Native Arts Galore! Native Month!

Kent Mackenzie's The Exiles now available on DVD

View details, order DVD here with bonus shorts.


Native American events in Los Angeles here.





Screening and panel discussion, Alcatraz is not an Island will on November 23rd at UCLA, Haines A25 from 6 PM to 9 PM. Scheduled panelists: Duane Champagne, Deanna Rivera, Carole Goldberg, Troy Johnson and Chuck Narcho. Film: how this historic event altered U.S. Government Indian policy and programs, and how it forever changed the way Native Americans viewed themselves, their culture and their sovereign rights. The story of the occupation of Alcatraz is as complex and rich as the history of Native Americans. This documentary examines the personal sacrifices, tragedies, social battles and political injustices many Native Americans experienced under the United States Government's policies of assimilation, termination and relocation—all eventually leading to Alcatraz. Event presented by The American Indian Student Association, UCLA.


My film buddy and I attended a screening at the Echo Park Film Center (Tel: 213-484-8846). The series was called "The Collective Unconscious." These shorts were different and interesting. Definitely not of the mainstream variety. I liked: Mother of All Funk Chords (2008) by Ophir Kutiel; Alice Sees the Light (2006) by Ariana Gerstein; The Subconscious Art of Graffiti Removal (2001) by Matt McCormick – this was my favorite piece – tongue-in-cheek observances of graffiti – the "art" of covering it up; I Like You (2008) by Parichard Holms – timely subject on social behavior; the dark animation, Salad Finger (2005) by David Firth; The Gift (1992) by Sophie Muller.

The Tribal Learning Community & Educational Exchange (UCLA School of Law and American Indian Studies) will be hosting a series of guest speakers. Everyone is welcome to sit in on the discussions. For more info call 310-794-5216. Website: http://www.tlcee.ucla.edu
Tony Joe and Timothy Begay, Traditional Culture Program within the Navajo Nation Historic Preservation Department. Monday: November 16th at 2-3:20. Site: Broad 2100A
Robert G. Yazzie, Director, Diné Policy Institute and former Chief Justice of the Navajo Supreme Court. Wednesday, November 18th at 2-3:20. Site: Broad 2100A

Great Opportunity in the Entertainment Industry
Paid Summer Internships by The Emma Bowen Foundation

~Los Angeles AND ~ San Diego – to start during Winter Break 2009
The Emma Bowen Foundation is looking for you. Are you a High School Juniors, Seniors and College Freshmen? Do you enjoy television shows and movies? Are you curious about how programs and movies are put together? Do you like meeting new people? If you answer "Yes" to any of these questions, then the media sponsor would like to speak with you! ABOUT: The student selected will have a job each summer until they graduate from college. Student and sponsor determine the hours, and start and end dates of work each year. Generally, you will work from 9AM to 5PM during the 8 to 10 weeks of the internship each summer. During work hours you will be paid to do real work in the areas above, and also learn other areas of the company. Please refer to the Western Region Office of The Emma Bowen Foundation at 818-655-5708. More info and application is available on their website here. A Native who entered the Emma Bowen Foundation program was Michele Redberg. She graduated from the University of Minnesota and majored in Communications Studies. Her internship allowed her to work with CBS Corporation. This summer, she was appointed the Business Development and Research Coordinator at WCCO TV in Minneapolis. Congratulations to Ms. Redberg.

At the Intertribal Marketplace

Got reacquainted with Marilyn Kim (Navajo) who works for the Autry National Center in the Rights and Reproductions Department. I haven't seen her in a while. Our conversation turns to her relatives, Harry & Isabell Benally (Tel: 505-879-3913). Small world. Last year, I purchased a cedar sculpture from the couple. It sported one of my favorite iconic images or if-you-grew-up-Navajo-you-would-know, the Blue Bird Flour brand. This year, they brought out the big guns – very large cedar sculptures, painted and unpainted too.

When I look at silver jewelry, I skim over the whole piece, size, shape, alloy used and my family members knows that I favor unusual pieces. So I found a turqoise, silver hammered pair of earrings designed and handmade by Mary C. Teller who hails from Lukachukai, Arizona. (Tel: 928-787-2264) We have a fine discussion, she tells me of her p.o.v. as a designer and business owner. She spoke of retiring for the night, inspiration comes to her, she then quickly brings out the pen and paper to draw on. Her silver necklaces are made with a removable enhancer so you can change the look of the necklace by using other enhancers. This design aspect extends to her earrings too. Two-for-the-price-of-one.

It was great to see a young man receiving his first silver bracelet. He chose a slim bracelet with clean lines made with inland onyx stone. Nice. I can see a start of a collection here. It's never too early especially for a 12-year-old.

"We know the history that we share. It's a history marked by violence and disease and deprivation. Treaties were violated. Promises were broken. You were told your lands, your religion, your cultures, your languages were not yours to keep. And that's a history that we've got to acknowledge if we are to move forward."

President Barack Obama, November 5, 2009

Read the transcript here.

American Indian activist, Winona LaDuke (Mississippi Band Anishinaabeg) will be speaking on Wednesday, November 18 at 6 PM. CSU San Marcos, San Marcos, Ca. For more info call 760-750-4366.

Terry Gomez's play, Carbon Black is now playing with cast: Sheila Tousey (Menominee, Stockbridge Munsee), Tonantzín Carmelo (Tongva, Kumeyaay), Stephan Wolfert and Michael Drummond. About: Inspired by an outbreak of crime in Ms. Gomez's neighborhood, as well as the lingering culture of fear that has grown up in the wake of the September 11 terrorist attacks, Carbon Black illustrates what happens when life is distorted through the lens of local television news, and what the ramifications for individuals and society at large can be when the reaction to crime and violence, real or perceived, is denial and solitary confinement. Gripping, suspenseful psychological drama. PG-13.Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays at 8 PM. Matinees Saturdays and Sundays at 2 PM. Ends November 22, 2009. Visit website: www.NativeVoicesattheAutry.org Tickets: $12 Autry Members/$20 General Admission; Purchase tickets here.

Crystle Lightning (Cree) is casted (with Mike Horton, Michael Petted, Samantha Sloyan, Alex Weed) in Detentions of the Dead. Ends December 6th. Venue: Beverly Hills Playhouse Research Space, 254 S. Robertson Blvd., Beverly Hills, CA 90211. For more info call 310-358-9936. Yes, this play includes zombies.

~Pechanga Silver Feathers invites Elders to their Christmas Party on December 16th from 11 AM to 3 PM at the Pechanga Resort & Casino. Please RSVP Johnny Ruiz at 951-699-1642 no later than Dec 11th.
~Another event, the Barona's 9th Annual Native Senior's Luncheon will be held on November 19th from 11:30 AM to 2 PM. Barona Star Dome, Barona Resort Convention Center, One senior plus guest (no children). RSVP to Matthews at 619-443-6612 ext 273
by November 16th.

Great idea! The Native American Rights Fund wants you to celebrate Native American Heritage Month by hosting a Native Justice house party on American Indian Heritage Day, November 27, 2009. Get the kit
here.

Screening of "In the Light of Reverence" and "Gold Green and Genocide" Speaker: John Trudell (Lakota) on November 13th and 14th at UC Santa Barbara, Student Resource Bldg. Santa Barbara, Ca. Call for more info 805-403-6744.

Portland, Oregon

Attention LA - see how close the tracks are to the curb? See how organized the transit system is? Please someone bring sanity to the Los Angeles transit system - it needs an overhaul. Is the LA City Council listening? How 'bout that Mayor?







Arriving in Portland, Oregon was a welcome respite. The chance to spend time with a good friend whom I have not seen for several years. It also gave me the opportunity to meet Bob Miller, author of Native America, Discovered and Conquered (Thomas Jefferson, Lewis & Clark, and Manifest Destiny). Another to experience rain – it's way too dry in Los Angeles!

My friend was part of the many experienced professionals who descended upon Portland, namely to participate in the American Indian Science and Engineering Society's National conference. Deciding to volunteer was an easy decision. The process was streamlined with dedicated, friendly staff and volunteers. Later on, I met the head of the organization, Pamala Silas. The career fair had many engineering and science companies and governmental entities from the U.S. government agencies and tribal governments.

Meeting people is fun and interesting especially the ones who actually read my blog. So since I was in town, I made a caffeine appointment with Bob Miller. The Native law professor/writer was gracious to spare me some time in his busy calendar. I love to hear about people who are actively pursing their passion and sharing that with others. His works are no exception. If you want a point by point study of the Discovery Doctrine. Go to his website and purchase his book today. This is a nugget for everyone – Native or non Native. View Bob Miller's interview video here and
here.

Did you know that in Los Angeles County, sales tax has gone up to 9.75 percent? Imagine whatever you purchase even eating out – this is added to the bill. Yuck. In my wanderings in downtown Portland, Oregon. I met Debi with Portland Luggage (Tel: 503-641-3456). Nice stock. Whatever your desire in the travel world i.e. luggage, everything to go with that, ring her up. No sales tax. They'll even ship it to you. How do I know – I'm a satisfied customer.







Job Opportunity
Tribal Liaison/Policy Analyst Position at Office of National Drug Control Policy, The White House
The Office of Intergovernmental Public Liaison (OIPL) within the Executive Office of the President, Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP) is recruiting a Policy Analyst (Tribal Liaison) position. This position will provide advice and counsel regarding substance abuse enforcement, treatment, prevention and recovery needs in Indian Country. The Tribal Liaison will also be responsible for building and maintaining relationships with Tribes, as well as external national Indian organizations.

The position will assist the OIPL in coordinating all of ONDCP's activities related to state, local and tribal government, law enforcement officials, and outside organizations. In addition, the position will assist OIPL to ensure that the state, local and tribal perspective is taken into account in the establishment of policies, priorities, and objectives for the Nation's drug control program.

This position would report to the Associate Director of Intergovernmental Public Liaison. Applications will be accepted from United States citizens and nationals (residents of American Samoa and Swain Island). This is a Schedule A appointment in the excepted service and salary will be commensurate with experience.

This position requires the selectee to be at least 18 years old and be able to obtain and maintain an Executive Office of the President (EOP) favorable security determination as a prerequisite to employment. EOP's offer of employment is conditional until the selectee passes a drug screen, pre-employment security interviews, appropriate credit checks, a criminal background record and identification check, and the EOP exercises its discretion to grant the selectee a favorable security determination. Any employment offer EOP management extends prior to a favorable determination is merely tentative, and the EOP expressly reserves the right to rescind the tentative employment offer at any time before the selectee's start date. Also, EOP employees are eligible for benefits.

The United States Government does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, age, membership in an employee organization, or other non-merit factor. Federal agencies must provide reasonable accommodation to applicants with disabilities where appropriate. Applicants requiring reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process should contact the hiring agency directly. Determinations on requests for reasonable accommodation will be made on a case-by-case basis.

Resume and a cover letter should be facsimiled to 202-395-1147 or 202-395-6724 attention Briggitte LaFontant at ONDCP, Office of Management and Administration (OMA) by December 7, 2009.