Black Hills Treaty Council affirmed Treaties and initiated removal proceedings of BIA Superintendent Robert Ecoffey, Jr.
MEMBER RESERVATIONS
Cheyenne River
Crow Creek
Fort Peck
Lower Brule
Pine Ridge
Rosebud
Standing Rock
Yankton
October 22, 2009
By Oglala Delegation of the Black Hills Sioux Nation Treaty Council
Censored News
http://www.bsnorrell.blogspot.com
PINE RIDGE, S.D. -- The Oglala Delegation of the Black Hills Sioux Nation Treaty Council, headed by Chief Oliver Red Cloud, reaffirmed the 1851 and 1868 Ft. Laramie Treaties by exerting their inherent rights and authority by issuing removal proceedings against their agency's BIA Superintendent Robert Ecoffey, Jr. for human, civil, and treaty rights violations against the Oglala Oyate (people).
Article I of the Treaty states, “… If bad men among the whites, or among other people subject to the authority of the United States, shall commit any wrong upon the person or property of the Indians, the United States will … proceed at once to cause the offender to be arrested and punished … and also re-imburse the injured person for the loss sustained … If bad men among the Indians shall commit a wrong or depredation upon the person or property of any one, white, black or Indian, the Indians will deliver the wrongdoer to the United States to be tried and punished …”
Upon issuing the order for Ecoffey to vacate his position as the Pine Ridge Superintendent, two tribal members occupied Ecoffey's office in the BIA for several hours. They released a statement that they would not leave the office until the Agency was shut down and a federal negotiator would be called in to hear the complaints from tribal members regarding Ecoffey's ineffectiveness as an Agent, especially several years of questionable trust land transfers and refusal to conduct a forensic land audit.
Wednesday's non-violent action stems from months of false promises made by Ecoffey to address numerous complaints brought by firefighters from the Pine Ridge Agency Fire Department who have sought to remove Fire Management Chief Daigre Douville, Mike Twiss, Harold Compton and others from the station for human and civil rights violations and a sexual assault charge.
In a pre-emptive move to appease the tribal membership, he made a 11th hour call to the Equal Employment Office in Washington, D.C., who sent a representative to Pine Ridge yesterday to take testimony on the sexual assault charge brought against fire station staff. The E.E.O. officer was on hand to witness the Treaty Council exert their custom law on Ecoffey and assured tribal members that he would return to D.C. and summons a special commissioner to come to Pine Ridge to address the peoples' concerns.
By late afternoon, Ecoffey had granted two-week paid administrative leave to Fire Chief Daigre Douville and Fire Technician Mike Twiss, pending the outcome of the E.E.O. investigation.
The Black Hills Treaty Council contends that their action is legal under custom laws as lineal descendants of the treaty signers. Therefore, the Pine Ridge Agency is currently without a Superintendent and any action Ecoffey attempts to takes will be considered illegal.
Yesterday's events are a result of the perpetual poverty and genocidal policies that the federal government imposes on the Tribe. The Treaty Council will re-convene on November 3, 2009 at 10:00 a.m. in Billy Mills Hall, Pine Ridge to update tribal members on their progress.
Contact Alex White Plume, Treaty Council spokesman, at 605-455-2534 605-455-2534 for additional comment.
October 22, 2009
October 21, 2009
Earthcycles LIVE Thursday morning: Indigenous Uranium Summit
LISTEN: EARTHCYCLES LIVE THURSDAY 8:30 a.m.
through Saturday noon
http://www.earthcycles.net/
Indigenous Uranium Forum
Sky City Hotel
Acoma Pueblo, N.M.
The 7th Indigenous Uranium Forum proposes to focus much needed public attention on the rape of Mount Taylor and to serve as a vehicle to launch a regional inter-tribal campaign to end this madness in the Grants Mineral Belt, Lakota Lands, and elsewhere in Indian Country from the Grand Canyon to White Mesa where deadly and runaway uranium technology threatens the lives of future of our water, land, people, and our winged, four legged and those that crawl relatives. The 7th Southwest Indigenous Uranium Forum will focus on the recent onslaught of exploratory measures to mine and mill uranium in the Grants Mineral Belt. Due to recent price fluctuations of uranium on the world market and United States energy policy still emphasizing nuclear power as an answer to global warming and climate change, we will inform and educate participants of local, national and international nuclear issues impacting Indigenous peoples. The forum will also prioritize presentations on health issues impacting both mining and non-mining populations living in contaminated communities. We will use the forum as an organizing and network initiative to help us better understand the work Indigenous people are doing to fight nuclear power in their communities and move toward alternative forms of energy such as wind and solar.
Earthcycles will broadcast live from the Indigenous Uranium Forum at Sky City, Acoma Pueblo, N.M., on Thursday, from 8:30 a.m. Mountain Time through Saturday noon, Oct. 22-24.
Thursday, October 22, 2009
7:00AM—8AM: Breakfast & Registration
8:30AM: Welcome – Honorable Chandler Sanchez, Governor of Acoma Pueblo
8:45AM: Opening Prayer – Honorable Ron Charlie, 2nd Lieutenant Governor, Acoma Pueblo
9:00AM: Introductions – Manny Pino, Acoma, Professor, “Overview of Acoma Homelands”
9:30AM: Protecting Mt. Taylor: 30 Years of Resistance
• Jon Redhouse, Advisor to SIUF
• “Honoring Diana Ortiz, Women of Acoma: Great Role Model”
• Wild Fire Singers, Taos Drum Group, “Songs for the People”
10:30AM: Break
10:45AM: Inter-Tribal Voice
12:00PM: Lunch (on your own)
1:00PM: Indigenous Nuclear Resistance Panel
• Charmaine White Face, Defenders of the Black Hills, “Impacts of uranium
development on Lakota Lands and World Health Organization Obligation to the UN”
• Rita Capitan, Eastern Navajo Diné Against Uranium Mining
• Supai Waters, Matthew Puetsoy , Carletta Tilousi, Havasupai Tribe, People of
the Blue Green Waters, Protecting Red Butte and Grandmother Canyon
• Nuclear Waste: Margene Bullcreek, Shoshone Paiute
• Indigenous Youth Voices: Nadine Padilla, Autumn Chacon, Nikke Alex & Jihan
Gearon
• Solidarity Statement: Katsumi Furitsu, Japan & Mayra Gomez, Aymara Tribe,
Bolivia
3:00PM: Break
3:15PM: Indigenous Nuclear Resistance Panel
• Gilbert Bedonie, Navajo Dependents of Uranium Workers Committee
• Chris Peters, 7th Generation Fund, “Abya Yala” International Connections
• Updates: Nuclear Regulatory Commission-GEIS Panelist Eric Jantz, NMELC
• Dineh Project, Sarah Adeky and Chris Shuey, SRIC
4:30PM: Adjourn
5:00PM: Dinner & Music by “Indigie Femme”
7:00PM—9:00PM: Evening Activities
1. Networking and relax: It’s your choice
2. Film Screenings: “U38 Womyn” (7 mins), Shonto Prepatory School, Uranium
Research, “Radioactive Mines to Radioactive Weapons” (27 mins) -- Host:
Norman Brown
Friday, October 23, 2009
7:00AM—8AM: Breakfast & Registration
8:30AM: Opening Prayer
8:45AM: Overview/Check in with Forum/Updates
7TH SOUTHWEST INDIGENOUS
URANIUM FORUM
OCTOBER 22 , 23, 24 2009
SKY CITY HOTEL & CASINO
I- 40 AT EXIT 102, ACOMA PUEBLO, NM
9:00AM: Greening Our Economies Panel
• John Fogarty, New Energy Economy
• Louise Bennally, Food Sovereignty
• Cristala Allen, Caddo, Native Workplace
10:30AM: Break
10:45AM: Nuclear Terrorism on Indigenous Lands: Treaty and Human Rights Lens –
Moderator: Manny Pino
• James Zion, Esq. “Public Lands Uranium Resistance: Grand Canyon and
Beyond”
• Taylor McKinnon, Center for Biological Diversity
12:00PM: Lunch (on your own)
1:00PM: Tools for Change – Moderator: Petuuche Gilbert, Acoma
• Multi-Cultural Alliance for a Safe Environment-Best Practice for Alliance
Building Nadine Padilla, Larry King, Jonnie Head, & Rosemarie Cechini
3:00PM: Break
3:15PM: Impact of Uranium Development on Local Communities – Moderator: Laura
Watchempino, Acoma
• Teddy Nez, Carletta Garcia, Al Waconda
4:30PM: Adjourn
5:00PM—6:30PM: Dinner
7:00PM-9:00PM: Film Screening and Discussion – Host: Robert Tohe
• “Return of Navajo Boy” (53 min) & Conversation with Elsie Mae Begay
Saturday, October 24, 2009
7:00AM—8:00AM: Breakfast & Registration
8:00AM: Opening Prayer & Announcements
9:00AM: Guest Speaker, Winona LaDuke, Anishanabe, White Earth Homelands
10:15AM: Beyond Nuclear, Kevin Kamps, Radioactive Waste Watchdog
10:30AM: Break
10:45AM: Strategy Presentations, Draft Press Release, Reach Consensus on Plans of Action,
Assignments, Committee to Carry out Plan of Action, Set Conference Call, & What
organizations are committed?
12:00PM: Wrap Up Discussion
12:30PM: Adjourn
Thank you all for taking the time to share and plan for a Nuclear Free World.
Winona LaDuke (Anishinaabe) is an internationally renowned activist working on issues of sustainable development, renewable energy and food systems. She lives and works on the White Earth reservation in northern Minnesota, and is a two time vice presidential candidate with Ralph Nader for the Green Party. As Program Director of the Honor the Earth, she works nationally and internationally on the issues of climate change, renewable energy, and environmental justice with Indigenous communities. Winona LaDuke will be speaking at the Southwest Indigenous Uranium Forum on Saturday, October 24, 2009 at 9AM.
http://groundswellfilms.org/grandmothers-dc.htm
November 2006 saw the birth of Indigie Femme. Based in Santa Fe, New Mexico, USA international performers Indigie Femme combines their traditional and original songs, dance and storytelling, Indigie Femme’s vision is to create global cross-cultural exchange. The lively performances weave ethnic cultures through song, dance, storytelling and facilitating educational workshops in North America and the world. Indigie Femme will be performing at the Forum Thursday, October 22, 2009 at 5PM.
Set in the stunning landscape of Utah's Monument Valley, this unforgettable, universally acclaimed documentary chronicles the extraordinary saga of how a rediscovered 1950s silent film reel leads to the return of a long-lost brother to his Navajo family. Since the 1930s, members of the Cly family have lived in Monument Valley and appeared as subjects in countless photographs, postcards, and Hollywood westerns -- even in a home movie by legendary director John Ford and a propaganda film by a uranium mining company. The film "The Return of Navajo Boy" will be screened at the Forum Friday, October 23, 2009 at 7PM.
Special acknowledgement to the following supporters:
7th Generation Fund
Lannan Foundation
Western Mining Action Network
Bioneers
Available Media, Inc.
Beyond Nuclear
Phil Harrison, Navajo Nation Council Delegate (Cove & Red Valley)
AIM-West salutes the Alcatraz Warriors
The General Public is Invited! For more information (415) 577-1492
AIM-WEST Salutes the Alcatraz Island Warriors of 1969-1971!
A Tribute to the 40th Anniversary
By AIM West
Photo: Bill Means, Lenny Foster and Mike Flores on Alcatraz 2008/Photo Brenda Norrell
PROCLAMATION:
“To the Great White Father and All His People, WE THE NATIVE AMERICANS, reclaim the land known as Alcatraz Island in the name of all American Indians by right of discovery. We wish to be fair and honorable in our dealings with the Caucasian inhabitants of this land, and hereby offer the following treaty: We will purchase said Alcatraz Island for twenty-four dollars ($24) in glass beads and red cloth, a precedent set by the white man’s purchase of a similar island about 300 years ago. We know that $24 in trade goods for these 16 acres is more than was paid when Manhattan Island was sold, but we know that land values have risen over the years. Our off of $ 1.24 per acre is greater than the 47 cents per acre the white men are now paying the California Indians for their land….Signed, Indians of All Tribes, November 1969, San Francisco, California.” With this profound proclamation and the gallant actions necessitated by the young brave’s so began a movement of Indigenous activism that awoke America, and sent a thunder-clap around the world that has now culminated in the historic adoption by the United Nations General Assembly on September 13, 2007 of the “Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples”.
Please make a date to be with us Wednesday, November 4th to honor and commemorate those warriors who sacrificed and gave of their time and placed themselves in social turmoil to help re-claim the destiny for all Indians of the Americas.
Place: La Pena Cultural Center, 3105 Shattuck Ave. Berkeley, http://www.lapena.org/calendar
Time: 6:30 to 9:30 pm
Film: “Alcatraz Is Not An Island” (starts at 7 pm!)
M.C.’s Jimbo Simmons (AIM), and Mary Jean Robertson (S.F. KPOO radio personality)
And with Special Guest Speakers, with music by Goodshield, Drummers and Singers welcome, and Traditional Dancers!
Cover Charge $ 8.00 slide-scale, no one turned away. A food can drive is also requested for Oakland Inter-Tribal Friendship House. A raffle prize, and a blanket donation is requested.
On this occasion of the 40th Anniversary of the Occupation of Alcatraz Island, a special benefit by American Indian Movement-WEST (AIM-WEST) invites you to join us and acknowledge all those heroic warriors representing “Indians of All Tribes” who sought to liberate The Rock, (first landing Nov. 14th) that began November 20, 1969 until being led off the island June 11, 1971. Their mission and purpose; to enlighten the American people of the injustice done to the American Indian by stealing their land by phony treaties.
During the 19 months of the occupation 20,000 people visited Alcatraz Island, meanwhile a medical clinic was set up, the structure of day-to-day life needed formulation, children needed schooling, a leadership structure needed to be created to tend the affairs of Alcatraz community; the Black Panthers offered help; Credence Clearwater Revival donated $15,000; a child was born (July 20, 1970), the 12 year-old daughter of Richard Oakes, the foremost leader of the Alcatraz occupation, fell over a railing and died on January 8, 1970; and the light house and several buildings burned to the ground.
Against this backdrop the leadership at Alcatraz began negotiations with government officials setting the stage for confrontations with dishonest politicians, onerous developers and bureaucrats. Come and share your experiences, thoughts and vision of what this occasion has meant to you, the youth, and community.
Free Leonard Peltier! Freedom for All Political Prisoners! Protect Sacred Sites! Honor the Treaties! Acknowledge and review the 18 Unratified Treaties made with the California’s American Indians! And demand the US government sign the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples! (only three countries have not signed: USA, Canada, and New Zealand!)
*Mark your calendars now for the AIM West Coast Third Annual Gathering November 23-27, 2009. *M.C. Mr. Bill Means, National AIM Grand Council, and Board Member of International Indian Treaty Council, a United Nations NGO in consultative status.
Donations are appreciated. Check AIM-WEST website for more information. All My Relations!
Wheelchair accessible
http://www.aimwest.info/
AIM-WEST Salutes the Alcatraz Island Warriors of 1969-1971!
A Tribute to the 40th Anniversary
By AIM West
Photo: Bill Means, Lenny Foster and Mike Flores on Alcatraz 2008/Photo Brenda Norrell
PROCLAMATION:
“To the Great White Father and All His People, WE THE NATIVE AMERICANS, reclaim the land known as Alcatraz Island in the name of all American Indians by right of discovery. We wish to be fair and honorable in our dealings with the Caucasian inhabitants of this land, and hereby offer the following treaty: We will purchase said Alcatraz Island for twenty-four dollars ($24) in glass beads and red cloth, a precedent set by the white man’s purchase of a similar island about 300 years ago. We know that $24 in trade goods for these 16 acres is more than was paid when Manhattan Island was sold, but we know that land values have risen over the years. Our off of $ 1.24 per acre is greater than the 47 cents per acre the white men are now paying the California Indians for their land….Signed, Indians of All Tribes, November 1969, San Francisco, California.” With this profound proclamation and the gallant actions necessitated by the young brave’s so began a movement of Indigenous activism that awoke America, and sent a thunder-clap around the world that has now culminated in the historic adoption by the United Nations General Assembly on September 13, 2007 of the “Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples”.
Please make a date to be with us Wednesday, November 4th to honor and commemorate those warriors who sacrificed and gave of their time and placed themselves in social turmoil to help re-claim the destiny for all Indians of the Americas.
Place: La Pena Cultural Center, 3105 Shattuck Ave. Berkeley, http://www.lapena.org/calendar
Time: 6:30 to 9:30 pm
Film: “Alcatraz Is Not An Island” (starts at 7 pm!)
M.C.’s Jimbo Simmons (AIM), and Mary Jean Robertson (S.F. KPOO radio personality)
And with Special Guest Speakers, with music by Goodshield, Drummers and Singers welcome, and Traditional Dancers!
Cover Charge $ 8.00 slide-scale, no one turned away. A food can drive is also requested for Oakland Inter-Tribal Friendship House. A raffle prize, and a blanket donation is requested.
On this occasion of the 40th Anniversary of the Occupation of Alcatraz Island, a special benefit by American Indian Movement-WEST (AIM-WEST) invites you to join us and acknowledge all those heroic warriors representing “Indians of All Tribes” who sought to liberate The Rock, (first landing Nov. 14th) that began November 20, 1969 until being led off the island June 11, 1971. Their mission and purpose; to enlighten the American people of the injustice done to the American Indian by stealing their land by phony treaties.
During the 19 months of the occupation 20,000 people visited Alcatraz Island, meanwhile a medical clinic was set up, the structure of day-to-day life needed formulation, children needed schooling, a leadership structure needed to be created to tend the affairs of Alcatraz community; the Black Panthers offered help; Credence Clearwater Revival donated $15,000; a child was born (July 20, 1970), the 12 year-old daughter of Richard Oakes, the foremost leader of the Alcatraz occupation, fell over a railing and died on January 8, 1970; and the light house and several buildings burned to the ground.
Against this backdrop the leadership at Alcatraz began negotiations with government officials setting the stage for confrontations with dishonest politicians, onerous developers and bureaucrats. Come and share your experiences, thoughts and vision of what this occasion has meant to you, the youth, and community.
Free Leonard Peltier! Freedom for All Political Prisoners! Protect Sacred Sites! Honor the Treaties! Acknowledge and review the 18 Unratified Treaties made with the California’s American Indians! And demand the US government sign the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples! (only three countries have not signed: USA, Canada, and New Zealand!)
*Mark your calendars now for the AIM West Coast Third Annual Gathering November 23-27, 2009. *M.C. Mr. Bill Means, National AIM Grand Council, and Board Member of International Indian Treaty Council, a United Nations NGO in consultative status.
Donations are appreciated. Check AIM-WEST website for more information. All My Relations!
Wheelchair accessible
http://www.aimwest.info/
34th Annual American Indian Film Festival
Media Inquiries Contact:
publicrelations@aifisf.com
34th ANNUAL AMERICAN INDIAN FILM FESTIVAL
COMMEMORATES NATIONAL INDIAN HERITAGE MONTH WITH DIVERSIFIED
34th ANNUAL AMERICAN INDIAN FILM FESTIVAL
COMMEMORATES NATIONAL INDIAN HERITAGE MONTH WITH DIVERSIFIED
Photo: Pearl Scott
PROGRAMMING INCLUDING 80 FILMS, IN-DEPTH MEDIA PANELS, SPECIAL
SCREENINGS AND A STAR- STUDDED AWARDS SHOWCASE
SAN FRANCISCO -- The American Indian Film Institute (AIFI), proudly announces the 34th
annual American Indian Film Festival, November 6-14, 2009. The American Indian Film
Festival will premiere over 80 innovative feature films, shorts, public service, music videos and
documentaries of USA American Indian and Canada First Nation communities. Founded in 1975,
AIFF has established itself as the premiere Native film festival in North America. This year’s
selection continues to celebrate the Festival’s tradition for excellence and diversity with powerful
performances and new cinematic expression by cutting-edge media makers.
Prominent Sponsors of the 2009 AIFI Festival are; The Seminole Tribe of Florida; Yocha De-
He Wintun Nation, CA; National Education Association; San Manuel Band of Mission
Indians, CA; CBS Television , NY; KQED TV9; and Grants for the Arts.
Public screenings and events will be held for nine days, from Nov. 6-11 at the Landmark
Embarcadero Center Cinema, One Embarcadero Center, Promenade Level; and conclude
Nov. 12-14 at the Palace of Fine Arts, 3301 Lyon St. @ Bay Street.
“The film festival and awards show are the cornerstone of what we do —provide an opportunity
and national venue for emerging and established filmmakers, entertainers and performing artists
to convene, renew their artistic spirit and share their gifts." - Founder/ Director Michael Smith.
Opening the Festival on Nov. 6, is the feature documentary People of the Seal (72 min) – an indepth
exploration into the insight and understanding of the Unangan (People of the Seal) who
reside in the world’s harshest environment and whose culture is near extinction. People of the
Seal is preceded by short film Tungijuq (7 min), a story about Inuit seal hunting which stars Inuit
singer-artist, Tanya Tagaq and produced by award winning filmmaker Zacharias Kunuk
(Atanarjuat: The Fast Runner). Closing the American Indian Film Festival on Nov. 13, is the
dramatic feature film Barking Water (81 min) directed by award- winning director and AIFF
favorite Sterlin Harjo (Four Sheets to the Wind). The film traces the impromptu journey taken by
estranged couple Frankie and Irene as they visit the stations of their fractured relationship and
learn the meaning of coming home and what it takes to get there. Director Sterlin Harjo and
actors Casey Camp- Horinek and Richard Ray Whitman, in attendance for Q&A.
Other Noteworthy Film Selections:
Nov. 7: * Pearl (117) dir. King Hollis- The true story of Pearl Carter Scott, a daring young
Chickasaw girl who became the youngest licensed pilot in U.S. history. Befriended by the famous
aviator Wiley Post in the late 1920’s, the adventurous twelve- year old Pearl was taught to fly. So
trusting and close was her relationship with Post, she was one of the only two people to fly his
well-known plane, the Winnie Mae. Pearl Carter Scott became one of the pioneering female
aviators alongside Amelia Earhart. This film was funded by the Chickasaw Tribe of Oklahoma.
*Special screening of Peter Bratt’s (Follow Me Home) powerful second feature film La
MISSION (117min) Set in the colorful, seedy streets of the San Francisco district that bears its
name, La MISSION is a story of healing and transformation among father and son, in a multiethnic
neighborhood struggling to break the chains of violence. This mesmerizing film is imbued
with the curative power of Aztec tradition and stars Benjamin Bratt (The Cleaner). Preceding La
MISSION is Given to Walk (35min) dir. Robert Guthrie, a gritty short film about domestic
violence and the power to overcome abuse. * Peter Bratt ( La MISSION), Benjamin Bratt (La
MISSION) and Robert Guthrie( Given to Walk) will be in attendance at the festival for a Q+A
after their respective films and will be available for interviews.
Nov. 8: Jim Thorpe Spotlight – A cinematic look into 20th Century’s Greatest Athlete
*Jim Thorpe, The World’s Greatest Athlete (60min) dir. Tom Weidlinger- Considered the finest
athlete of the 20th century, Jim Thorpe was a US Olympic multiple gold medal winner as well as
a star of professional football and baseball. He was man who used his amazing physical prowess
as a way to affirm his American Indian identity in the face of unrelenting efforts to eradicate
Native American culture. In this superb documentary—using old recordings, re-enactments,
newsreels and animated photos—brings Thorpe's successful career alive. * JARIN- a fable By
Jim, Knute, and Red (27min) dir. Myrton Running Wolf - Short film about a present-day tale
about legendary Native American athlete Jim Thorpe (Sac-N-Fox) coming back from the past to
teach a boy from the reservation on how to play football. * Bright Circle (90min) dir. Shawn
Kakuk- At the turn of the 20th Century American Indian athletes from Carlisle, Haskell and the
earlyNFL were at the forefront of the sporting world. This rich tradition, established in the past by
athletes such as Jim Thorpe, is carried on today by the ancestors of those and other incredible
athletes including interviewees Bret Favre (Choctaw) and Dan Hampton (Chickasaw) Chicago
Bears Hall of Fame Inductee.
Nov. 10: * Lost Sparrow(78min) dir. Chris Billing - Three decades ago, two Crow Indian
brothers ran away from home and no one knew why. Their sudden and mysterious deaths sent
shockwaves through a tiny upstate New York community. This is their adoptive brother’s journey
to bring Bobby and Tyler home and confront a painful truth that shattered his family.
Nov. 11: * Kissed by Lightning (90min)dir. Shelley Niro - Set on Canada’s Six Nations Reserve,
broken-hearted Mavis (Kateri Walker) tries to piece her life back together after the tragic death of
her husband. In an attempt to hold on to a shred of her past, she invites her husband’s ex-wife and
son to live in her home, while she is relegated to the backyard trailer. Alienating herself from the
outside world, Mavis desperately clings to her profession of painting in an effort to extinguish the
memories that haunt her. But when an upcoming art exhibition requires Mavis to embark on a
road trip, she finds herself faced with the difficult task of letting go. Costarring Eric Schweig
(The Big Eden). Co -Presented by the San Francisco Women’s Film Festival.
Nov. 12: * The Only Good Indian ( 113min) dir. Kevin Willmott - Set in Kansas during the
early 1900s, a teenaged Native American boy (Winter Fox) is taken from his family and forced to
attend a distant Indian "training" school to assimilate into White society. When he escapes to
return his family, Sam Franklin (Wes Studi), a bounty hunter of Cherokee descent, is hired to find
and return him to the institution. Franklin, a former Indian scout for the U.S. Army, has
renounced his Native heritage and has adopted the White Man’s way of life, believing it's the
only way for Indians to survive. Along the way, a tragic incident spurs Franklin’s longtime
nemesis, the famous “Indian Fighter” Sheriff Henry McCoy (J. Kenneth Campbell), to pursue
both Franklin and the boy. Director Kevin Willmott and actor Wes Studi, in attendance for
Q&A.
Special Events:
Nov.12– AIFI Panels @ Radisson Hotel, Fisherman’s Wharf
*10:00am – “Native American Women vs. Hollywood Stereotypes”. This panel explores the
stereotypes of Native women in Hollywood from the common portrayal of the “Indian Princess”
to the modern Native woman today. Panelists include Shirley Cheechoo, Carole Nee-ta-key
Marie, Larissa Fasthorse, Annie Frazier - Henry, Kateri Walker and Casey Camp-Horinek.
*1pm – Panel hosted by CBS Television Diversity Office, NY
AIFI seminars will be bringing noted industry professionals to San Francisco to teach, inspire and
share their knowledge with current and the next generation of media makers. These programs
are free and open to the public. Must Advance Register.
Nov. 13- Tribal Touring Program – Theatre 39@Pier39 (Beach St. and The Embarcadero)
The American Indian Film Institute (AIFI) is proud to celebrate its ninth year of youth film
programs during this year’s Festival. AIFI is able to engage hundreds of Native youth each year,
where aspiring student filmmakers participate in a ten- day long film workshop supported by
AIFI’s tribal host partners. This year AIFI’s Tribal Touring Program will showcase youth films
from -Stop the Violence Coalition, Hoopa CA; Yocha –De- He Wintun Nation, Brooks, CA;
and United Auburn Indian Community, Auburn CA.
Nov. 14 – American Indian Motion Picture Awards Show
AIFI’s American Indian Motion Picture Awards Show, honoring filmmakers and showcasing
contemporary Native American talent, will be held on Saturday November 14, 2009 @ the Palace
of Fine Arts beginning at 6:00pm. Fourteen awards will be presented including Best Film, Best
Actor and Best Documentary. The awards show will include a mix of live entertainment by
established and emerging Native artists and performers including:
*Joanne Shenandoah: A Grammy Award and 11 time Native American Music award winning
artist, Joanne Shenandoah has become one of the most critically acclaimed Native American
singers, finding crossover success with her ethereal voice and blend of traditional melodies and
contemporary styles.
*Jana Mashonee: Lumbee by heritage, contemporary artist through hard work, destiny and the
spirits, Jana brings a fresh outlook and exotic style to today’s music. Jana refers to her cultural
anomaly as “Urban Indian”. Her powerful voice, coupled with the sensibilities of pop, R&B,
world and gospel music create a compelling new mix. She has received 5 Native American Music
Awards.
* The Sampson Brothers: Samsoche and Lumhe Micco Sampson are the youngest of the late
Will Sampson (One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest). They have always been connected to their
Native roots through dance. “The Sampson Boys,” as many call them, are known for their hoop
dance which they perform in unison to create original formations. They will be performing
alongside singer Jana Mashonee.
* The Plateros: Hailing from the Navajo Nation, The Plateros merge blues, rock, gospel, and
funk with a positive message. Featuring 16-year-old Levi Platero—whose hard-driving
exuberance on guitar is nothing short of extraordinary—his father, Murphy, on bass, and cousin,
Doug, on drums, they have already earned comparisons to such groups as Los Lonely Boys and
Indigenous.
*Swil Kanim: A world - class virtuoso violinist who advocates self-expression to create stronger
community. He intertwines his music with storytelling, poetry, and audience interaction. His
original compositions are mesmerizing and inspiring to all ages.
*Star Nayea: Native American Music Award recipient, singer-song writer Star Nayea is
described as “The little lady with the big voice.” Raised in the suburbs of Detroit, Michigan, Star
delivers powerful soul with a voice rooted in “Motor City” rock ‘n roll. She has recorded and
performed with many Native artists, including Robbie Robertson, Buffy Sainte-Marie, Keith
Secola, Robert Mirabal, Indigenous, and many others.
*Laura Ortman: Classically trained on violin, self taught on guitar in 2006, Laura Ortman is a
multi-talented musician that continues to be trailblazer across Indian Country today. She is a
member of bands like Dust Dive Flash, Silver Summit, Stars Like Fleas and in 2008 founded The
Coast Orchestra, the first All-Native American Orchestra.
A complete schedule is available on our website www.aifisf.com. All programs are open to the
general public and will require tickets for admission. Advance Tickets available thru AIFI:
415-554-0525 Visa & Mastercard. On-site tickets available at the following theater venues
(on day of show.) * Photos available upon request as well as interviews can be arranged*
Landmark Embarcadero Center Cinema Palace of Fine Arts
One Embarcadero Center, Promenade Level 3301 Lyon St.@ Bay St.
San Francisco,CA San Francisco, CA
Showtimes: Nov. 6- 11 Showtimes: Nov. 12-13
Matinees begin @ noon ($5) Evenings begin @ 7:00pm ($10/8)
*Box Office matinee tickets are available at Nov. 14 : Motion Picture Awards
11:00am Show begin @6:00pm
Evenings begin @ 7:00pm Awards Show tickets are available
*Box Office evening tickets are available at 5:00pm @ Box Office
(Opening Night $10) ($20door/$15adv./$15 students &
Evenings ($7 students & seniors /$8 general) seniors)
###
PROGRAMMING INCLUDING 80 FILMS, IN-DEPTH MEDIA PANELS, SPECIAL
SCREENINGS AND A STAR- STUDDED AWARDS SHOWCASE
SAN FRANCISCO -- The American Indian Film Institute (AIFI), proudly announces the 34th
annual American Indian Film Festival, November 6-14, 2009. The American Indian Film
Festival will premiere over 80 innovative feature films, shorts, public service, music videos and
documentaries of USA American Indian and Canada First Nation communities. Founded in 1975,
AIFF has established itself as the premiere Native film festival in North America. This year’s
selection continues to celebrate the Festival’s tradition for excellence and diversity with powerful
performances and new cinematic expression by cutting-edge media makers.
Prominent Sponsors of the 2009 AIFI Festival are; The Seminole Tribe of Florida; Yocha De-
He Wintun Nation, CA; National Education Association; San Manuel Band of Mission
Indians, CA; CBS Television , NY; KQED TV9; and Grants for the Arts.
Public screenings and events will be held for nine days, from Nov. 6-11 at the Landmark
Embarcadero Center Cinema, One Embarcadero Center, Promenade Level; and conclude
Nov. 12-14 at the Palace of Fine Arts, 3301 Lyon St. @ Bay Street.
“The film festival and awards show are the cornerstone of what we do —provide an opportunity
and national venue for emerging and established filmmakers, entertainers and performing artists
to convene, renew their artistic spirit and share their gifts." - Founder/ Director Michael Smith.
Opening the Festival on Nov. 6, is the feature documentary People of the Seal (72 min) – an indepth
exploration into the insight and understanding of the Unangan (People of the Seal) who
reside in the world’s harshest environment and whose culture is near extinction. People of the
Seal is preceded by short film Tungijuq (7 min), a story about Inuit seal hunting which stars Inuit
singer-artist, Tanya Tagaq and produced by award winning filmmaker Zacharias Kunuk
(Atanarjuat: The Fast Runner). Closing the American Indian Film Festival on Nov. 13, is the
dramatic feature film Barking Water (81 min) directed by award- winning director and AIFF
favorite Sterlin Harjo (Four Sheets to the Wind). The film traces the impromptu journey taken by
estranged couple Frankie and Irene as they visit the stations of their fractured relationship and
learn the meaning of coming home and what it takes to get there. Director Sterlin Harjo and
actors Casey Camp- Horinek and Richard Ray Whitman, in attendance for Q&A.
Other Noteworthy Film Selections:
Nov. 7: * Pearl (117) dir. King Hollis- The true story of Pearl Carter Scott, a daring young
Chickasaw girl who became the youngest licensed pilot in U.S. history. Befriended by the famous
aviator Wiley Post in the late 1920’s, the adventurous twelve- year old Pearl was taught to fly. So
trusting and close was her relationship with Post, she was one of the only two people to fly his
well-known plane, the Winnie Mae. Pearl Carter Scott became one of the pioneering female
aviators alongside Amelia Earhart. This film was funded by the Chickasaw Tribe of Oklahoma.
*Special screening of Peter Bratt’s (Follow Me Home) powerful second feature film La
MISSION (117min) Set in the colorful, seedy streets of the San Francisco district that bears its
name, La MISSION is a story of healing and transformation among father and son, in a multiethnic
neighborhood struggling to break the chains of violence. This mesmerizing film is imbued
with the curative power of Aztec tradition and stars Benjamin Bratt (The Cleaner). Preceding La
MISSION is Given to Walk (35min) dir. Robert Guthrie, a gritty short film about domestic
violence and the power to overcome abuse. * Peter Bratt ( La MISSION), Benjamin Bratt (La
MISSION) and Robert Guthrie( Given to Walk) will be in attendance at the festival for a Q+A
after their respective films and will be available for interviews.
Nov. 8: Jim Thorpe Spotlight – A cinematic look into 20th Century’s Greatest Athlete
*Jim Thorpe, The World’s Greatest Athlete (60min) dir. Tom Weidlinger- Considered the finest
athlete of the 20th century, Jim Thorpe was a US Olympic multiple gold medal winner as well as
a star of professional football and baseball. He was man who used his amazing physical prowess
as a way to affirm his American Indian identity in the face of unrelenting efforts to eradicate
Native American culture. In this superb documentary—using old recordings, re-enactments,
newsreels and animated photos—brings Thorpe's successful career alive. * JARIN- a fable By
Jim, Knute, and Red (27min) dir. Myrton Running Wolf - Short film about a present-day tale
about legendary Native American athlete Jim Thorpe (Sac-N-Fox) coming back from the past to
teach a boy from the reservation on how to play football. * Bright Circle (90min) dir. Shawn
Kakuk- At the turn of the 20th Century American Indian athletes from Carlisle, Haskell and the
earlyNFL were at the forefront of the sporting world. This rich tradition, established in the past by
athletes such as Jim Thorpe, is carried on today by the ancestors of those and other incredible
athletes including interviewees Bret Favre (Choctaw) and Dan Hampton (Chickasaw) Chicago
Bears Hall of Fame Inductee.
Nov. 10: * Lost Sparrow(78min) dir. Chris Billing - Three decades ago, two Crow Indian
brothers ran away from home and no one knew why. Their sudden and mysterious deaths sent
shockwaves through a tiny upstate New York community. This is their adoptive brother’s journey
to bring Bobby and Tyler home and confront a painful truth that shattered his family.
Nov. 11: * Kissed by Lightning (90min)dir. Shelley Niro - Set on Canada’s Six Nations Reserve,
broken-hearted Mavis (Kateri Walker) tries to piece her life back together after the tragic death of
her husband. In an attempt to hold on to a shred of her past, she invites her husband’s ex-wife and
son to live in her home, while she is relegated to the backyard trailer. Alienating herself from the
outside world, Mavis desperately clings to her profession of painting in an effort to extinguish the
memories that haunt her. But when an upcoming art exhibition requires Mavis to embark on a
road trip, she finds herself faced with the difficult task of letting go. Costarring Eric Schweig
(The Big Eden). Co -Presented by the San Francisco Women’s Film Festival.
Nov. 12: * The Only Good Indian ( 113min) dir. Kevin Willmott - Set in Kansas during the
early 1900s, a teenaged Native American boy (Winter Fox) is taken from his family and forced to
attend a distant Indian "training" school to assimilate into White society. When he escapes to
return his family, Sam Franklin (Wes Studi), a bounty hunter of Cherokee descent, is hired to find
and return him to the institution. Franklin, a former Indian scout for the U.S. Army, has
renounced his Native heritage and has adopted the White Man’s way of life, believing it's the
only way for Indians to survive. Along the way, a tragic incident spurs Franklin’s longtime
nemesis, the famous “Indian Fighter” Sheriff Henry McCoy (J. Kenneth Campbell), to pursue
both Franklin and the boy. Director Kevin Willmott and actor Wes Studi, in attendance for
Q&A.
Special Events:
Nov.12– AIFI Panels @ Radisson Hotel, Fisherman’s Wharf
*10:00am – “Native American Women vs. Hollywood Stereotypes”. This panel explores the
stereotypes of Native women in Hollywood from the common portrayal of the “Indian Princess”
to the modern Native woman today. Panelists include Shirley Cheechoo, Carole Nee-ta-key
Marie, Larissa Fasthorse, Annie Frazier - Henry, Kateri Walker and Casey Camp-Horinek.
*1pm – Panel hosted by CBS Television Diversity Office, NY
AIFI seminars will be bringing noted industry professionals to San Francisco to teach, inspire and
share their knowledge with current and the next generation of media makers. These programs
are free and open to the public. Must Advance Register.
Nov. 13- Tribal Touring Program – Theatre 39@Pier39 (Beach St. and The Embarcadero)
The American Indian Film Institute (AIFI) is proud to celebrate its ninth year of youth film
programs during this year’s Festival. AIFI is able to engage hundreds of Native youth each year,
where aspiring student filmmakers participate in a ten- day long film workshop supported by
AIFI’s tribal host partners. This year AIFI’s Tribal Touring Program will showcase youth films
from -Stop the Violence Coalition, Hoopa CA; Yocha –De- He Wintun Nation, Brooks, CA;
and United Auburn Indian Community, Auburn CA.
Nov. 14 – American Indian Motion Picture Awards Show
AIFI’s American Indian Motion Picture Awards Show, honoring filmmakers and showcasing
contemporary Native American talent, will be held on Saturday November 14, 2009 @ the Palace
of Fine Arts beginning at 6:00pm. Fourteen awards will be presented including Best Film, Best
Actor and Best Documentary. The awards show will include a mix of live entertainment by
established and emerging Native artists and performers including:
*Joanne Shenandoah: A Grammy Award and 11 time Native American Music award winning
artist, Joanne Shenandoah has become one of the most critically acclaimed Native American
singers, finding crossover success with her ethereal voice and blend of traditional melodies and
contemporary styles.
*Jana Mashonee: Lumbee by heritage, contemporary artist through hard work, destiny and the
spirits, Jana brings a fresh outlook and exotic style to today’s music. Jana refers to her cultural
anomaly as “Urban Indian”. Her powerful voice, coupled with the sensibilities of pop, R&B,
world and gospel music create a compelling new mix. She has received 5 Native American Music
Awards.
* The Sampson Brothers: Samsoche and Lumhe Micco Sampson are the youngest of the late
Will Sampson (One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest). They have always been connected to their
Native roots through dance. “The Sampson Boys,” as many call them, are known for their hoop
dance which they perform in unison to create original formations. They will be performing
alongside singer Jana Mashonee.
* The Plateros: Hailing from the Navajo Nation, The Plateros merge blues, rock, gospel, and
funk with a positive message. Featuring 16-year-old Levi Platero—whose hard-driving
exuberance on guitar is nothing short of extraordinary—his father, Murphy, on bass, and cousin,
Doug, on drums, they have already earned comparisons to such groups as Los Lonely Boys and
Indigenous.
*Swil Kanim: A world - class virtuoso violinist who advocates self-expression to create stronger
community. He intertwines his music with storytelling, poetry, and audience interaction. His
original compositions are mesmerizing and inspiring to all ages.
*Star Nayea: Native American Music Award recipient, singer-song writer Star Nayea is
described as “The little lady with the big voice.” Raised in the suburbs of Detroit, Michigan, Star
delivers powerful soul with a voice rooted in “Motor City” rock ‘n roll. She has recorded and
performed with many Native artists, including Robbie Robertson, Buffy Sainte-Marie, Keith
Secola, Robert Mirabal, Indigenous, and many others.
*Laura Ortman: Classically trained on violin, self taught on guitar in 2006, Laura Ortman is a
multi-talented musician that continues to be trailblazer across Indian Country today. She is a
member of bands like Dust Dive Flash, Silver Summit, Stars Like Fleas and in 2008 founded The
Coast Orchestra, the first All-Native American Orchestra.
A complete schedule is available on our website www.aifisf.com. All programs are open to the
general public and will require tickets for admission. Advance Tickets available thru AIFI:
415-554-0525 Visa & Mastercard. On-site tickets available at the following theater venues
(on day of show.) * Photos available upon request as well as interviews can be arranged*
Landmark Embarcadero Center Cinema Palace of Fine Arts
One Embarcadero Center, Promenade Level 3301 Lyon St.@ Bay St.
San Francisco,CA San Francisco, CA
Showtimes: Nov. 6- 11 Showtimes: Nov. 12-13
Matinees begin @ noon ($5) Evenings begin @ 7:00pm ($10/8)
*Box Office matinee tickets are available at Nov. 14 : Motion Picture Awards
11:00am Show begin @6:00pm
Evenings begin @ 7:00pm Awards Show tickets are available
*Box Office evening tickets are available at 5:00pm @ Box Office
(Opening Night $10) ($20door/$15adv./$15 students &
Evenings ($7 students & seniors /$8 general) seniors)
###
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