ron Tyson of the Temptations, Oji Pieacre, Lolly Vegas and Joanelle Romero. Cleared five categories in the first round of 2002 Grammy nomination consideration for Record of the Year, Song of the Year, Best New Artist, Best Pop Female Performance and Best Non-Classical Album.

2001 - “The 5th Annual Red Nation Celebration Concert Series LIVE at The Hollywood Palace.” Album. Producers RedHawk, Teddy Parker, Gail Sanchez and Steve Boggess. Cleared category in the first round of 2002 Grammy nomination consideration for Best Engineered Non-Classical Album & nominated for a NAMMY Award.

2002 - “The 6th Annual Red Nation Celebration Concert Series LIVE from the Sunset Strip Native Women In Music – Introduction by DAN AYKROYD” album Producers Joanelle Romero, Gail Sanchez. Cleared 10 categories in the first round of 2003 Grammy nomination consideration for Album of the Year, Rock Album, Best Recording Package, Producer of the Year, Best Engineering Non-Classical Album, Record of the Year, Song of the Year, Best New Artist, Rock-Female Vocal Solo and Rock Song.

2003 - “The 8th Annual Red Nation Celebration Concert Series EAST COAST WEST COAST” Double album. Producers Joanelle Romero.

Cleared 13 categories in the first round of 2004 Grammy nomination consideration for Record of the Year (2 songs), Best New Artist (2 artists), Country Female, Country Song, Album of the Year, Best Native American Album, Best Record Package, Best Engineer-Non-Classical and for 3 songs for Producer of the Year. A first for The Annual Red Nation Celebration Concert Series Album to be considered for nomination in Native American category. This album was recorded LIVE at The Bitter End in New York City during Grammy Week and at The John Anson Ford Theatre in Los Angeles during summer season.

2005 – “The Best of Joanelle Romero” this double cd cleared 10 categories in the entry level 2005 Grammy nomination consideration for: two different songs form album for Record of the Year, Best Song in Motion Picture/television, Best New Artist, Best Country Album, Best Recording Package, Best Engineer non-classical, Best Country Song, Best Female Country Performance, Best Rock Song.

2005 – “Joanelle Romero” music video cleared entry level in Grammy Nomination consideration for: Best Short Form Music Video