Bill Creates Native American Heritage Day, Friday After Thanksgiving - NAPT October News
PRESIDENT SIGNS BACA BILL CREATING NATIVE AMERICAN HERITAGE DAY 2008
Submitted by Mark Reed
Friday after Thanksgiving Will Now Be Designated as Day of Tribute
Washington, DC - Earlier this week President Bush signed into law legislation introduced by Congressman Joe Baca (D-Rialto), to designate the Friday after Thanksgiving as Native American Heritage Day.
The Native American Heritage Day Bill, H.J. Res. 62, is supported by the National Indian Gaming Association (NIGA) and 184 federally recognized tribes, and designates Friday, November 28, 2008, as a day to pay tribute to Native Americans for their many contributions to the United States.
"I am pleased the President took quick action on signing this legislation, which recognizes the importance of Native Americans to our history and culture," said Rep. Baca. "It is critical we honor the contributions of Native Americans and ensure all Americans are properly educated on their heritage and many achievements."
The Native American Heritage Day Bill encourages Americans of all backgrounds to observe Friday, November 28, as Native American Heritage Day, through appropriate ceremonies and activities. It also encourages public elementary and secondary schools to enhance student understanding of Native Americans by providing classroom instruction focusing on their history, achievements, and contributions.
As a state Assemblyman, Rep. Baca introduced the legislation that established the fourth Friday of September as Native American Day in California - which became state law in 1998.
H.J. Res. 62 was originally passed by the House of Representatives on November 13, 2007. The bill was passed with technical adjustments by unanimous consent in the U.S. Senate on September 22, 2008. Then, on September 26, 2008, the House of Representatives unanimously voted to pass the legislation again, this time including the adjustments from the Senate. The legislation was signed into public law by the President on October 8, 2008.
"This law will help to preserve the great history and legacy of Native Americans," added Rep. Baca. "Native Americans and their ancestors have played a vital role in the formation of our nation. They have fought with valor and died in every American war dating back to the Revolutionary War, and deserve this special acknowledgement."
"Since my time in the California State Legislature, I have fought to ensure Native Americans receive the recognition they deserve," continued Rep. Baca. "After introducing the legislation that established Native American Day in California, I am proud to have introduced and passed the legislation that creates a national day of recognition.
I thank my good friend James Ramos, now Chairman of the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians, for standing with me from the beginning on this long journey to ensure the contributions of Native Americans are recognized and appreciated by all."
Navajo Woman Featured in Documentary Goes To Capitol Hill To Lobby For Uranium Cleanup By Her Home
Elsie Cly Begay, a Navajo woman from Monument Valley, Utah, asked congressional leaders and the Environmental Protection Agency during a screening last month on Capitol Hill when they are going to clean up uranium beside her home.
Begay was one of several members of the Cly family featured in the documentary, The Return of Navajo Boy, a story about the return of a 1950s film reel to the Navajo family that was featured in the '50s film. The documentary also explores adoption issues, as the Cly family searches for and finds the youngest member of the family, and problems with a former nearby uranium mine.
Produced by Jeff Spitz with the help of Bennie Klain (Navajo), The Return of Navajo Boy was funded by NAPT and aired on PBS in 2000. A 15-minute epilogue was created this year to update audiences on Begay's plight with uranium.
"I want people to know how uranium has affected us," Begay said during the Sept. 24 screening hosted by Reps. Tom Udall (D-NM), Rick Renzi (R-AZ), Jim Matheson (D-UT) and Navajo Nation's Washington Office. "That's why I travel with this documentary film.
"The EPA has come up with a five-year plan to clean up Cold War uranium contamination on the Navajo Nation, but Begay's property wasn't initially included in the plan.
Andy Schneider, chief health counsel for the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, said in an email that the EPA will assess Begay's property in November "and, if they find that it is hazardous, they will develop a plan for remediation."
After the film was shown to the EPA, the EPA in 2001 paid for the demolition of her former home, a hogan, which was made with uranium-contaminated mud.
For more information about The Return of Navajo Boy, click here.
First Nations And NVision Recruiting For Colorado LEAD Program
Deadline October 22, 2008
The Leadership & Entrepreneurial Apprentice Development Program is a unique opportunity for motivated individuals seeking to create a stronger future for tribal organizations. The goal of the program is to support the growth of future American Indian nonprofit leaders by educating and training emerging leaders in Native nonprofit management.
Emerging Native professionals who are interested in professional development, mentorship and leadership training opportunities will be selected for the year-long program. To learn more, or to apply to be a Colorado LEAD fellow, please go to the website: www.firstnations.org
Slamdance Film Festival Call For Entries
October 10, 2008 The Slamdance Film Festival is dedicated to new filmmakers. They accept films in every genre, on any topic from every country around the world.
The Slamdance mission is to bring attention to the most talented emerging filmmakers, showcasing their work in the media frenzy of festival week in Park City, Utah. For more information, please visit the website at:
www.slamdance.com/festival/index.html
Ninth Annual 'Media That Matters' Film Festival Call For Entries
Deadline January 9, 2009
Media That Matters is the premier showcase for short films with big messages. Submit your short films, preferably under 12 minutes, but under 8 is even better. All genres (documentary, animation, PSA, narrative, music videos, etc.) are welcome.
The cash prize is $1,000 per film. All submission materials must be postmarked by January 9th, 2009. Check website for more details:
www.mediathatmatters/fest.org/submit
Making Your Media Matter Conference
February 12 & 13, 2009
For the 5th year, The Center For Social Media is hosting its annual Making Your Media Matter conference. The conference is for established and aspiring filmmakers, non-profit communications leaders, funders, and students looking to learn and share cutting-edge practices for creating media that matters.
Information on past conferences is currently available on their website:
www.centersformedia.org/resources/making_your_media_matter
TO SUBMIT an ARTICLE, OPINION PIECE, COMMENTS to the Native Unity Digest, e-mail bobbieo@digitaldune.net.
NATIVE UNITY - A place for Native American Peoples to solidify their tribes to make a positive impact on the cultural, social, economic and political fabric of American society and a place for non-Natives to better understand the ways of the American Indian.
ATT: NEW - News Blog - American Indian Report - AIR BLOG
http://falmouth-air.blogspot.com
'NYT Profiles Northern Arapaho Language Preservation Efforts'
NATIVE ISSUES BLOG
Professor Robert J. Miller
http://lawlib.lclark.edu/blog/native_america/
AIROS NATIVE NETWORK plays music, news and other great programs from Indian Country - www.airos.org
FOR ANNIE'S NATIVE CELEBRITY NEWS - go to www.nativecelebs.com
CATCH COLORADAN PETER JONES AT:
http://indigenousissuestoday.blogspot.com
SUPPORTING NATIVE AMERICAN/FIRST PEOPLE - ARTISTS, FILM MAKERS, ENTERTAINERS, ETC. http://www.krystynmedia.blogspot.com.
Submitted by Mark Reed
Friday after Thanksgiving Will Now Be Designated as Day of Tribute
Washington, DC - Earlier this week President Bush signed into law legislation introduced by Congressman Joe Baca (D-Rialto), to designate the Friday after Thanksgiving as Native American Heritage Day.
The Native American Heritage Day Bill, H.J. Res. 62, is supported by the National Indian Gaming Association (NIGA) and 184 federally recognized tribes, and designates Friday, November 28, 2008, as a day to pay tribute to Native Americans for their many contributions to the United States.
"I am pleased the President took quick action on signing this legislation, which recognizes the importance of Native Americans to our history and culture," said Rep. Baca. "It is critical we honor the contributions of Native Americans and ensure all Americans are properly educated on their heritage and many achievements."
The Native American Heritage Day Bill encourages Americans of all backgrounds to observe Friday, November 28, as Native American Heritage Day, through appropriate ceremonies and activities. It also encourages public elementary and secondary schools to enhance student understanding of Native Americans by providing classroom instruction focusing on their history, achievements, and contributions.
As a state Assemblyman, Rep. Baca introduced the legislation that established the fourth Friday of September as Native American Day in California - which became state law in 1998.
H.J. Res. 62 was originally passed by the House of Representatives on November 13, 2007. The bill was passed with technical adjustments by unanimous consent in the U.S. Senate on September 22, 2008. Then, on September 26, 2008, the House of Representatives unanimously voted to pass the legislation again, this time including the adjustments from the Senate. The legislation was signed into public law by the President on October 8, 2008.
"This law will help to preserve the great history and legacy of Native Americans," added Rep. Baca. "Native Americans and their ancestors have played a vital role in the formation of our nation. They have fought with valor and died in every American war dating back to the Revolutionary War, and deserve this special acknowledgement."
"Since my time in the California State Legislature, I have fought to ensure Native Americans receive the recognition they deserve," continued Rep. Baca. "After introducing the legislation that established Native American Day in California, I am proud to have introduced and passed the legislation that creates a national day of recognition.
I thank my good friend James Ramos, now Chairman of the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians, for standing with me from the beginning on this long journey to ensure the contributions of Native Americans are recognized and appreciated by all."
Navajo Woman Featured in Documentary Goes To Capitol Hill To Lobby For Uranium Cleanup By Her Home
Elsie Cly Begay, a Navajo woman from Monument Valley, Utah, asked congressional leaders and the Environmental Protection Agency during a screening last month on Capitol Hill when they are going to clean up uranium beside her home.
Begay was one of several members of the Cly family featured in the documentary, The Return of Navajo Boy, a story about the return of a 1950s film reel to the Navajo family that was featured in the '50s film. The documentary also explores adoption issues, as the Cly family searches for and finds the youngest member of the family, and problems with a former nearby uranium mine.
Produced by Jeff Spitz with the help of Bennie Klain (Navajo), The Return of Navajo Boy was funded by NAPT and aired on PBS in 2000. A 15-minute epilogue was created this year to update audiences on Begay's plight with uranium.
"I want people to know how uranium has affected us," Begay said during the Sept. 24 screening hosted by Reps. Tom Udall (D-NM), Rick Renzi (R-AZ), Jim Matheson (D-UT) and Navajo Nation's Washington Office. "That's why I travel with this documentary film.
"The EPA has come up with a five-year plan to clean up Cold War uranium contamination on the Navajo Nation, but Begay's property wasn't initially included in the plan.
Andy Schneider, chief health counsel for the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, said in an email that the EPA will assess Begay's property in November "and, if they find that it is hazardous, they will develop a plan for remediation."
After the film was shown to the EPA, the EPA in 2001 paid for the demolition of her former home, a hogan, which was made with uranium-contaminated mud.
For more information about The Return of Navajo Boy, click here.
First Nations And NVision Recruiting For Colorado LEAD Program
Deadline October 22, 2008
The Leadership & Entrepreneurial Apprentice Development Program is a unique opportunity for motivated individuals seeking to create a stronger future for tribal organizations. The goal of the program is to support the growth of future American Indian nonprofit leaders by educating and training emerging leaders in Native nonprofit management.
Emerging Native professionals who are interested in professional development, mentorship and leadership training opportunities will be selected for the year-long program. To learn more, or to apply to be a Colorado LEAD fellow, please go to the website: www.firstnations.org
Slamdance Film Festival Call For Entries
October 10, 2008 The Slamdance Film Festival is dedicated to new filmmakers. They accept films in every genre, on any topic from every country around the world.
The Slamdance mission is to bring attention to the most talented emerging filmmakers, showcasing their work in the media frenzy of festival week in Park City, Utah. For more information, please visit the website at:
www.slamdance.com/festival/index.html
Ninth Annual 'Media That Matters' Film Festival Call For Entries
Deadline January 9, 2009
Media That Matters is the premier showcase for short films with big messages. Submit your short films, preferably under 12 minutes, but under 8 is even better. All genres (documentary, animation, PSA, narrative, music videos, etc.) are welcome.
The cash prize is $1,000 per film. All submission materials must be postmarked by January 9th, 2009. Check website for more details:
www.mediathatmatters/fest.org/submit
Making Your Media Matter Conference
February 12 & 13, 2009
For the 5th year, The Center For Social Media is hosting its annual Making Your Media Matter conference. The conference is for established and aspiring filmmakers, non-profit communications leaders, funders, and students looking to learn and share cutting-edge practices for creating media that matters.
Information on past conferences is currently available on their website:
www.centersformedia.org/resources/making_your_media_matter
TO SUBMIT an ARTICLE, OPINION PIECE, COMMENTS to the Native Unity Digest, e-mail bobbieo@digitaldune.net.
NATIVE UNITY - A place for Native American Peoples to solidify their tribes to make a positive impact on the cultural, social, economic and political fabric of American society and a place for non-Natives to better understand the ways of the American Indian.
ATT: NEW - News Blog - American Indian Report - AIR BLOG
http://falmouth-air.blogspot.com
'NYT Profiles Northern Arapaho Language Preservation Efforts'
NATIVE ISSUES BLOG
Professor Robert J. Miller
http://lawlib.lclark.edu/blog/native_america/
AIROS NATIVE NETWORK plays music, news and other great programs from Indian Country - www.airos.org
FOR ANNIE'S NATIVE CELEBRITY NEWS - go to www.nativecelebs.com
CATCH COLORADAN PETER JONES AT:
http://indigenousissuestoday.blogspot.com
SUPPORTING NATIVE AMERICAN/FIRST PEOPLE - ARTISTS, FILM MAKERS, ENTERTAINERS, ETC. http://www.krystynmedia.blogspot.com.
posted by BobbieoAZ @ 6:27 PM
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