Powerful performances net recognition

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The fourth annual First Americans In The Arts award presentations were held in Beverly Hills, Calif., on Feb. 24. The awards show, which began as a small event in the back of a "Denny's-style" restaurant, has become high profile in Hollywood. This year the event was staged at the chic Beverly Hilton Hotel.

The Native American entertainment community turned out in full force and every ticket to the dinner and awards was sold. Media and fans lined the foyer to the ballroom taking photographs and autographs from the many celebrities present. Activist-turned-actor Russsell Means and actress Irene Bedard hosted the gala event.

The awards show is organized by First Americans In The Arts (FAITA), a non-profit organization, for the purpose of recognizing and honoring Native Americans in the entertainment industry. In keeping with FAITA's commitment to increase Native participation in the industry, a scholarship program has been established. The scholarships for this year were awarded to two deserving film students, Lansing John Dreamer who is attending Montana State University and Daniel Golding from San Francisco State University.

Even though the awards reflect the work from American productions, Canada's First Nation entertainers picked up 7 of the 20 awards presented. Crystle Lighting and her younger brother William, from Hobbema Alta., were the two youngest recipients. Crystle won her award for Outstanding Performance By An Actress In A Film, Three Ninja Knuckle Up and William for his role in the TNT film, Tecumseh.

Other Canadian First Nation actors receiving awards were Eric Schweig for his performance in the Disney movie, Tom and Huck and Adam Beach for Outstanding Performance by An Actor in the CBS TV Movie, My Indian Summer.

In the category for Outstanding Performance in a non-traditional role by an actor/actress Graham Greene won for his role in the motion picture, Die Hard With A Vengeance. Greene's competition was actor Wes Studi who was nominated for the action film, Heat. Studi later picked up an award for his role in the TV mini-series, Streets of Larado.

This year's Lifetime Musical Achievement Award was given to Buffy Sainte-Marie. Her musical career spans over three decades and countless awards, including an Oscar for the song, Up Where We Belong. Also noted was Sainte-Marie's unwavering commitment to helping Native youth and promoting healing for First Nation communities. Comedian Charlie Hill referred to her as a "real rez lady who made it all possible for everyone else."

Shania Twain, who's current album, The Woman In Me, has sold more than five million copies world-wide, won in the Outstanding Musical Achievement category. Unfortunately both Twain and Sainte-Marie were unable to attend.

Other award winners were: actress Elaine Miles and actor Apesanahkwat for their respective roles in the CBS series, Northern Exposure; Rodney Grant in the series Hawkeye; Litefoot for Indian In The Cupboard; Stephfanie Kramer for her performance in the NBC movie, Deceived By Trust; Sheila Tousey for her guest performance on Law and Order; Jane Lind in the theatrical production, Black Elk Speaks and Joshua Estrada in the theatrical performance, Spirit of Pocahontas.

The Mashantucket Pequot Nation received the Will Sampson Memorial Award and The Walt Disney Company was presented with the Humanitarian Award. Prima ballerina, Marie Tallchief, was the recipient of this year's Trustee Award.

Also on hand as award presenters were two of last year's recipients, Sekwan Auger and Lawrence Bayne.

One of the highlights of the evening was a film montage documenting Native Americans in films. The montage, put together by Bob Hicks and Arigon Starr, honored those actors who have paved the road in the industry, as well as those entertainers who continue to inspire audiences and increase the presence of Native Americans in films.

Each close up of an actor brought cheers and applause from the audience, especially when clip included Chief Dan George and Will Sampson. The gala event was brought to an end by the women a cappella group, Ulali, who brought down the house with their unique talent and humbled the audience with their powerful message about global humanity.

While performing their final song, "Going Home," Rita Coolidge and Michelle St. John joined Ulali on stage.