Panel hears of gaps in tribal health care Senators looking at reform options WASHINGTON - The statistics paint a grim picture of Native American health: Life expectancy is six years less than any for other ethnic group, the death rate from diabetes is triple that of the rest of the country, and the infant mortality rate is 40 percent higher. From cirrhosis to suicide, few suffer more than Native Americans.
The numbers are not new, but Jefferson Keel, lieutenant governor of the Chickasaw Nation, thought members of the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs should hear them again.
Keel, who also serves as first vice president of the National Congress of American Indians, testified Thursday on Capitol Hill at a hearing on reforming a health system that tribes say is starved for money. It receives only about half of what Congress has authorized, they said. In addition, Native Americans testified that care is delivered inconsistently from state to state and that the patchwork system is made worse by constant turnover at Indian Health Services, the federal agency overseeing medical care on reservations.
The Senate recently confirmed Yvette Roubideaux, a doctor who grew up in South Dakota as a member of the Rosebud Sioux Tribe, as the latest IHS director.
"It's clear the federal government isn't fulfilling its trust responsibility to provide health care to Indian Country," said Sen. Jon Tester, D-Mont., chairman of the hearing.
Government-paid health care is provided to about 1.9 million Native Americans living on or near reservations in 35 states. They receive care from IHS facilities and from private providers contracted by the government.
It's been about a decade since the Indian Health Care Improvement Act was updated, and tribal leaders say the timing for a new bill might never be better now that President Obama and congressional leaders want to revamp the U.S. health care system.
"Perhaps nowhere in this country is the debate on health care reform more important, or will it have more of an impact, than in tribal communities," Keel said.
Tribal leaders have joined to recommend several changes:
# Increase Native American enrollment in government programs, such as Medicaid.
# Expand options on reservations for long-term care.
# Reduce shortages in the Native American health system work force by providing employee incentives.
# Exempt tribes from penalties, such as a mandatory insurance requirement, that could be part of health care reform working its way through Congress.
Money would help, too, they said. Tribes have been innovative with medical programs because "quite frankly ... we've been forced to," said Valerie Davidson of the Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium. "We're at a point where we have no more margin."
But Sen. John Barrasso of Wyoming, the top Republican on the committee, said money alone can't fix the problem. Changes are necessary, too, he said.
"We must simply do more than reauthorize a troubled, inefficient system," he said.
(CNN) -- Federal authorities indicted 24 people Wednesday on charges of selling, buying or exchanging archaeological artifacts stolen from Native American lands -- part of what Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar called a crackdown on smugglers of such relics.
The artifacts include burial and ceremonial masks, decorated pottery and a buffalo-hide headdress, according to a news release from the Department of Justice.
"Let this case serve notice to anyone who is considering breaking these laws and trampling our nation's cultural heritage that the BLM [Bureau of Land Management], the Department of Justice and the federal government will track you down and bring you to justice," said Salazar, who was in Salt Lake City, Utah, to announce the crackdown.
President Obama is "committed to a new relationship with America's first Americans," Salazar said, adding that Wednesday's announcements of indictments was a show of that commitment.
Officials said the artifacts -- some stolen from grave sites -- were taken from the Four Corners area, so called because it is the intersection of four states: Utah, Colorado, Arizona and New Mexico. The area also has a rich history of Native American culture. The Navajo Parks and Recreation Department manages the Four Corners Monument, which attracts tourists as the only point in the United States where four states come together at one point.
Authorities recovered 256 artifacts worth about $335,685, said Deputy Attorney General David Ogden.
About 150 agents assisted in an undercover investigation that tracked the suspects for more than two years, Ogden said. They had the help of an individual who knew about the smuggling ring, officials said. The investigation is ongoing, said Ogden.
The recovered artifacts are evidence, but at some point after the investigation those that are privately owned will be returned to their owners, said Craig Leff, a spokesperson for the Bureau of Land Management.
The suspects face charges carrying sentences ranging from one to 10 years in prison for violating the Archaeological Resources Protection Act and the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation, Ogden said.
Thinking about hitting the Pow Wow Trail this summer? Here is the list for June 2009, So pack up the van and hit the trail. June 5-7 - 23RD RED EARTH POWWOW Location: Cox Convention Center - Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. Notes: Contest PowWow. Contact: 405/427-5228, Website; www.redearth.org, Email: info@redearth.org.
Native American Lakota star June 5-7 - 4TH BLACK HORSE POWWOW Location: Christian County Fair Grounds - Taylorville, Illinois. Notes: Traditional PowWow. Host Drum: Cedar River. Contact: 217/528-9172, Website: www.blackhorsepowwow.bravehost.com, Email: sevenhawks@sbcglobal.net.
Native American Lakota star June 5-7 - 13TH STANDING BEAR POWWOW Location: Bakersfield College - Bakersfield, California. Notes: Traditional PowWow. Contact: 661/589-3181 or 661/589-8414, Email: earawhide@sbcglobal.net. or standingbearpowwow@yahoo.com.
Native American Lakota star June 5-7 - 154TH YAKAMA TREATY DAYS POWWOW Location: Pavilion - White Swan, Washington. Notes: Contest PowWow. Contact: 509/865-5121, Website: www.yakamamuseum.com, Email: treatydays@yahoo.com.
Native American Lakota star June 5-7 - 23RD HONORING OF THE ELDERS GATHERING Location: Mt. Madonna Park - Gilroy, California. Notes: Traditional PowWow. Contact: 408/287-8366.
Native American Lakota star June 5-7 - TAYLORVILLE BLACK HORSE INTERTRIBAL POWWOW Location: Christian County Fairgrounds Taylorville, Illinois. Notes: Free Admission, Free Parking, Free Camping. Public welcome. No alcohol, firearms, drugs or loose animals allowed on the grounds, Security will be present. Head Man and Lady Dancers, John and Penny Richmond. Arena Director, Yellow Shirt, Head Gourd Dancer, Thomas Three Feathers. Emcee, David Wayahneetah Welch Hear Veteran Swift Eagle Keith. Host Drum TBA. 'Come Dance With Us!!! Contact: Hawk Hoffman's email: sevenhawks@sbcglobal.net.
Native American Lakota star June 5-7 - NATIVE SOLUTIONS 11TH ANNUAL INTERTRIBAL POWWOW Location: Oxford Lake Park - Oxford, Alabama. Notes: Times: Friday 5-10 Grand Entry 6:00, Sat 9-10 Grand Entry 10:00 & 7:00 Sun. 9-6 Grand Entry 11:00. Admissions: $5 - Adults, Elders 65 and Up and Children 12 and Under are Free. Host Drum - Grandfather Strongheart, Head man - Gerry "Smitty" Smith, Head Lady - Gwen Babbs, M.C. - Bryan Halfday - Chippewa Nation, Ontario, A.D. - Gary Smith. All Dancers and Drums Welcomed! Luck of the Draw for Dancers. Pow Wow Ambassador Contest. No Drugs or Alcohol Allowed, Event held Rain or Shine. Vendors by invitation only! Contact: Call Mark or Ruth at 256-820-6315, email: ravenspiritwalker@yahoo.com.
Native American Lakota star June 6 - 28TH YUBA-SUTTER POWWOW Location: Yuba College - Marysville, California. Notes: Traditional PowWow. Contact: 530/749-6196, Email: jgrahm@mjusd.k12.ca.us or pbennett@mjusd.k12.ca.us.
Native American Lakota star June 6-7 - 12TH ANNUAL POWWOW IN THE PINES POWWOW Location: Hon-Dah Resort, Pinetop, Arizona. Notes: Free admission! Open to the public! Camping available! Contact: 800-WAY-UP-HIGH or (928/929-8477).
Native American Lakota star June 6-7 - HUNLOCK CREEK VOL. FIRE COMPANY 9TH ANNUAL POWWOW AND GATHERING Location: Hunlock Creek, Pennsylvania. Notes: The 9th Annual powwow and gathering of all peoples. Drumming, Dancing Singing, Food , and crafts. Gates open at 10:00 pm. Contact: 570/759 3711, Email: rrd357@verizon.net.
Native American Lakota star June 6-7 - WORCESTER INTERTRIBAL POWWOW Location: Rutland State Park - Rutland, Massachusetts. Notes: Traditional PowWow. Host Drum: Walking Bear. Contact: 508/754-4994, Website: www.mcnaa.org.
Native American Lakota star June 6-7 - 26TH BRANDYWINE POWWOW Location: Piscataway Tribal Grounds - Waldorf, Maryland. Notes: Traditional PowWow. Contact: 240/464-5899, Website: www.piscatawayindians.org, Email: piscatawayindians@yahoo.com or natalie@piscatawayindians.org.
Native American Lakota star June 6-7 - 5TH DAKOTA HOMECOMING POWWOW Location: Unity Park - Winona, Minnesota. Notes: Traditional PowWow. Contact: 507/452-2278 or 507/457-0957, Website: http://www.dakotahomecoming.org, Email: BAldrich@winona.edu.
Native American Lakota star June 6-7 - 11TH THE GRAND VILLAGE OF THE KICKAPOO PARK Location: Grand Village Site - Le Roy, Illinois. Notes: Traditional PowWow. Contact: 309/376-3400 or 309/261-3043, Website: http://www.grandvillage.org, Email: grand_village@yahoo.com.
Native American Lakota star June 6-7 - 7TH HONORING SAGANING POWWOW Location: Pow-wow Grounds - Saganing, Michigan. Notes: Traditional PowWow. Contact: 800/884-6271 or 989/775-4943, Email: lpeters@sagchip.org.
Native American Lakota star June 6-7 - AMERICAN HERITAGE FESTIVAL POWWOW Location: Chesapeake City Park - Chesapeake, Virginia. Notes: Traditional PowWow. Contact: 252/771-2476, Email: earlbass@inteliport.com.
Native American Lakota star New June 7 - LUMMIS DAY Location: 4605 North Figuera Street, Los Angeles, California. Notes: Celebrate the fourth annual Lummis Day at the Casa de Adobe with local artist demonstrations and tours of the Casa all day. Sunday, June 7th 1-4 pm. Contact: 323-221-2164 ext. 320.
Native American Lakota star June 11-14 - CHIEF VICTOR DAYS POWWOW Location: School Football Field - Victor, Alabama. Notes: Traditional PowWow. Contact: 406/642-3924, Website: www.victormt.com, Email: angiedobberstein@yahoo.com.
Native American Lakota star June 11-14 - NAVA (NATIVE AMERICAN VOLLEYBALL ACADEMY) '09 Location: Navajo Preparatory School - Farmington, New Mexico. Notes: All coaches are Native American including the founder Nanabah Allison-Brewer (1st American Indian Division 1 coach). Not only do we teach the youth to better themselves on the court but to better and further themselves through education. We teach them how to get a scholarship, what college coaches look for and what they can do to get noticed and signed. We also teach them teamwork and positive attitudes on/off the court while helping them better themselves as a volleyball player. Contact: NAVAleadership@gmail.com, 785/832-6600, Haskell website
Native American Lakota star June 12-13 - 44TH WILL ROGERS INDIAN CLUB POWWOW Location: Marshfield Equestrian Center - Marshfield, Missouri. Notes: Social / Benefit PowWow. Contact: 417/256-4698 or 217/783-2539.
Native American Lakota star June 12-13 - 4TH HONORING VETS WACIPI POWWOW Location: Sioux Empire Fair Grounds - Sioux Falls, South Dakota. Notes: There were over 100 veterans during the 2008 Wacipi, this is a fast growing Wacipi dedicated to veterans and families of veterans, this is truly a very sacred event. Free tent camping, small charge for RVS and campers requiring hook ups, huge indoor vendor area, meals provided end of day session both days, very closer to main interstates, many hotels close by. Contact: 605-334-4060 or Dennis Quigley 605-271-4184.
Native American Lakota star June 12-14 - PRAIRIE BAND POTAWATOMI NATION POWWOW Location: 158 & M Rd. - Mayetta, Kansas. Notes: Contest Powwow- over $55,000 in prize money! Singing contest- 1st Place $8,000 2nd Place $6,000 3rd Place $4,000 4th Place $2,000 & drum split. MC- Wallace Coffey, Arena Director- Michael Roberts and Head Drum Judge- Harvey Dreaver. $10/ weekend pass. $5/daily admission. Lodging: Prairie Band Casino & Resort 1.888.727.4946 - Special POWWOW RATE available. Contact: Richele Pahmahmie 888-727-4946, Website: www.pbpindiantribe.com, Email: powwow@pbpnation.org.
Native American Lakota star June 12-14 - CANNONBALL FLAG DAY CELEBRATION POWWOW Location: Downtown Cannonball - Cannonball, North Dakota. Notes: Contest PowWow. Contact: 701/854-7201 or 701/854-7170, Website: www.standingrocktourism.com, Email: ladonnabrave1@aol.com.
Native American Lakota star June 12-14 - 10TH INTERTRIBAL GATHERING POWWOW Location: Fort Robinson State Park - Crawford, Nebraska. Notes: Contest PowWow. Contact: 308-632-1311, Website: www.panhandlercd.com, Email: ron.moore@ne.usda.gov or panhandle.rcd@allophone.com.
Native American Lakota star June 12-14 - 7TH SKY UTE CASINO POWWOW Location: Sky Ute Event Center - Ignacio, Colorado. Notes: Contest PowWow. Contact: 970/563-1759 or 970/563-1393, Email: molly.cotton@skyutecasino.com.
Native American Lakota star June 12-14 - 31ST LOWER SIOUX POWWOW Location: Pow-wow Grounds - Morton, Minnesota. Notes: Traditional PowWow. Contact: 507/697-6185, Website: www.jackpotjunction.com, Email: kokeefe@lowersouix.com.
Native American Lakota star June 12-14 - 9TH TABLE MT. RANCHERIA POWWOW Location: Pow-wow Grounds - Friant, California. Notes: Contest PowWow. Contact: 559/822-2890 or 559/822-2587.
Native American Lakota star June 13 - 7TH TINKER INTER-TRIBAL COUNCIL POWWOW Location: Joe B. Barnes Regional Park - Midwest City, Oklahoma. Notes: Contest PowWow. Contact: 405/733-3587, Email: marshalena@cox.net.
Native American Lakota star June 13 - CHEROKEE VOICES FESTIVAL Location: Cherokee Indian Fair Grounds - Cherokee, North Carolina. Notes: Living history, demonstrations of basket making, pottery, finger weaving, carving, and flint knapping. Storytelling, traditional music, flute music, gospel music in Cherokee language, Indian dinners, traditional dance including the Warriors of AniKituhwa. Sponsored by the N.C. Arts Council and Museum of the Cherokee Indian. The Museum is a Primary Arts organization (one of only two in western NC) for the NC Arts Council. The Cherokee Voices Festival is FREE and open to the public from 10am--5 pm. It is held in FRONT of the museum. Contact: 828/497-3481,Email: travel@nc-cherokee.com.
Native American Lakota star June 13-14 - FORT ANCIENT CELEBRATION POWWOW Location: 6123 St Rt 350 - Oregonia, Ohio. Notes: Traditional PowWow. Contact: 800/283-8904 or 513/932-4421, Website: www.ohiohistory.org, Email: jblosser@ohiohistory.org.
Native American Lakota star June 13-14 - 6TH METIS OF MAINE POWWOW Location: Bentley’s Campground - Dayton, Maine. Notes: Traditional PowWow. Contact: 207/793-4801, Website: www.metisofmaine.org, Email: bofa43@adelphia.net.
Native American Lakota star June 13-14 - MOHAWK TRAIL POWWOW Location: Indian Plaza - Charlemont, Massachusetts. Notes: Traditional PowWow. Contact: 413/339-4096, Website: www.indianplazagifts.com, Email: indianplaza13@yahoo.com.
Native American Lakota star June 13-14 - OCCANEECHI SAPONI SPRING POWWOW Location: Pow-wow Grounds - Mebane, North Carolina. Notes: Traditional PowWow. Contact: 919/732-8512 or 919/304-3723.
Native American Lakota star June 13-14 - SPRING GATHERING POWWOW Location: Ossipee Park Rd - Moultonborough, New Hampshire. Notes: Traditional PowWow. Contact: 508/477-1772, Website: www.cowasuck.org, Email: cowasuck@comcast.net.
Native American Lakota star June 13-14 - 30TH THREE FIRES HOMECOMING POWWOW Location: Riverside Park - Grand Rapids, Michigan. Notes: Traditional PowWow. Contact: 616/458-8759, Email: grboi3fpw@yahoo.com.
Native American Lakota star June 13-14 - 29TH NANTICOKE LENNI-LANAPE POWWOW Location: Salem Cty. Fair Grounds - Woodstown, New Jersey. Notes: Traditional PowWow. Contact: 856/455-6910, Website: www.nanticoke-lenape.org.
Native American Lakota star June 13-14 - 13TH SAN LUIS REY BAND INTER-TRIBAL POWWOW Location: San Luis Rey Mission Grounds - Oceanside, California. Notes: Contest PowWow. Contact: 760/724-8505, Website: www.slrmissionindians.org, Email: cjmajado@slrmissionindians.org.
Native American Lakota star June 13-14 - 3RD ANNUAL POWWOW ON THE MOUNTAIN Location: Cumberland County Complex - Crossville, Tennessee. Notes: This is a traditional Powwow. Times:9:00 A.M. to 8:00 P.M. Gate Fees: Adults: $6.00, Children 5-12 $3.00 under 4 free. Seniors:$3.00. Head Staff: Host Drum: Red Road Singers, Headman: Shaun Hedgecoth--Head lady: Loretta Howard--Head Veteran: Ronnie Johnson-- Arena Director: Gary Johnson. M.C. Robert "White Wolf" Jr. Headman/Head lady: Daily Pick. Cumberland County Complex: Take I-40 to exit 317, go South, turn right on Industrial Blvd. (first right pass Taco Bell). Take a right at the stop sign. Complex is on the right. Signs will be posted on Friday June 12th, 2009. Contact: Carol Cash 931-372-0495 or Linda Veal 931-544-4908.
Native American Lakota star June 13-24 - FT. ANCIENT CELEBRATION POWWOW Location: Ft Ancient State Memorial - Oregonia, Ohio. Notes: This is traditional powwow. There will be stories, Children's activities, traders, flue music, talks, drums and non contest dancing. Come join in the fun. Ed Buffalo Hodges is Head Man and Tammy Wolf Walker is Head Lady, with Martin Tall Hoerse is MC. Contact: Jack Blosser email: JBlosser@OhioHistory,Org.
Native American Lakota star June 18- FREE SCREENING OF QUEST OF THE CARIB CANOE Location: 111 North Central Ave. - Los Angeles, California. Notes: Bringing the Circle Together presents a free screening Thursday, June 18, 2009 at 7pm. Carib Indian artist and activist Jacob Frederick, and others from his community, sail nearly 1000 miles in a hand built canoe from their home on the island of Dominica in the British West Indies to South America in a voyage to rediscover their ancestral heritage. Director Eugene Jarecki generously donated this extremely rare film for presentation. Kantuta will begin the evening with her beautiful flute music and poetry! Bringing the Circle Together: A Native American Film Series is a FREE monthly film series located in downtown Los Angeles at the National Center for Preservation of Democracy. The film series was established to provide quality documentaries by and about Indigenous people of the Americas, and bring together a central gathering place where discussion and awareness of issues can be shared with the Native community and its supporters. The film series is held at the National Center for Preservation of Democracy located at 111 North Central Avenue, between 1st Street and Central Avenue, in downtown Los Angeles. Contact:For More information on the film series please nafilmseries@aol.com or visit www.mypsace.com/nafilmseries.
Native American Lakota star June 18-21 - 106TH RED BOTTOM CELEBRATION POWWOW Location: Pow-wow Grounds - Frazer, Montana. Notes: Contest PowWow. Contact: 406/768-5557.
Native American Lakota star June 19-21 - HONORING OUR ANCESTORS 5TH ANNUAL POWWOW Location: 4026 US Hwy.322 - Williamsfield, Ohio. Notes: Traditional dance, gates open 10:am-6pm. Admission: $5/ 12yrs-adult, $3/children and seniors: Located NE Ohio. I-90 to US. 193 and/or US 7, south to US 322. Signs posted. Contact: Sandi Red Wolf 440-319-5781, email: redwolf_0801@yahoo.com.
Native American Lakota star June 19-21 - 32ND GREAT LAKES AREA TRADITIONAL POWWOW Location: Woodland Valley Gathering Grounds - Hannahville, Michigan. Notes: Traditional PowWow. Contact: 906/466-2932 ext. 110 or 906/466-9243.
Native American Lakota star June 19-21 - SAH-GII-BAH-GAH POWWOW Location: Pow-wow Grounds - Nett Lake, Minnesota. Notes: Traditional PowWow. Contact: 218/780-3903 218/753-4905, Email: tdagen@fortunebay.com.
Native American Lakota star June 19-21 - EASTERN DELAWARE NATION POWWOW Location: Fair Grounds - Forksville, Pennsylvania. Notes: Traditional PowWow. Contact: 570/833-4279 or 570/928-9416.
Native American Lakota star June 19-21 - 11TH NATIVE AMERICAN WILDLIFE & FESTIVAL Location: Eureka Springs, Arkansas. Notes: Traditional PowWow. Contact: 479/253-3790, Website: www.turpentinecreek.org, Email: cliff@turpentinecreek.org.
Native American Lakota star June 19-21 - STEWART FATHERS DAY POWWOW Location: The Former Stewart Campus - Carson City, Nevada. Notes: Traditional PowWow. Contact: 775/687-8333, Website: http://indiancommission.state.nv.us, Email: srupert@govmail.state.nv.us or cgibbons@govmail.state.nv.us.
Native American Lakota star June 19-21 - TWIN BUTTES CELEBRATION POWWOW Location: Pow-wow Grounds - Twin Buttes, North Dakota. Notes: Contest PowWow. Contact: 701/938-3362 or 701/938-4396, Website: www.mhanation.com, Email: rezboy@ndsupernet.com.
Native American Lakota star June 19-21 - 31ST CHIEF JOSEPH & WARRIORS MEMORIAL Location: Community Building - Lapwai, Idaho. Notes: Contest PowWow. Contact: 208/843-2300, Email: chloeh@nezperce.org.
Native American Lakota star June 19-21 - 8TH OSAGE RIVER POWWOW Location: Miller County Fair Grounds - Eldon, Missouri. Notes: Traditional PowWow. Contact: 573/369-2710, Website: www.osageriverpowwow.com, Email: oscar.dudley@att.net.
Native American Lakota star June 19-21 - 10TH RIVERBANK POWWOW Location: Louis Adado Riverfront Park - Lansing, Michigan. Notes: Traditional PowWow. Contact: 517/393-7236 or 517/543-7153, Website: www.riverbankpowwow.com, Email: robin_menefee@yahoo.com.
Native American Lakota star June 19-21 - PORCUPINE POWWOW Location: 1/2 mile West of Porcupine - Porcupine, North Dakota. Notes: Contest PowWow. Contact: 701/854-7201 or 701/422-2002, Website: www.standingrocktourism.com, Email: ladonnabrave1@aol.com.
Native American Lakota star June 19-21 - 8TH MUCKLESHOOT VETERAN’S ASSOC. POWWOW Location: Tribal Grounds - Auburn, Washington. Notes: Contest PowWow. Contact: 253/876-3225.
Native American Lakota star June 19-21 - 18TH GRAND CELEBRATION POWWOW Location: Pow-wow Grounds - Hinckley, Minnesota. Notes: Contest PowWow. Contact: 800/472-6321 ext. 4843 or ext. 4913.
Native American Lakota star June 19-21 - 24TH IOWA TRIBAL POWWOW Location: Iowa Pow-wow Grounds - Perkins, Oklahoma. Notes: Contest PowWow. Contact: 405/547-1097 or 405/714-2168, Email: dmoldin@iowanation.org.
Native American Lakota star June 19-21 - GRADUATION WACIPI POWWOW Location: Oglala Lakota College - Kyle, South Dakota. Notes: Contest PowWow. Contact: 605/455-6000, Website: www.olc.edu, Email: mpourier@olc.edu.
Native American Lakota star June 19-21 - 7TH TIMISKAMING FIRST NATION GATHERING OF THE CLANS POWWOW Location: Pow-wow Grounds - Timiskaming, Quebec. Notes: Traditional PowWow. Contact: 819/723-5206, Email: dawnish2467@hotmail.com.
Native American Lakota star June 19-21 - 16TH TWO WORLDS LODGE SPRING GATHERING Location: Finkbeiner Farm - Reed City, Michigan. Notes: Traditional PowWow. Contact: 218/924-4018, Email: polttwil@wcta.net.
Native American Lakota star June 19-21 - TATANKA OYATE WACIPI II POWWOW Location: Woodland Zoo - Farmington, Pennsylvania. Notes: Tickets on sale now at our website. Only Flags and Staffs of the Indigenous First Nations will be posted at this event. This is a Native Event, and will be presented as such. If you carry a staff, or you have a Nation Flag you would like to post, please let us know at the above email address. Admission and Parking: $12.00 adults/$8.00 children. Camping $10.00 per day. Children under 5 free. Family of 4 Package: $55.00 Includes concert, powwow (both days), full zoo access, camping. Schedule: 19th, Friday - Informal gathering at sweatlodge fire. Free to everyone. 20th, Saturday - Grand Entry at Noon, Dinner break 3 - 4, Close at 6:00 pm, 7 pm to 8 pm The John Wyrick Band opening for Bill Miller and 8 pm to 10 pm - Bill Miller. Bill Miller has won two Grammys for Best Native American Music Album in the past two years as well as being honored with 7 different Native American Music Awards and most recently the NAMA Lifetime Achievement Award. 21st, Sunday - Grand Entry at Noon, Close at 5:00 pm Exhibition dances throughout the day. Possible meet and greet with Bill Miller. 6 pm to 7 pm Dan LaVoie, opening for N8V. 7 pm to 9 pm N8V. All Dancers have Free admission to concert, powwow, camping and the zoo. Contact: 724-516-2751, website: http://www.buffalomessengers.org/POWWOW.html, email: moreinfo@buffalomessengers.org.
Native American Lakota star June 20 - DANCERS OF THE PLAINS POWWOW Location: Great Platte River Road Archway - Kearney, Nebraska. Notes: Traditional PowWow. Contact: 877/511-2724, Website: www.archway.org, Email: robrien@archway.org.
Native American Lakota star June 20 - 14TH MATTAPONI POWWOW Location: Pow-wow Grounds - King William, Virginia. Notes: Traditional PowWow. Contact: 804/769-8783.
Native American Lakota star June 20 - GREAT PLATTE RIVER RD ARCHWAY PAWNEE POWWOW Location: 3060 E. First St. - Kearney, Nebraska. Notes: Dancers of the Plains is an entertaining and educational Native American event, featuring Native American dancing and drumming by the Plains tribes. In 2009 the Great Platte River Road Archway welcomes the Pawnee Nation of Oklahoma back to their traditional homeland for the featured tribe of the first exhibition of a powwow celebration. Visitors can also learn about Native American life on the plains from primitive-life exhibitors and vendors, enjoy American Indian style food and crafts, and more. Admission to the primitive exhibitor and pow wow exhibition area will be by free-will donation. Guests can also tour the Archway at regular admission prices. Contact: 877-511-2724, website: www.archway.org.
Native American Lakota star June 20 -21 - 7TH RED ROAD SOBRIETY POWWOW Location: Behind Town Hall - Dighton, Massachusetts. Notes: Traditional PowWow. Contact: 508/880-6887 or 617/232-0343.
Native American Lakota star June 20 -21 - 20TH HONOR THE FIRE KEEPERS POWWOW Location: Dunn Field - Lake Geneva, Wisconsin. Notes: Traditional PowWow. Contact: 262/248-2784, Website: www.lakegeneva-powwow.org, Email: lsobey@comcast.net.
Native American Lakota star June 20 -21 - NUXBAGGA POWWOW Location: Pow-wow Grounds - Parshall, North Dakota. Notes: Contest PowWow. Contact: 701/627-3333 or 701/421-0144, Website: www.mhanation.com, Email: csun@mhanation.com.
Native American Lakota star June 20 -21 - VETERAN’S POWWOW Location: Veteran’s Hospital - Togus, Maine. Notes: Contact: 207/623-0338 or 207/872-2410, Website: http://toguspowwow.webs.com, Email: deepquietspirit@yahoo.com.
Native American Lakota star June 20 -21 - 28TH PLAINS INDIAN MUSEUM POWWOW Location: Buffalo Bill Historical Center - Cody, Wyoming. Notes: Contest PowWow. Contact: 307/578-4049, Website: www.bbhc.org, Email: rebeccaw@bbhc.org.
Native American Lakota star June 20-21 - 3RD HONORING OUR SISTERS POWWOW Location: Camo O’ the Hills - Brooklyn, Michigan. Notes: Traditional PowWow. $5.00 per adult, children 5 to 16 $3.00. Children 5 and under Free. Grand entry on Saturday and Sunday 1:00 pm and Saturday evening 7 pm. Richard Snake Head Male Dancer, Rose Johnson Head Female Dancer, Eagle Boy Host Drum and Otakuye Co-Host Drum. Grounds open at 12pm both days. Contact: 800/322-1209, Website: www.girlscoutsihc.org, Email: dtrusty@girlscoutsihc.org.
Native American Lakota star June 21 - ODE'MIN GIIZI STRAWBERRY MOON POWWOW Location: Del Crary Park - Peterborough Ontario, Canada. Notes: A Traditional Gathering with world champion Powwow dancers, storytelling, theatre, canoeing, regional cuisine, art vendors, women's hand drum and singing workshop with Ulali and a First Nation art exhibit. Sunrise ceremony at sunrise. Admission is free. Contact: 705/745-1788, Website: http://publicenergy.ca/odemin_giizis.htm, Email: tinavz30@newnorth.net.
Native American Lakota star New June 22 - INDIGENOUS DANCE ARTISTS Location: Griffith Park , California. Notes: This annual city-wide festival of dance films features two documentaries about major Indigenous dance figures. Byron Chief-Moon is featured in Byron Chief-Moon: Gray Horse Rider (48 minutes), and Water Flowing Together (77 minutes) follows the groundbreaking path of Navajo ballet star Jock Soto. Films will be followed by a discussion with a special guest. Contact: 323/677-2000.
Native American Lakota star New June 22 - Native American Youth Cheerleading Camp Location: IAIA Dance Circle - Santa Fe, New Mexico. Notes: Cheer Solutions/Native Spirit Cheer will be having cheerleading camp for Native American girls and boys age 6 and up. Participants will learn how to tumble, dance, cheer, and do some fun stunts! The camp will be held from June 22-July 10th from 10 a.m.-12 pm at the Institute of American Indian Arts Dance Circle (This event is not sponsored by or affiliated with the Institute of American Indian Arts). Contact: 505/795-0917, Email: LaurenaMackey@gmail.com.
Native American Lakota star June 25-28 - 50TH EASTERN SHOSHONE POWWOW Location: Pow-wow Grounds - Fort Washakie, Wyoming. Notes: Contest PowWow. Host Drum: North Bear. Contact: 307/332-2380 ext. 5018 or ext. 5060 or 307/349-8031.
Native American Lakota star June 26-28 - PAIUMESHA POWWOW Location: Baseball Field - Warm Springs, Oregon. Notes: Traditional PowWow. Contact: 541/553-2128 or 541/553-1196, Website: http://www.warmsprings.com/, Email: catherine.katchia@ihs.gov.
Native American Lakota star June 26-28 - 16TH FORT RANDALL CASINO & HOTEL POWWOW Location: Fort Randall Casino & Hotel - Pickstown, South Dakota. Notes: Contest PowWow. Contact: 605/487-7871 ext. 473 or 800/362-6333, Website: www.fortrandall.com, Email: swade@fortrandallcasino.com.
Native American Lakota star June 26-28 - 6TH S-LAKE POWWOW Location: Pow-wow Grounds - S-Lake, Minnesota. Notes: Traditional PowWow. Contact: 218/760-7955 or 218/308-3680, Email: maang40@yahoo.com or LaVonne.Thompson@leechlakegaming.com.
Native American Lakota star June 26-28 - 17TH ST. CROIX CASINO & HOTEL POWWOW Location: Mak’oode Arena - Turtle Lake, Wisconsin. Notes: Contest PowWow. Host Drum: Meskwaki Nation. Contact: 800/846-8946 ext.3203, Website: www.stcroixcasino.com.
Native American Lakota star June 27 - WASHINGTON INTERNSHIPS FOR NATIVE STUDENTS Location: American University Main Quad - Washington, D.C. Notes: Contact: 202/885-5934.
Native American Lakota star June 27-28 - ROCKY RIDGE BENEFIT CONTEST POWWOW Location: John & Millie Antonio's Residence - Tinian, New Mexico. Notes: John & Millie Antonio's Residence - Tinian, NM (37 miles SW of Cuba, NM). Head Staff: M.C. - Leonard Anthony, Arena Director - Earl Sherman, Head Gourd Dancer - TBA, Head Southern Drum - Smoke Stack, Head Northern Drum - TBA, Head Man Dancer - Tyson Castillo, Head Woman Dancer - Phyllis Waukazoo, Head Boy Dancer - Marvin Kosea and Head Girl Dancer - TBA. Special Contests: Women's Lulu and Men's Weecha Contest - Sponsored by Former Rocky Ridge Powwow Princess Shaniya Wood and Family. Teen Girls Fancy Shawl - Sponsored by 2008-2009 Rocky Ridge Powwow Princess Muriel Sage Waukazoo and other special contest TBA. All Dancers and Drum Groups Welcome! Contact: John/Millie 505/328-2031 or Jaye 505/681-1593.
Native American Lakota star June 27-28 - 33RD TOPIC POWWOW Location: Prowse Farm - Canton, Massachusetts. Notes: Traditional PowWow. Contact: 781/294-1824, Email: evnsky@wmconnect.com.
Native American Lakota star June 27-28 - 9TH ANNUAL SHENANDOAH VALLEY POWWOW Location: Trading Post - Quicksburg, Virginia. Notes: Traditional PowWow. Non Competition Dance. Sat. 10am-8pm Sun.10am-6pm. $6.00FOR 12 years old and up, under 11 is free. Host Drum: Black Bear, Invited Drum: Cedar Tree, Arena Director: Micheal Nephew, MC: Clayton Old Elk, Head Man Dancer: Keith Tollett and Head Lady Dancer: Heather Moore McClaskey. Directions: Take Interstate 81 to exit 269(Shenandoah Caverns exit). Turn west off the exit and right into the first driveway. Contact: 540/477-9616, Email: sphoenix@shentel.net.
Native American Lakota star June 27-28 - 4TH MARTINSBURG POWWOW Location: Fair Grounds - Martinsburg, West Virginia. Notes: Traditional PowWow. Contact: 252/532-0821, Email: powwow@vance.net.
Native American Lakota star June 27-28 - 16TH JUNE FESTIVAL POWWOW Location: Kanatisiohareke Mohawk Community - Fonda, New York. Notes: Social / Benefit PowWow. Contact: 518/673-5356 or 405/206-1949, Website: www.mohawkcommunity.com, Email: rwhite@mohawkcommunity.com.
Native American Lakota star June 27-28 - 7TH PASADENA POWWOW Location: William Carey International University - Pasadena, California. Notes: Traditional PowWow. Contact: 818/870-0000, Email: bbrightcloud@hotmail.com.
Native American Lakota star June 27-28 - 8TH MENDING THE SACRED HOOP POWWOW Location: Cal Zorn Park - Tecumseh, Michigan. Notes: Traditional PowWow. Contact: 517/263-3233 or 517/436-3589, Email: lehnahweh@msn.com.
In an effort to raise awareness for lingering racism and equality issues in Hollywood for Native Americans, Ticci Man Project is gathering hundreds of stars and dignitaries together and showcasing the world’s best talent from Native America with all charity proceeds benefiting several aspects of the native community.
Los Angeles, CA, June 09, 2009 --(PR.com)-- Ticci Man Project (TMP) is racking up major star power in an effort to raise respect, value, and equality for Native Americans in Hollywood. Among its quickly growing celebrity supporter list is comedian-actor Tim Allen of television's “Home Improvement” fame.
“We are bringing fun and excitement to Hollywood toward celebrating Native America—we want the industry and world to see what it’s been missing by all but excluding Native Americans as we raise stereotyping awareness. Mr. Allen, like so many Hollywood celebrities, is a true humanitarian who wants to help benefit millions of Native people by simply celebrating them and their culture in a positive and fun way while raising awareness—how cool is that,” said project sponsor Kon Ticci International president Zelan Bonn.
Proclaimed by the L.A. Times as the most famous Indian since Sitting Bull and Crazy Horse, Native American actor-activist Russell Means recently signed on as celebrity spokesperson. Means will be meeting with prominent leaders across Native America toward gaining major tribal, leadership, and financial supports.
“This is right up my alley. This is what Native America has been hoping for and needing for a long time and I am proud to be a key part of this project on behalf of all Native Americans. I thank everyone in Hollywood who are showing their support toward aiding Native Americans to find greater equality and voice in this industry and in America,” said Means. “This is going to help in many ways still unimaginable to most of us.”
Native producer-director-actor Georgina Lightning, known for her work in Ghosts from the Heartland and shows like West Wing, has also agreed to take on the role of official spokesperson for the project.
“We still have some strong racism and discrimination issues in Hollywood for Native Americans and I love the idea this project will draw some awareness for that through a positively charged series of events that showcase just how great and talented Native Americans are—kudos to all the warm hearted Hollywood celebrities generously pitching in to help both Native Americans and our industry toward redemption—this just shows how great our celebrity class really is,” said Lightning. “You have no idea how much this project means to Native Americans—that the celebrity class in Hollywood is trying to help us now.”
The crown jewel event is TMP’s Celebrity Festival For Native America, a glamorous red carpet theater, film, award event that will feature some of the best talent Native America has to offer. A star studded audience is expected to include a variety of world dignitaries starting with President Obama and New Mexico's Governor Bill Richardson.
A key component of the Native talent showcasing aspect is the upcoming “Koto and the Ticci Man” film and “Ticci Man” network series that will feature the first ever Indian superhero portrayed by a Native American. Imajilan Pictures™ has pledged a portion of all proceeds to TMP. The entertainment projects already have a growing fan base in over 23 countries, say producers.
“Americans and Indians both want to see an iconic, modern-day Indian hero—and Native people of the globe want to see if Hollywood will support them in their fight for greater equality and voice,” said producer David Skinner. “It’s a very fun and exciting time to be a Hollywood celebrity, to be able to so easily demonstrate humanitarian support for American Indians, and even global Natives, without having to leave home.”
At last count, TMP has invited over 270 celebrities to endorse support for the project toward a show of Hollywood solidarity in aiding Native Americans find more social and industry equality. Those endorsing will receive coveted invitations to the exclusive Celebrity Festival charity event where seats are expected to range from $2,500 to as much as $10,000.
“We’re going to have some unique and rare entertainment from Native America that most people never have the privilege to witness—really a once in a lifetime treat for those lucky enough to attend,” said Tom Bee, entertainment coordinator. “These top performers will give all their hearts to this because it means so much for all Native Americans that Hollywood is finally helping them gain industry respect,” he said.
Current plans are to hold the event in late summer or early fall in the famed Kodak Theater but have not been formalized as yet. All proceeds benefit TMP’s line-up of Native America aid projects, including language preservation, museum and cultural center assistance, media and film scholarship programs, Native cultures road show, and more.
A major Native American art contest will culminate in bringing one lucky winner to Hollywood to paint a wall-sized edition of the winning entry. A week of invitation only celebrity photo-shoots and art signings will culminate with the historical painting being permanently housed in the newly built American Indian Museum and Cultural Center in Oklahoma—celebrity signatures will be on display for generations and officially cemented in Hollywood, Native American, and US history books.
“This is a very high honor that is being bestowed on select Hollywood celebrities from the Native American community and perspective so it should be given the weight and dignity it deserves,” said Means. “This is a great honor for everyone involved and shows how far both Hollywood and Native America have progressed toward coming together.”
Other TMP events include a charity auction and gourmet diner that will include sample taste-treat dishes of authentic Native American cuisine and various authentic crafted gifts and prizes.
The heart-warming project is designed toward making amends for 100 years of film and television racism and discrimination that was once plied on Native Americans, focusing instead on celebrating the beauty of Native America. Donations can be made online. Learn more at: www.ticciman.com / www.konticci.org.
Company Information: The Ticci Man Project is hosted by Kon Ticci International, a pending 501 (c) (3) nonprofit based in San Diego, CA, lead by president Zelan Bonn with key advisors Roger Peterson, CPA and Russell Means, Georgina Lightning, and a growing volunteer staff.
An exhibition on the life and times of Sitting Bull opens this week at the Vapriikki Museum in Tampere. It will run from June 12 through November 8.
The exhibition provides insights into the culture of the Plains Indians, as well as the changes this culture has undergone, through the life story of Sitting Bull.
Sitting Bull, a Lakota Indian, is perhaps one of history’s most famous Native American chiefs. His reputation was beefed up by the rising press of the day, which made him something of a superstar of his time.
The museum says it expects the exhibition to be its star attraction this summer.
“The exhibition on Sitting Bull is our largest expo to date. We’ve been looking to feature the culture of Native Americans for years,” says Tähtitalvikki Poikajärvi of Vapriikki.
The exhibition will be opened by Ernie LaPointe, the great-grandson of Sitting Bull, at Vapriikki on Thursday evening. He will share the traditional way of living of Lakota Indians, who are part of the larger Sioux tribe.
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