SECOND ANNUAL AMERICAN INDIAN HERITAGE MONTH 2007

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Nancy Richler
Red Nation Media
Phone/Fax: 818.904.9256

4 MARCH 2008

Honoring American Indians as our Nation's First Environmentalists

Heritage Month 2007 Captures Visibility for American Indians and Sets the Stage for Heritage Month
2008 

By NANCY RICHLER
Red Nation Media

LOS ANGELES--MARCH 4, 2008

American Indians gained mainstream visibility as Red Nation Celebration hosted the Second Annual American Indian Heritage Month in the City of Los Angeles this past November. With environmental consciousness more clearly in the hearts and minds of Americans, the second annual Heritage Month was dedicated to "Honoring American Indians as our Nation's First Environmentalists." Each of ten Red Nation Native cultural events and ceremonies held throughout the City evoked connection to Mother Earth and highlighted the contributions made by our nation's first peoples. All events were free to the public. Significance "Through providing American Indian ceremony in a community cultural context, American Indians are able to share the inherited knowledge that has been passed through the wisdom keepers of the tradition for thousands of years. The languages, traditions and values American Indians have retained (even despite extreme persecution) hold thousands of years of acquired knowledge on how to live harmoniously with the living systems of our Earth. Through the arts we are exploring solutions to global issues," states Joanelle Romero, founder of Red Nation Celebration and American Indian Heritage Month in the City of Los Angeles.

Honors and connections "There were so many highlights to Heritage Month 2007-seeing the first American Indian Parade in downtown Los Angeles, having our work acknowledged in City Council, receiving international media attention for the American Indian Holocaust Memorial, and creating the beautiful relationships necessary to bring American Indian voice into the mainstream. We made important connections with our Los Angeles City Council District Leaders, the Los Angeles Superintendent of California State Parks, business leaders, our neighborhood communities, and deepened our bond with our American Indian elders and spiritual leaders."

"The most significant honor, however, was the beauty and mystery that was evoked at each Red Nation celebration. Because each event holds the integrity of being deeply grounded in our traditions, each is capable of evolving into a larger-scale entity that positively shapes our future. We are looking forward to this growth in 2008," continues Romero.

Highlights of the 2nd Annual American Indian Heritage Month in the City of Los Angeles, November 2007 set the stage for Heritage Month 2008

Opening Water Ceremony
Because "water is the bloodline to Mother Earth," it was only fitting to open Heritage Month with a sunrise water blessing ceremony in the direction of the East. For the second year, the Respecting the Water of Life Ceremony was held alongside the Los Angeles River, at the Bette Davis Picnic area, Griffith Park. Volunteers arrived before dawn to post directional signs and tie red velvet markings around trees and fence posts to show the way. Pete Catches, a 38th generation Lakota medicine man, officiated, setting the tone with drum and song. At the Rivers' edge were two Native children--a boy cleanses participants with burning sage; a young girl offers water from a large wooden bowl. Participants cup water in their hands to accept its blessing; they whisper intentions over the water, including healing for contaminated waters around the globe. Each speaks a blessing and releases the water into the Los Angeles River. Herons fly by. Eyes and faces beam. The concrete of the freeway and the River's paving fade, superseded by the fiery ball of sun rising in the East. Little bits of life can be seen wiggling in the water. In this manner, we dedicated all Heritage Month events to the healing and
harmony of all peoples.

Teenage descendant of Geronimo
inspires City-wide Conference Heritage Month Day Two saw two hundred youth from five Los Angeles Middle Schools converge at Calmont School in Calabasas for a Help the Earth Environmental Youth Empowerment Summit. Conceived by 13-year-old Calmont student Montano Rain, the Summit was run by youth for youth. Students spoke out about the effects of water pollution, air pollution, animal extinction, deforestation, global warming and alternative fuels. Spiritual Leader Pete Catches opened the conference with a traditional American Indian song and offered words of encouragement to the youth about living in alignment with the living systems of the Earth.

Awards and Honors
At the Summit, Montano Rain received a Recognition Award (for speaking up to educate and empower youth about environmental issues) from Nancy Pearlman, founder of EcoNews Television and Trustee for the Los Angeles Community College District. Earlier in the year, Rain was presented with the United Nations Association/Pasadena Chapter Youth Environmental Award for bringing awareness to youth on environmental issues. Last fall, Rain (whose bloodline is that of Geronimo) opened Jane Goodall's International Peace Day in Griffith Park as well as her 30th Anniversary Tribute Ceremony with a traditional American Indian honor song. Goodall also invited Rain to take a leadership role in her international Roots & Shoots organization.

Los Angeles City Councilman Tom LaBonge acknowledged Montano Rain in Council Chambers on December 7, 2007, citing Rain's leadership in producing the City's inaugural Youth Summit. Rain, in turn, presented a signed Help the Earth poster to Summit sponsor Metropolitan Water District.

"The City of Los Angeles further complemented Help the Earth by producing a spin off, City-wide environmental youth conference on December 8, 2007," states Romero. "This affirms our vision that each event has the capacity to grow into a larger-scale entity capable of shaping the direction of our City. It is important, however, that Indian events grow organically. For their power to come forth, they must stay deeply rooted in the wisdom of our culture."

Inaugural American Indian Parade
The first American Indian parade in the City of Los Angeles was held on Saturday, November 10, 2007. Beginning at the historical El Pueblo Marketplace on Olvera Street, Native Americans retraced the steps of generations who have entered the City. The Ohlone Humaya Dancers, descendants of the original peoples of Los Angeles, and an honor guard from the Rancheria Tachi tribe of Santa Rosa led the Parade; arriving at the new Los Angeles State Historic Park (long known as the Cornfield) for the two- ay Pau Wau and Indian marketplace. Drums, dancers, youth, tribal elders, dignitaries and organizations that support American Indians joined the Parade.

Pau Wau and Intertribal Market Place

Los Angeles State Historic Park was chosen as site for the Pau Wau, because it marks the historical meeting point for the Chumach and Tongva nations. Los Angeles Superintendent of California State Parks Sean Woods facilitated the venues for the both the Pau Wau and the American Indian Holocaust  Memorial/Tribute to Life Ceremony.

Tribes came to the Red Nation Pau Wau from New Mexico, Arizona and South Dakota as well as from local Native communities in Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, San Diego and Fresno Counties. For Pau Wau 2007, Joanelle Romero had envisioned a "Pow Wow beyond the bling" (referring to some contemporary Pow Wows that award six-figure prize monies to dancers). When tribal grandmothers informed her that the ancient spelling was "Pau Wau" which means "to vision", Romero changed the spelling of the Red Nation event to more closely reflect ancient traditions. She imagined a ceremonial cultural event where non-Natives would be more than spectators and would feel welcome to join in. Saginaw Grant, the Pau Wau Master of Ceremonies, so beautifully welcomed non-Natives to join many of the ceremonial tribal dances that at times 90 per cent of the audience came into the arena to dance.

American Indians receive International Heart of Humanity Award

The Heart of Humanity Award was presented to Red Nation Celebration on the second day of Pau Wau. Internationally renowned artist Dr. Narayan deVera honored American Indians as our Nation's First Environmentalists. Red Nation Founder Joanelle Romero accepted the Humanity Award on behalf of American Indians. She then bestowed care of the Award to Jimi Castillo, spiritual leader of the Tongva Tribe and spiritual adviser for the 2007 Pau Wau. The heart-shaped Award is carved from hardwood from Kenya. The free-standing carved heart is in the form of a mobius, with only one continuous edge and one continuous surface, signifying the Oneness of humanity. Other award recipients include Bishop Desmond Tutu, His Holiness the Dalai Lama of Tibet, Democratic Presidential candidate Dennis Kucinich, IONS president James O'Dea and Robert Muller of the United Nations.

Pau Wau Concert Series

A Red Nation Concert Series was held on the first evening of the Pau Wau. Danilo Diaz opened with native wood flute music; followed by The Spinning Trio, a classical youth group; Barbra Williams; Joanelle Romero & the Red Nation band; Red Buffalo, Southern Host Drum; and Rock Pine, Northern Host Drum.

Honoring American Indian Veterans

Military veterans are highly honoredin American Indian culture. With Veterans Day falling during Pau Wau, American Indian veterans were recognized and acknowledged for their contributions in protecting the American homeland. Members of the Gourd Society, an intertribal veterans' organization, honored M.C. Saginaw Grant for his contributions. Griffith Smith was Head Gourd Dancer.

Just as the Navajo code talkers are cited by military commanders for turning the tides in World War II because their language proved to be an unbreakable secret code; similarly, we can look to the American Indian community ("our Nation's First Environmentalists") to again provide us keys for our survival.

Film Festival: raising visibility: minority representation in the media The fourth annual Red Nation Film Festival opened with native youth films, shown in collaboration with Michael Smith of the San Francisco American Indian Film Festival. Opening night featured a screening of the first American Indian drama series in the United States (with an American Indian producer, director and cast). The Festival was attended by members of the Writers Guild, Directors Guild, Producers Guild, Screen Actors Guild, American Indian youth journalists and Jay Travera, star of Steven Spielberg's Into the West. American

Indian Holocaust Memorial/Tribute to Life Ceremony

Red Nation received international media attention with the inaugural American Indian Holocaust Memorial/Tribute to Life Ceremony, which was held on the eve of Thanksgiving in Los Angeles State Historic Park. A memorial sycamore tree was planted to acknowledge the millions of American Indians who died during the colonization of the United States and as a salute to Life moving forward. The founder of the International Indigenous Sacred Women's Council, Oyate Wayanka Po Win, painted participants' feet red, "to symbolize the good Red Road, the path we aspire to walk with our children, their children and all peoples." In collaboration with Red Nation, the International Indigenous Sacred Women's Council asked that each American family plant a tree during Thanksgiving in acknowledgment of the Holocaust and to begin a national healing.

Elizabeth Kucinich, spouse of the Democratic Presidential contender and member of the Sacred Women's Council, attended this event and stated, "It was a profoundly moving experience, acknowledging the sacrifices and wisdom of the people who came before us. It gives me great hope for the future, based on the ability of people to reconcile."

Sean Woods, added, "It is befitting and appropriate that the symbolic tree was planted in Los Angeles State Historic Park. The purpose of this Park is to preserve the public heritage of the landscape and more importantly to bring some of the tragic elements of our history to light, rather than shy away from them. We benefit by examining the complete history of Los Angeles, because we cannot begin healing until we recognize the mistakes of the past. The Park serves as a point of reflection for the public."

Response to the Holocaust Memorial has been strong. An excerpt of the ceremony aired on Congressman Kucinich's national webtv program/campaign weekly update. The Holocaust Memorial also received international media coverage on the front page of the UN Observer & International Report, an independent journal of international affairs. (See * below to contribute to this and other Heritage Month projects.)

Sunset Water Ceremony closes Heritage Month 2007

The closing water blessing ceremony on the last day of Heritage Month 2007 proved to be auspicious. The ceremony was held in the historic Ballona Wetlands Freshwater Marsh, the ancient burial grounds of Gabrieleno, Tongva and Shoshone ancestors. Rain, which had been pouring all day, cleared for the ceremony. Ducks flew overhead in V-formation, and a huge rainbow formed above. Guided by chanting and drumming conducted by Oyate Wayanka Po Win and Manny Sandoval (of Spirit Ride); participants  aligned themselves with the element of water, bloodline to Mother Earth; and offered thanks for all the blessings, new connections and understandings received during the month. City Councilmember Bill Rosendahl and staff, American Indian community, environmentalists groups, religious leaders, youth and the public were present. When the sun set, and the ceremony concluded; the rain began again.

Thank you for making American Indian Heritage Month 2007 a reality So many contributed their support in honoring American Indians as our Nation's first Environmentalists. The 2nd Annual American Indian Heritage Month in the City of Los Angeles is a project of Red Nation Celebration. The 2007 American Indian Heritage Month in the City of Los Angeles / Red Nation Celebration was funded and endorsed in part by Governor of the State of California, California State Indian Commission, James Irvine Foundation, Los Angeles State Historic Park, Metropolitan Water District, The City of Los Angeles Councilmembers Bill Rosendahl, Ed Reyes, Tom LaBonge, Jose Huizar, Time Warner, LA Inc./Los Angeles Convention and Visitors Bureau, LA Corps, Cal Poly Pomona Native American Student Center, City of Los Angeles/Department of Cultural Affairs, Chinatown Business Improvement District, Pasadena Foothills Chapter of the United Nations Association, KPFK 90.7, Calmont School, Help the Earth, American Indian Film Institute, Maha Yoga, El Pueblo de Los Angeles, Color Images, Farm Lab, Riverside Indian School, A-1 Event & Party Rentals, Techovoice, Bodhi Tree, 2 Live & Let Live, Murdock  Mojado Advertising Graphic Design, Chop Shop Inc, Casa de Sousa, International Indigenous Sacred Women's Council, North Valley Charter Academy, Buonora Child Development Center, Patagonia, Plaza Café, Las Palomas of Santa Fe, Red Nation Radio, Red Nation Television Channel and Red Nation Holdings, Inc. Thank you to all relations who participated or sent their blessings, all the professors, educators and spiritual leaders, our YOUTH, Red Nation producers, the general public, the City of Los Angeles, the businesses, our elected officials, the media, the press, our sponsors, all volunteers, our wonderful LA Corp volunteers,  the Los Angeles State Historic Park staff.  The backbone of Red Nation's support in the American Indian community is grounded in its spiritual elders. Thank you to Jimi Castillo (Tongva), Pete Catches (Lakota) and Floyd Etsitty (Dine) for joining us in Los Angeles. 

Deep gratitude to our photographers: JB Letchinger, Sharon Jimenez, Darlene Zavalrey, Los Angeles State Historic Park.

Please submit photos to further document American Indian Heritage Month 2007 by sending jpeg files compressed to approx. 150-200KB) to info@rednation.com; identify the location, people and photographer if possible.

Preview  American Indian Heritage Month Events 2008

Red Nation Celebration
presents
The 3rd Annual American Indian Heritage Month in the City of Los Angeles "Honoring American Indians as our Nation's First Environmentalists"

Friday, September 26, 2008 - (Fundraising event)
3rd Annual Red Nation Heritage Ball - Honoring Our Legends American Indians in Philanthropy, Media,
Environment --- Private Location - Invitation Only; October, 2008 - Date TBA

October 2008 - dates & times TBA
International Indigenous Sacred Women's Council presents 1st Annual International Indigenous Sacred Women's Conference

Saturday, November 1, 2008 - 6:00 a.m.
3rd Annual Los Angeles Red Nation Respecting the Water of Life Ceremony Bette Davis Picnic Area, Griffith Park

Monday, November3, 2008 - 10:00 - 3:00 p.m.
2nd Annual Help the Earth Environmental Youth Empowerment Summit

Friday, November 7, 2008 - 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Pau Wau Sacred Grounds Dedication Ceremony with Gourd Dancing and Grass Dancing also Honoring Our Veterans Ceremony Los Angeles State Historic Park, 1245 N. Spring St., Los Angeles, CA

Saturday, November 8, 2008 - 10:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
2nd Annual Los Angeles Red Nation Parade "Honoring All Nations" Downtown Los Angeles 2nd Annual Red Nation Pau Wau & Indian Market & Concert Series Los Angeles State Historic Park, 1245 N. Spring St., Los Angeles, CA.

Saturday, November 8, 2008 - 11:00 a.m. - 10:00 p.m.
2nd Annual Red Nation Pau Wau & Indian Market - Day TWO
Los Angeles State Historic Park, 1245 N. Spring St., Los Angeles, CA. .

Sunday, November 9, 2008 - 11:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
2nd Annual Red Nation Pau Wau & Indian Market - Day THREE
Los Angeles State Historic Park, 1245 N. Spring St., Los Angeles, CA.

Thursday, November 13, 2008 - 6:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.
5th Annual Los Angeles Red Nation Film Festival – Opening Night Gala
Red is Green Carpet Event - Feature Film, Industry Mixer Party with Live Music

Friday, November 14, 2008  - 1:00 p.m. - 11:00 p.m.
5th Annual Los Angeles Red Nation Film Festival – DAY ONE
This event includes American Indian themed Feature Films; Shorts; Documentary's; International Indigenous Films; California Indian Films; Environment Films; Native Heritage Films; Native Women in Film & Television Films; Cross-Cultural Films; Red Nation Student Women Films.

Friday, November 14, 2008 - 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
5th Annual Los Angeles Red Nation Film Festival – Native Youth Films
In partnership with Michael Smith, American Indian Film Institute, San Francisco.
This event includes films directed and produced by native youth.  All schools welcomed. 

Friday, November 14, 2008 - 6:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.
5th Annual Los Angeles Red Nation Film Festival – A Night of Tribute
Red is Green Carpet Event - Honoring American Indian in Film and Television.

Saturday, November 15, 2008 - 1:00 p.m. - 11:00 p.m.
5th Annual Los Angeles Red Nation Film Festival – DAY TWO
This event includes American Indian themed Feature Films; Shorts; Documentary's; International Indigenous Films; California Indian Films; Environment Films; Native Heritage Films; Native Women in Film & Television Films; Cross-Cultural Films; Red Nation Student Women Films.

Saturday, November 15, 2008 - times TBA
5th Annual Los Angeles Red Nation Film Festival Panels / Workshops
This event includes panels / workshops with filmmakers & industry Professionals.

Sunday, November 16, 2008 - 1:00p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
5th Annual Los Angeles Red Nation Film Festival - DAY THREE This event includes American Indian themed feature films, shorts, documentaries, international indigenous films, California Indian films and environmental films.
 

Sunday, November 16, 2008 - 1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
5th Annual Los Angeles Red Nation Film Festival Producers Rap Bunch
This event includes recognizing Red Nation producers, staff, all volunteers, plus Special Surprises.

Saturday, November 22, 2008 - times TBA
Red Nation  G A L A  C E L E B R A T I O N !
This event features the bling of the bling of American Indian entrepreneurship and includes industry invites, with confirmed celebrities in attendance. Surprise Location

Wednesday, November 26, 2008 - 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
InternationalIndigenous Sacred Women's Council presents The 2nd Annual American Indian Holocaust Memorial / Trees of Life Tribute Los Angeles State Historic Park, 1245 N. Spring St., Los Angeles, CA.

Sunday, November 30, 2008 - 3:30 p.m. - 5:30 p.m.
2nd  Annual Los Angeles Red Nation Respecting the Water of Life Ceremony Ballona Wetlands

2008 Capital Campaign American Indian Heritage Month and Red Nation Celebration are able to survive because of the generosity of supporters. There are many ways to contribute. If you have felt glad that we are functioning, or if you have found camaraderie, uplift or inspiration at our events or in these emails, perhaps you'd be willing to make a tax-deductible contribution to help support our
work.

*You can mail a check to: RED NATION CELEBRATION;  9420 Reseda Blvd. PMB 352; Northridge, CA 91324-2974; phone/fax: 818.904.9256; email: info@rednation.com

You can even include a note to tell us which event you would like to help sponsor. Thanks to an anonymous donor, any money donated between January 25, 2008 and March 31, 2008 will be matched. This generous initiative has the potential of generating much needed moneys to continue and expand our programs. 

We have much work to do in 2008! Come join us. Everyone is welcome. Much love to you and all peoples. Joanelle Romero, Founder RED NATION CELEBRATION American Indian Heritage Month in the City of Los Angeles 9420 Reseda Blvd. PMB 352 Northridge, CA 91324-2974 phone/fax: 818.904.9256 email: info@rednation.com

Nancy Richler writes and assists in bringing visionary projects to life. www.rednancy.com

# # #

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Nancy Richler
RED NATION MEDIA
phone/FAX: 818.904.9256

American Indian Youth Honored in Los Angeles City Council

HELP the EARTH Founder Organizes Environmental Youth Empowerment Summit

Los Angeles –  December 14, 2007 – Los Angeles City Councilman Tom LaBonge introduced 13-year- old Montano Rain in Council Chambers last Friday, December 7, acknowledging Rain’s leadership in producing the City’s inaugural Environmental Youth Empowerment Summit. The Summit, which was held at Calmont School at Cottontail Ranch on November 2, 2007, was run by youth for youth. Two hundred students from five Los Angeles Middle Schools spoke out about the effects of water pollution, air pollution, animal extinction/deforestation, global warming and different alternative fuels. Held during November’s AMERICAN INDIAN HERITAGE MONTH, which honored American Indians as our Nation’s first environmentalists; the Youth Summit was opened by Spiritual Leader Pete Catches of South Dakota’s Lakota Nation. He sang a traditional American Indian song and offered words of encouragement to the youth about living in alignment with the living systems of the Earth.

Montano Rain. who is of Apache and Cheyenne blood, was 11 years old when he founded his “non-prophet” environmental youth empowerment organization, Help the Earth. He has already received several awards for is work. This June the United Nations Association/Pasadena Chapter honored Rain with their Youth Environmental Award for bringing awareness to youth on environmental issues.  “I never thought about the environment until I met Montano Rain,” a Calmont classmate stated. At the Summit, Nancy Pearlman, founder of EcoNews Television and Trustee for the Los Angeles Community College District, presented Rain with a Recognition Award for both his vision and for speaking up to educate and empower youth about environmental issues. In October, Jane Goodall was so impressed with Rain that she has asked him to be a leader in her  Roots & Shoots organization and asked him to open her 30th anniversary tribute with a traditional American Indian honor song.

In Council Chambers last Friday, Rain presented a representative of the Metropolitan Water District with a signed Help the Earth poster for sponsoring the inaugural Help the Earth Environmental Youth Empowerment Summit. Mr. Mendoza accepted the poster on behalf of Water District Chairman Timothy Brick.

Joanelle Romero, of Red Nation Celebration (the umbrella nonprofit for Help the Earth), then presented Los Angeles City Council members with a Help the Earth poster. “It is an honor to support a youth organization that is becoming a leading force on environmental issues--not only inspiring our youth, but also offering direction for our leaders. A case in point is that back in October, 2007, Help the Earth invited Mayor Villaraigosa and Cynthia Ruiz, President of the Department of Public Works to attend the Environmental Youth Summit. Although they neglected to attend, they did complement Help the Earth by producing a City-wide environmental youth conference of their own on December 8, 2007. Although it is said that imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, we are here at City Council to make sure this young man and his vision are properly recognized,” concluded Romero.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Nancy Richler
Red Nation Media
Phone/Fax: 818.904.9256

American Indian Holocaust Tribute Draws National Attention

2007-11-28 | LOS ANGELES

Elizabeth Kucinich, spouse of presidential contender Dennis Kucinich, participated in the first American Indian Holocaust Memorial/Tree of Life Tribute, which was held on the eve of Thanksgiving in Los Angeles State Historic Park. Kucinich, a member of the International Indigenous Sacred Women's Council, the group who organized the tribute in partnership with Red Nation Celebration; took time from her West Coast campaign to be on hand for the planting of a memorial sycamore tree to acknowledge the millions of American Indians who died during the colonization of the United States.

Red Nation Founder Joanelle Romero painted participants' feet red, "to symbolize the good Red Road, the path we aspire to walk with our children, their children and all peoples ."

An excerpt of the ceremony is currently airing on Congressman Kucinich's national campaign weekly update.

(To view, click here; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0rzzZpK07Q8 then scroll in halfway to the 3 minute: 30 second mark.)

Sean Woods, Director of State Parks in the Los Angeles area, stated, "It is befitting and appropriate that the symbolic tree was planted in Los Angeles State Historic Park. The purpose of this Park is to preserve the public heritage of the landscape and more importantly to bring some of the tragic elements of our history to light, rather than shy away from them. We benefit by examining the complete history of Los Angeles, because we cannot begin healing until we recognize the mistakes of the past.

The Park serves as a point of reflection for the public. The space was most recently slated for one million square feet of industrial development. From the old historic communities surrounding the park (which are predominately poor), the people rose up and secured the Park for open space. It is therefore a peoples' park, and history continues to unfold here: Ten thousand years of Native history flows into the recent struggle of the community to make themselves a Park and into this American Indian Tribute to Life."

(Click here http://www.jblfilms.com/red_nation_photos.html to view more photos of the American Indian Holocaust Memorial Tribute to Life ceremony. Photos courtesy of JB Letchinger of http://www.jblfilms.com )

RED NATION CELEBRATION proudly presents the Second Annual American Indian Heritage Month, November, 2007, in the City of Los Angeles, "Honoring American Indians as our Nation's First Environmentalists." Red Nation Celebration, Inc. is a non-profit organization established in 1995 to provide the American Indian community with human service programs and to encourage awareness of the cultural treasure indigenous nations offer by premiering American Indian performing arts to communities and mainstream media.

Red Nation was recognized in 2006 by the State of California "for their tireless efforts to establish the First Annual American Indian Heritage Month in the City of Los Angeles." Celebrating 12 years of dedication in community service, Red Nation's work highlights local native communities in Los Angeles the largest concentration of urban American Indians in the nation), Orange, and Riverside Counties, and extends throughout the State of California as well as across the nation.

RED NATION CELEBRATION
9420 Reseda Blvd. PMB 352
Northridge, CA 91324-2974
phone/fax: (1) 818.904.9256
email: info@rednation.com
http://www.rednation.com

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Nancy Richler
Red Nation Media
Phone/Fax: 818.904.9256

21 November 2007

Pre-Thanksgiving American Indian Ceremony Memorializes Five Centuries of Holocaust

American Indian Holocaust Memorial/Tree of Life Tribute

November 20, 2007, the day before Thanksgiving, the International Indigenous Sacred Women’s Council in partnership with Red Nation Celebration will plant a memorial tree in remembrance of the millions of American Indians who died as a result of the colonization of the United States.

“More than 56 million of our ancestors lost their lives in what was clearly an American Indian holocaust,” states Joanelle Romero, founder of Red Nation Celebration and the International Indigenous Sacred Women’s Council and board member of United Nations Association Pasadena Foothills Chapter.

“We--the women--are the life-givers. In our Holocaust Memorial/Tribute to Life Ceremony, we do not forget the past injustices done to American Indians, but for the sake of everyone’s grandchildren, we share our strongest medicine, the integrity of love and respect for Mother Earth and all her peoples, ” ontinues Romero, who is of Cheyenne and Apache bloodlines. “This means deepening our care about the environment and seeing the sacredness shining through all forms of life and freeing ourselves from trying to dominate Mother Earth or ‘other people.’ 

Members of the International Indigenous Sacred Women’s Council will plant the memorial tree at 11:00 a.m. in Los Angeles State Historic Park (long known as the cornfield), 1245 N. Spring Street in downtown Los Angeles.  A traditional American Indian Red Road Ceremony will be held, where participants will remove their shoes and the bottoms of feet will be painted red to symbolize the Red Road, the Good Road of Life, the path that we aspire to walk with our children and their children and all peoples. 

“Tomorrow we will honor the lives of those sacrificed in the conquering of this land and begin a process of truth and healing that will lead America to a greater unity and strength,” quotes Elizabeth Kucinich, a member of the International Indigenous Sacred Women’s Council.  We ask that each American family plant a tree during Thanksgiving to acknowledge the past and begin a national healing of our relationship to the sacredness of all Life.”

“We red people are the survivors of all of the arocities imposed upon our ancestors. This historic ceremony of sacredness will create reconciliation among peoples. We understand that it is now time to move on and enjoy our lives together. All those who honor our way of life are invited to participate in the ceremony and become a relative of Mother Earth,” states Cahuilla Red Elk, founder of Center on Human Rights and American Indian Law.

The Tribute to Life ceremony confronts American Indian Holocaust denial and cultural forgetfulness regarding the atrocities America’s Native peoples have suffered through the centuries. That American Indians suffered horribly at the hands of the early American settlers is indisputable. A mere 250,000 Native Americans were still alive in the territory of the United States at the end of the 19th century.

Scholars estimate the North American Indian population in the year 1500 at 75 million. Historians have judged the drastic American Indian population reduction as “a vast genocide”…”the most sustained on record”…”the worst human holocaust the world had ever witnessed, roaring across two continents nonstop for four centuries and consuming the lives of countless tens of millions of people…pursuing a policy of extermination that had continued unabated for four centuries”…“the loss of more than more than a hundred million lives in five centuries.”

This ceremony also relates to the UN General Assembly's approval of the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, which was approved by an overwhelming majority on September 13, 2007. The declaration, the result of 22 years of intensive debate and negotiation, recognizes the rights of indigenous peoples to ownership of their land and to live as they wish. It also affirms that they should not be moved from their lands without their free and informed consent. 143 nations voted in favor, 4 voted against, while 11 abstained. The United States voted against.

This event is held in conjunction with American Indian Heritage Month in the City of Los Angeles, a month-long celebration which honors American Indians as our nation’s first environmentalists. See www.rednation.com for events throughout Los Angeles.

Tribute to Life Ceremony: Los Angeles State Historic Park; 1245 N. Spring St., Los Angeles, CA 90012;
Wednesday, November 21; 11am; Free public program.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Joanelle Romero
Red Nation Media
Phone/Fax: 818.904.9256

18 November 2007

American Indian Film Festival abruptly cancelled in Beverly Hills during Second Annual American Indian Heritage Month November 18, 2007 --- The 4th Annual Red Nation Film Festival was scheduled to be held at Fine Arts Theatre in Beverly Hills on November 16, 17, and 18, 2007.  This year’s theme, Native Women in Film & Television, was the first time a film festival recognized Native Women Filmmakers.     

Opening night at the Fine Arts Theatre November 16, 2007, featured a successful screening of the first American Indian drama series in the United States (with an American Indian producer, director and cast). A panel decision followed on the first American Indian Television Channel with panelists, actor Jay Tavare, film director Joanelle Romero and two student filmmakers.

The Film Festival was abruptly cancelled on Saturday afternoon by Fine Arts Theatre owner, Michael Hall. “At 3:45 p.m. Michael Hall told me that he was canceling the Red Nation Film Festival,” stated festival organizer Joanelle Romero.  Among the reasons given for this decision were there were “no celebrities in attendance on Friday night or Saturday.”  “We all left in shock, and our phone has not stopped ringing,” continues Romero.

“We had Saturday night reservations of over 300 guests who were scheduled to attend the evening feature, ‘Unbowed,’ starring Jay Tavare. In addition, American Indian filmmakers traveled from New Mexico to view the screening of their film, "When Your Hands Are Tied.”

“A year of community outreach and fundraising has gone into organizing the 4th Annual Red Nation Film Festival. This is not just a financial loss for the organizers; it is also a loss for the industry and
the world as they will not see the brilliant work of our Native filmmakers,” states Romero. “I have been producing shows for over 22 years and have never been treated this way, nor have I experienced such bad business relations.  This is a horrible situation for the community of Beverly Hills, Los Angeles and American Indian filmmakers.  For this to have happened during our American Indian Heritage Month is a perfect example of the education that needs to take place within this industry and indeed across this country concerning the critical significance of American Indians. Our nation’s Native peoples have lived in harmony with this land for thousands of years. Despite extreme persecution, we have retained our languages, traditions and values. Because our entire planet faces an unprecedented global environmental crisis, it is so important that these voices be heard at this time. Through the arts we can explore new solutions to current and future global issues.”

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Nancy Richler
Red Nation Media
Phone/Fax: 818.904.9256

15 November 2007

American Indian Women Filmmakers to be Honored at The 4th Annual Los Angeles Red Nation Film Festival

Experience American Indian Cinema in Hollywood - Celebrating “NATIVE WOMEN in FILM & TELEVISION"
LOS ANGELES – November 15, 2007 – Red Nation Celebration presents the Second Annual American Indian Heritage Month in the City of Los Angeles.
 
According to Joanelle Romero, the founder of Red Nation Film Festival and Red Nation Television Channel.  “We recognize the original storytellers of this land. we know that women are the life-givers, visionaries, healers, the first feminists. American Indian women carry the history of our culture. 

Join with us in celebration of our American Indian women filmmakers.  For the first time, a film festival is dedicated to native women filmmakers. We have several films scheduled, as well as focusing on our 30th anniversary of the first contemporary American Indian woman’s story ever produced in film
history; Native Women in Film and Television was born to inspire the next generation of native women filmmakers to create their stories.

Friday, November 16, 2007 at 7:30 pm - Opening night we are inviting the networks to join us as we screen the first American Indian drama series in the United States – which has been airing on Red Nation Television Channel; the only American Indian Television Channel on the internet or for that matter anywhere.

“Since the writer’s guild is on strike – it is an opportunity for the networks to step up to the plate and air our drama series which is broadcast quality; every show on our Red Nation Television Channel is ready to be aired on any network” states Joanelle Romero; “the networks have been meeting their diversity quota on us for years now with workshops however now there is no excuse not to include a full drama series of American Indian cast, producers and directors.” We have several scripts written as well as 13 episodes ready to be filmed and aired.   

Our indigenous peoples have had traditions that have sustained our cultures for thousands of years. When the industry reframes the way they think about and portray the American Indian image, this gives everyone’s relationship to the environment a higher priority. Our American Indian image reminds people that we need to consider our grandchildren’s grandchildren in every one of our decisions.”

The Red Nation Film Festival – Experience American Indian Cinema; held in the entertainment capitol of the world – Hollywood.  Viewers of all ages and heritages are sure to be inspired by these unique and important Native Indigenous films.

With nineteen local tribes and an estimated 75,000 people of native blood, Los Angeles is home to the largest urban American Indian population in the world. Approximately 350,000 American Indians reside in California.

RED NATION WOMEN STUDENT FILMMAKER COMPETITION ---

RED NATION TELEVISION CHANNEL (RNTC), All native women students at the undergraduate and graduate level have entered.

The Heart of Humanity Award was presented to Red Nation Celebration by internationally renowned artist Narayan deVera on Sunday, November 11, 2007, honoring American Indians as our Nation’s First Environmentalists at the first Red Nation Pau Wau held at The Los Angeles State Historic Park.

Joanelle Romero, Founder of Red Nation Celebration accepted the Heart of Humanity Award on behalf of American Indians. Romero then bestowed the care of the Award to Jimi Castillo, spiritual leader of the Tongva Tribe. Castillo also serves as spiritual dviser to inmates in the California State Prison system.

“I was honored to receive this award on behave of American Indians, however I bestowed The Heart of Humanity Award to Jimi Castillo due to his support, inspiration, kindness, and love for our people, states Joanelle Romero, Founder of American Indian Heritage Month in the City of Los Angeles.

The Award is a sculpture carved from hardwood from Kenya, in the form of a heart. The free-standing carved heart is in the form of a mobius, with only one continuous edge and one continuous surface, signifying the Oneness of humanity. Other recipients of the award include Bishop Desmond Tutu, His Holiness the Dalai Lama of Tibet, Democratic Presidential candidate Dennis Kucinich and IONS president James O’Dea and Robert Muller of the United Nations.

Partial Quote from Pasadena Weekly 2006 Written by Former President of United Nations
Association – Pasadena Chapter Ellen Snortland 

American Indians have every right to despise white folks and curse us, rather than bless us. And yet, there are leaders like Romero who boggle the typical pedestrian mind. Thank goodness there are other people like Nelson Mandela, a prime example of forgiveness in action. He had every right to call for a blood bath when he was finally released from prison in South Africa. Romero stands on mighty global shoulders.

Mandela-like, she too calls for “oneness,” love and what she describes as “female energy.”

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Nancy Richler
Red Nation Media
Phone/Fax: 818.904.9256

5 November 2007

American Indians Honored as First Environmentalists
For 2nd Annual American Indian Heritage Month in Los Angeles

LOS ANGELES – November 1, 2007

American Indian tribes from all over Turtle Island (North America) are arriving in Los Angeles to be honored this November as our nation’s first environmentalists. Highlighting the month-long
tribute is a parade (on November 10) from the City’s historic El Pueblo district to the new downtown Los Angeles State Historic Park (long-known as the Cornfield), where a two-day Pau Wau and Indian Market will be held. The events are part of the Second Annual American Indian Heritage Month in the City of Los Angeles.

With nineteen local tribes and an estimated 75,000 people of Native blood, Los Angeles is home to the largest urban American Indian population in the world. Approximately 350,000 American Indians reside in California. According to Joanelle Romero, the creative mastermind behind American Indian Heritage Month in Los Angeles, “Our indigenous peoples had traditions that sustained their cultures for thousands of years. When we reframe the way we think about American Indians, we also give our own relationship to the environment a higher priority. Our Heritage Month events remind people that we need to consider our grandchildren’s grandchildren in every one of our decisions.”

Heritage events began at sunrise on November 1 with a water blessing ceremony at the Los Angeles River, officiated by Zintkala Oyate, Lakota spiritual leader from South Dakota. “These ceremonies are as unique as the ancients,” he said.

On November 10, an honor guard from the Rancheria Tachi tribe of Santa Rosa, California, will lead the first historic Red Nation Parade in downtown Los Angeles. Retracing the steps of generations who have entered the City, the Parade will travel from El Pueblo on Olvera Street up Main to Alameda to the State Park. From mounted riders to native low-riders, the Parade will mix traditional and current elements. The last contingent of the Parade will consist of individuals and organizations that support American Indians and Mother Earth. The Parade will end with a procession, with spectators encouraged to fall in at the end to join the march to the Pau Wau grounds.

Immediately following the Parade, the first annual Los Angeles Red Nation Pau Wau and Indian Market will unfold with two days of ceremonial dance, music, trading, sharing, story-telling and inter-tribal foods in an Indian Village setting. While some contemporary Pow Wows award six-figure prize monies to dancers, the Red Nation event will be a “Pow Wow beyond the bling,” harkening back to the time of the Ancestors when diverse tribal nations gathered in sacred space to express pride and good fortune through dance and to vision new possibilities together. (The term Pau Wau, from the Algonquin tribe, means to vision.) The peoples of the Red Nations are inviting non-Natives to partake in sacred talking circles and to join in various dance circles. “Inter-tribal neighborhoods” that surround the State Park are invited to provide their “tribe’s” foods, including breads and pastries from Homeboy Industries and dim sum from Chinatown. 

Native teachings about the Medicine Wheel will further augment the inclusive attitude and environmental theme. According to Romero, who is founder the American Indian Heritage Month in the City of Los Angeles and of Red Nation Celebration, the nonprofit organization producing this and ten other City-wide Heritage Month events, “The Medicine Wheel symbol has been adopted by many tribes as a key to survival. Adaptability, Balance and Connection among all living beings is its medicine. To re-tune the balance on Mother Earth, the Pau Wau will close with a human Medicine Wheel and this understanding: Whatever place on Earth we may have come from, now this land, this place surrounding us right here, Los Angeles, is our shared land. This profoundly inclusive awareness, extended from the Native to the non-Native peoples of Turtle Island, will be activated by the living
Medicine Wheel, radically transforming our relationships to each other, to Mother Earth and all of life.”

A “Native Women in Music Concert Series” will take place on the Pau Wau grounds from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on the first evening dedicating the original music of this land to our Firefighters, for their tireless efforts to save lives, homes, resources and our sacred land. Participants will experience the power of our Native women’s voices. Women, rhythm and song all offer powerful medicine.
Everyone welcome.

See www.rednation.com for full listing of American
Indian Heritage Month events.

1st Annual Los Angeles Red Nation Parade:  Saturday, November 10, 10:00 a.m. to Noon; El Pueblo to Main St. to Alameda to Los Angeles State Historic Park; free public program; parking fee.

1st Annual Los Angeles Red Nation Pau Wau: Saturday, November10, Noon to 10:00 p.m. and Sunday, November 11, Noon to 6:00 p.m.; Los Angeles State Historic Park; 1245 Spring Street, Los Angeles 90012; free public program.

# # #

Red Nation Celebration, Inc. is a non-profit  organization established in 1995 to provide the
American Indian community with human service programs and to encourage awareness of the cultural treasure  indigenous nations offer by premiering American Indian performing arts to communities and mainstream  media. Red Nation was recognized in 2006 by the State of California “for their tireless efforts to  establish the First Annual American Indian Heritage Month in the City of Los Angeles.” Celebrating 12 years of dedication in community service, Red Nation’s work highlights local Native communities in  Los Angeles (the largest concentration of urban American Indians in the nation), Orange, and  Riverside Counties, and extends throughout the State of California as well as across the nation.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Nancy Richler
Red Nation Media
Phone/Fax: 818.904.9256

7 October 2007

American Indians to be Honored as the First Environmentalists in Second Annual American Indian Heritage Month Celebration in Los Angeles for November 2007

Native Ceremonies to Open Connection with Mother Earth

LOS ANGELES – October 5, 2007 – Red Nation Celebration presents the Second Annual American Indian Heritage Month in the City of Los Angeles.

American Indian tribes from all over Turtle Island (North America) are invited to Los Angeles this November to be honored as our nation’s first environmentalists. Highlighting the month-long tribute is a parade (on November 10) from the City’s historic El Pueblo district to the new downtown Los Angeles State Historic Park, where a two-day Pau Wau and Indian Market will be held. The events are part of the Second Annual American Indian Heritage Month in the City of Los Angeles.

With nineteen local tribes and an estimated 75,000 people of native blood, Los Angeles is home to the largest urban American Indian population in the world. Approximately 350,000 American Indians reside in California. According to Joanelle Romero, the creative mastermind behind American Indian Heritage Month in Los Angeles, “Our indigenous peoples had traditions that sustained their cultures for thousands of years. When we reframe the way we think about American Indians, we also give our own relationship to the environment a higher priority. Our Heritage Month events remind people that we need to consider our grandchildren’s grandchildren in every one of our decisions.”

Opening Water Ceremony
Heritage Month events begin at sunrise on November 1 with a water blessing ceremony at the Los Angeles River. “Water is the bloodline to Mother Earth. In our ceremony, we cup the water in our hands and receive its blessing. We then whisper our intention over the water, including healing for contaminated waters around the globe. In this way, we will dedicate all Heritage Month events to the healing and harmony of all people,” states Romero, who is founder of Red Nation Celebration, the nonprofit organization producing this and ten other City-wide Heritage Month events.

Environmental Youth Summit
On Day Two of Heritage Month, Red Nation is coordinating a HELP THE EARTH, Environmental Youth Empowerment Summit involving eleven area middle schools. Three hundred youth will speak out for the Earth and all her living systems in session topics that include: Global Warming, Water, Air, Energy, Animals and Social Justice. Held in conjunction with ten LAUSD schools, the youth summit will take place at Calmont School at Cottontail Ranch, Calabasas.

Tribute to Veterans
Red Nation partners with the United Nations Association-USA Pacific/LA Chapter to recognize
American Indian Veterans, in a tribute to be held Thursday, November 8, downtown L.A.

Parade and Pau Wau
On November 10, an honor guard from the Rancheria Tachi tribe of Santa Rosa will lead the first Red Nation Parade in Los Angeles. Retracing the steps of generations who have entered the City, the Parade will travel from the historical El Pueblo on Olvera Street up Main to Alameda to the new Los Angeles State Historic Park. Mixing traditional and current native themes, the parade will consist of floats with Pow Wow princes and princesses, dancers and children in regalia, mounted riders, native low-rider car clubs, singers, veterans, tribal elders and prominent members of the American Indian community.

The Parade will also include a contingent of American Indian supporters, including City and government officials, celebrities, community organizations and socially responsible businesses.
Immediately following the Parade, the first annual Red Nation American Indian Heritage Month Pau Wau and Indian Market will unfold with two days of ceremonial dance, music, trading, sharing, story-telling and inter-tribal foods in an Indian Village setting. While some contemporary Pow Wows award six-figure prize monies to dancers, the Red Nation event will be a “Pow Wow beyond the bling,” harkening back to the time of the Ancestors when diverse tribal nations gathered in sacred space to express pride and good fortune through dance and to vision new possibilities together. (The term Pau Wau, from the Algonquin tribe, means to vision.) There is a living strain in American Indian culture that does not attempt to dominate the Earth or other peoples. Inclusion is an attitude passed down through the generations. In creating a village in the State Park, the peoples of the Red Nations are also inviting non-natives to participate in sacred talking circles and to join in various dance circles. “Inter-tribal neighborhoods” that surround the State Park are invited to provide their “tribe’s” foods, including breads and pastries from Homeboy Industries, soups from Chinatown and noodles from Little Tokyo.

Native crafts and teachings about the Medicine Wheel will further augment the inclusive attitude and environmental theme of the Pau Wau. “The Medicine Wheel symbol has been adopted by many tribes as a key to survival. Adaptability, Balance and Connection among all living beings is its medicine. To re-tune the damaged balance on Mother Earth, the Pau Wau will close with a human Medicine Wheel and this understanding: Whatever place on Earth we may have come from, now this land, this place surrounding us right here, Los Angeles, is our shared land. The invitation to this profoundly inclusive awareness, extended from the native to the non-native peoples of Turtle Island, will be carried by the living Medicine Wheel to radically transform our relationships to each other, to Mother Earth and all of life,” according to humanitarian Romero, who carries the lineage of the Apache warrior Geronimo as well as Cheyenne blood.

Two other special events will take place during Pau Wau. A Native Women in Music concert series will be held on the Pau Wau grounds from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on the first evening. Participants will experience the power of the original music of this land, as interpreted by native women’s voices. Women, rhythm and song all offer powerful medicine. Proceeds from this section of the program will benefit Red Nation Wellness Circle, Women Are Sacred and Stop Violence Against Indigenous Women.

On Sunday, a Red Nation Art Exhibition will open with a reception for the artists from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.  The art work will be on view the entire month of November at North Hill Gallery in downtown Los Angeles.

Film Festival
The Fourth Annual Los Angeles Red Nation Film Festival will offer a look at life through the lenses of native youth and native women. The Festival will  open on November 16 with screenings of films directed and produced by native youth. Shown in partnership with the American Indian Film Institute Tribal Touring Program, the youth films will be shown at El Pueblo de Los Angeles Historical Monument in sessions from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Students attending the Environmental Youth Summit will also have an opportunity to view the films.

Days Two, Three and Four of the Film Festival celebrate Native Women in Film & Television. In
American Indian culture, women were honored as the life-givers, visionaries and healers--the original storytellers who carried the tribe’s history. Yet this is the first time a film festival has been dedicated to native women filmmakers. To date only four contemporary American Indian women’s stories have been produced in all of feature film history. Therefore Native Women in Film & Television was born to acknowledge these pioneers and to inspire the next generation of native women filmmakers to create their stories. The red carpet opening night feature film event includes talks with filmmakers. The winner of the Red Nation Channel Student Filmmaker Competition, a contest open to all native women students at the undergraduate and graduate level, will also be announced.

Day Four of the Festival focuses on American Indian Women on Prime Time Television. “Home, Home on the Rez,” the first American Indian television drama series, will be showcased in a partnership between the Screening Series Group and Red Nation Television Channel. Day Four also includes a vibrant panel discussion about bringing the sensitivity and inner tradition of ecology into public awareness by featuring American Indian women in leading roles on primetime network television--using native women actors as spokeswomen for the environment as lawyers, judges, neighbors.

Comedy Night
Native Stand-up Comedy Night on November 27 unveils the medicine of laughter from the indigenous world.  The American Indian trickster exposes cultural unmentionables, so new viewpoints can be considered.  He’s sure to have us asking for that all-native sitcom. Comedy Night takes place at Casa de Sousa, 634 North Main St. in downtown Los Angeles, and will feature scheduled and open mike segments as well as some acoustic native music making.

Heritage Ball
The Second Annual Los Angeles Red Nation Gala Heritage Ball on November 29 is an invitation-only event where native women leaders in philanthropy, media and the environment will be honored. Heritage Month sponsors will also be recognized.                   
                                                                  .             
Closing Water Ceremony
As the sun sets over the ocean on the last day of November, American Indian Heritage Month comes to a close. “In a ceremony on Venice beach, we will gather once again to align with the element of water, our bloodline to Mother Earth,” she continues, “We will offer thanks for all the blessings, new connections and understandings we have received during the month.” 

 “The Earth, air, water and celebration belong to all peoples, and Turtle Island needs us all,” states Romero. “As Los Angeles is the urban home of the ‘first environmentalists,’ it is also home to the most diverse set of communities on Earth. Our City is also the media voice of the world, so that the meaning and power behind our Heritage Month invitation to share the wisdom of our land and
heritage can spread beyond our borders to inspire citizens of the world to find their connectedness across their diversity. We are the ‘village on the hill’ that can convey the healing medicine of the Pau Wau to a planet in crisis.”

“As one tribe now, we, Angelenos, cup the water in our hands, imbibe it with our blessing and transmit our vision across the sea.”

JOIN US FOR THE 3rd ANNUAL RED NATION FILM FESTIVAL November 14th & 15th at The Eqyptian Theatre; Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa will be in attendance to honor Red Nation Celebration & Founder Joanelle Romero.

RED NATION AMERICAN INDIAN FILM FESTIVAL IS A TWO DAY FILM FESTIVAL PACKED WITH STRONG IMAGES OF AMERICAN INDIAN STORIES OF TRUTH...

Los Angeles, November 10, 2006, Not only is Los Angeles the Entertainment Capital of the World, and the home to the largest American Indian population but it’s also the original land of our indigenous nations. Our images of the American Indian in film has been around since before the talkies, our contribution in films have been many and the doors that have been opened by our late brothers Will Sampson and Chief Dan George are to be celebrated forever.

FACT: American Indian actors were employed more in Hollywood before the talkies - then today.  Our stories have not been told yet; we have a long way to go …. 

There has only been three contemporary American Indian women stories ever produced in film history in the United States.1977 “A Girl called Hatter Fox” CBS – Starring Joanelle Romero1994 “Lakota Woman” TNT – Starring Irene Bedard2000 “Natively Native” Feature Film Starring Valerie RedHorse  Red Nation Film Festival’s goal is to keep our image here in Los Angeles in the face of our industries, as well as educate the general populas of our diverse talent. 

Red Nation Film Festival is held during our American Indian Heritage Month, the films this year are focused on our environment, political issues within Indian Country and family features.  All films scheduled are award-winning which include: three environmental films “When Is Enough, Enough? The Appetite for Oil,” “In The Light of Reverence” arrated by Peter Coyote and Tantoo Cardinal, “Homeland Four Portraits of tive Action” produced by BullFrog Films, Honorable Al Gore’s film An nconvenient Truth directed by Davis Guggenheim, Executive Producer Julian Lennon’s The Gathering – The Return of the Whale Dreamers directed by Kim Kindersley Starring Julian Lennon, John Hurt, Pierce Bronson, Geoffrey Rush, Jack Thompson and political documentaries “Issues Within Indian Country” Humanitarian director Joanelle Romero’s “American Holocaust When Its All Over I’ll Still Be Indian” narrated by Edward Asner, “Trespassing” directed by Carlos Blumberg DeMenezes, and two features “A Thousand Roads” starring Alex Rice, Geraldine Keams, Jeremiah Bitsui, Candice Castello, Honorato Nanatay, narrated by John Trudell and “Smoke Signals” starring Adam Beach, Michael Greyeyes, Elian Miles, Irene Bedard, Gary Framer directed by American Indian filmmaker Chris Eyre. 

The 3rd Annual Red Nation Film Festival has added to this year a new component “Red Nation Talks with American Indian Filmmakers  Actors, American Indian Environmentalists and American Indian Spiritual Leaders” Hosted by Award-winning actresses Sally Kirkland and Nikki Reed.

“American Indians have been producing moving images since 1907; audiences here need to experience our stories and images” states Founder of Red Nation Film Festival Joanelle Romero. Red Nation Film Festival has created the opportunity for our film & music industries to partner with us in establishing production deals of 5 to 10 films a shot instead of one every 10 years. This kind of partnership will insure marketable and positive portrayals of American Indian.    “Where is our image in prime time television, mainstream radio and feature films – we can not become bankable stars, award winning recording artists on one film every 10 years,” states Joanelle Romero. 

November 2006 Joanelle Romero launched the first American Indian Internet television channel “Red Nation Media Network – All Native programming”  Having starred in over 18 films, the first being “A Girl Called Hatter Fox” the first produced contemporary American Indian woman story, and George Harrison’s critically acclaimed film “Pow Wow Highway.”  “I got tried of being in tipi movies saying “me want more stew meat” so I created  in 1991 “Spirit World Productions” an awarding winning porduction company and then founded “Red Nation Film Festival” in 2005.

Red Nation Celebration dedicates and honors this years American Indian heritage month to our beloved brother, friend, and Red Nation Board member Edward Albert Jr.  He dedicated his time to his family and to protecting what he cared about.  He served as an inspiration to many, and will be deeply missed.

We encourage you to visit our site for this year’s Red Nation Film Festival’s Sponsors: www.RedNation.com.

OCTOBER 27 KICK OFF FEATURED MAYOR VILLARAIGOISA, LT GOVERNOR CRUZ BUSTAMANTE, COUNCILMAN ERIC GARCETTI and WOMAN BEHIND THE DREAM JOANELLE ROMERO

Mayor Villaraigosa and Councilman Eric Garcetti announced at this historic event that they are of American Indian descent.  Lt Governor Bustamante gave Red NationCelebration Founder Joanelle Romero a resolution announcing that the State of California has officially recognized American Indian Heritage Month and Red Nation Celebration.

Traditional Arrows of Light –  Joanelle Romero held up arrows of  light stating that one can not do this alone, and that together we can make great things happen for our people. WHAT’S NEXT?  A traditional American Indian blessing ceremony “Respecting the Water of Life Ceremony” is scheduled to take place at the LA River on Wednesday, November 1 at 7:00 am.  “There is only one water, one earth, one sky, one moon, one sun,” says Joanelle Romero, “Water is very sacred to the indigenous peoples of this land as they believe it is the bloodline to Mother Earth. This blessing ceremony will bring harmony and healing to all peoples and a blessing to kick off all Red Nation Celebration Heritage Month events for November 2006.” 

City Officials, Red Nation Celebration board members, Community leaders, American Indian Spiritual Leaders and religious leaders from all over will be present.

WHERE: Betty Davis Park in District 4.  Betty Davis Park is a small area in the north-west corner of Griffith Park in Glendale (just east of the equestrian center), at the corner of Victory Boulevard and Riverside Drive.  Exit Victory off the 134 Fwy.

RSVP: For more information, to RSVP and interviews, please contact Heather Ross at (818) 904-9256. For a complete listing of all events during American Indian Heritage Month for November 2006 please visit:  www.RedNation.com.  

Joanelle Romero, founder of Red Nation Celebration (RNC), a nonprofit organization, brought the vision of an American Indian Heritage Month to The City of Los Angeles and Mayor Villaraigosa. “We chose Los Angeles for our inaugural event,” says Joanelle, “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; Mayor Villaraigosa has proudly stood alongside us to bring our heritage month to fruition.”  Joanelle’s vision is one of hope, not only for American Indians but for all of us – a hope that we may practice tolerance and realize a sense of “oneness” with each other.  

Red Nation Celebration…A Woman’s Dream of Oneness
By Heather Ross

Joanelle Romero’s story is one of hope, not only for American Indians but for all of us – a hope that we may practice tolerance and realize a sense of “oneness” with each other.

Joanelle’s journey has led her down many roads – as a mother, actor, singer, songwriter, music producer, award-winning filmmaker, humanitarian, Sundancer/pipe carrier, yoga practitioner and founder of Red Nation Celebration, a nonprofit organization that has teamed with the City of Los Angeles to host the first annual American Indian Heritage Month in November 2006. For Joanelle, this event is a culmination of years of hard work fueled by a recent transformation and desire for "oneness” resulting from Maha Yoga. 

November’s festivities, which include a Press Reception with Mayor Villaraigosa, a Respecting the Water of Life ceremony at the Los Angeles River, a concert at Amoeba Music, American Indian stand-up comedy at the Improv on Melrose, youth workshops at Screen Actors Guild, a film festival at the Egyptian Theatre, and a Red Nation Heritage Ball at Kodak Hollywood Ballroom will be broadcast on the Red Nation Celebration website www.rednation.com for international viewing.

Joanelle’s breakthrough historic event has been years in the making.  When Senator John Kerry proclaimed November as American Heritage Month in 1992, Joanelle took it as her personal
 mission to carry out the message, one city at a time until the celebration was nationwide. 
Although other heritage activities have taken place since that year, no city had officially recognized and embraced the celebration.  And now 14 years and one progressive mayor (Villaraigosa) later:  “We chose Los Angeles for our inaugural event,” says Joanelle, “as this city is home to the largest American Indian urban population in America and Mayor Villaraigosa has proudly stood alongside us to bring our heritage month to fruition.”

Growing up in Los Angeles on the MGM Studio lot where her mother, an Apache, was an actress in many Elvis Presley films, Joanelle was treated with kindness and warmth in this sheltered community. Although her parents and grandparents would often speak of the hardship of being American Indian and a minority, Joanelle did not experience it until she was a teenager. On the set at age 17 Joanelle felt almost ignored by a cast and crew of a film about American Indians – “A Girl Called Hatter Fox,” which she was starring in. Thinking back to that period in her life Joanelle admits “it was the first time I remember feeling anxious about my heritage, as if people were looking down on me.”

Joanelle faced her sadness by turning to alcohol and drugs. Although she masked her pain for a short time, anger was stirring within her. One day she woke up and made a conscious choice. She was going to get clean and face her oppression head on. She would do it for herself and she would do it for her American Indian brothers and sisters who had succumbed to the tyranny of a world that would not embrace them for who they were, a world that had seemed to turn its back on them. From that day forward Joanelle would endeavor to live each moment in gratitude and with a sense of duty to her people.

Although she had practiced Kundalini yoga with Yogi Bhajan since age 13, at 22 Joanelle’s good friend and legendary musician Leonard Cohen introduced her to Kyozan Joshu Sasaki Roshi of the Ruizai school of Zen Buddhism with whom she studied mediating practices for years before meeting Steve Ross in 2002.  “Steve’s Maha Yoga has changed my life,” says Joanelle, “I call it ‘Rock and Roll Yoga’ and for me the spirituality I’ve gained from it laid the foundation for achieving my dream of taking American Indian Heritage Month to the next level for our people.”

November’s events has been years in the making.  Joanelle has spent the last three decades serving American Indian community.  Using media as a tool, she created a connection between these communities and the film, television and music industries, encouraging American Indian youth to develop their talents for showcasing.

She created Red Nation Celebration,  www.rednation.com, to fund and forward her movement. “So much of our culture was being lost,” says Joanelle “that we needed to inspire our youth in a big way by bringing their talents to the mainstream.”  And so she did.  Red Nation Celebration is recognized as an entertainment industry pioneer, and has recently been showcased as a Grammy Event. And on the heels of the success of Red Nation Celebration, with a renewed spirituality in place through Maha Yoga, Joanelle’s mission expanded to following through on John Kerry’s promise and creating an official American Indian Heritage Month.  Once the City of Los Angeles’ Office of Cultural Affairs agreed to supportthe event, Joanelle went on to gather support from more than 20 American Indian tribes in Southern California including all local spiritual leaders before going before Mayor Villaraigosa in January 2006 with her plan. He graciously accepted the opportunity to be the first mayor to officially recognize American Indian Heritage Month in November 2006.In launching the first official American Indian Heritage Month it is Joanelle’s dream that an image of American Indian culture and all its beauty be imprinted in the minds of all the people of this land and that we should all feel a sense of “oneness.” 

Heather Ross is a freelance writer and humanitarian.  After graduating from the Claremont Colleges, Ms. Ross went on to build a successful career in commercial real estate where she managed million square foot high rise office buildings in Los Angeles.  After twelve years in that industry she left to pursue her dream of writing.  She also founded a project Peace Beads www.peacebeads.org which employs American Indians in fair trade and raises funds for various nonprofit foundations such as the United Nations Association.  Ms. Ross lives in Manhattan Beach, California.

RED NATION CELEBRATION

Presents

THE FIRST ANNUAL
AMERICAN INDIAN HERITAGE MONTH
“HONORING ALL NATIONS”
NOVEMBER 2006

Public Relations Contact: Heather Ross 818.904 9256 spiritworldproductions@worldnet.att.net

Los Angeles, California – October 4, 2006

WOMAN BEHIND THE DREAM

American Indian humanitarian, activist/visionary and entrepreneur, Joanelle Romero launches the “The First American Indian Heritage Month” in The City of Los Angeles and gets green light from Mayor Villaraigosa.

Joanelle Romero, founder of Red Nation Celebration (RNC), a nonprofit organization, brought the vision of an American Indian Heritage Month to The City of Los Angeles and Mayor Villaraigosa. “We chose Los Angeles for our inaugural event,” says Joanelle, “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; Mayor Villaraigosa has proudly stood
alongside us to bring our heritage month to fruition.”

“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,” says Joanelle.

This memorable event will feature more than 20 American Indian Tribes in the Southern California region, & over 500 nations celebrating their culture, talent, heritage, past, and future. Events this year will focus on the environment, a water ceremony, film festival, music, youth workshops, and comedy.

“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,” says Joanelle.

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.

In September 2001, Joanelle 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, in June 2005, Margie and Joanelle 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, Joanelle received the blessing and support from all local 19 tribal representatives and then presented to Mayor Villaraigosa her dream and gave him the opportunity to be the first Mayor to
officially recognize American Indian Heritage Month.

In January of 2006, the Mayor and the City of Los Angeles said “yes,” and the rest is history.

Although some Angelinos may know very little about the rich culture that is such an important part of Los Angeles’ history, Red Nation’s goal is to introduce the city to the unique and diverse cultures of the American Indian.

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.

Joanelle Romero has been of service in Indian country and American Indian communities for almost 30 years.

Red Nation Celebration

Communications Department

9420 Reseda Blvd PMB 352

Northridge CA 91324-2974

spiritworldproductions@worldnet.att.net

818 904 9256