8/30/07

San Francisco Celebrates American Indian Heritage Month

by Ricki Akiwenzie

The Friendship House is proud to report that the American Indian Cultural Event was a huge success in spite of the challenges brought on by the rain. The day started off with a blessing by two respected elders, Richard Moves Camp (Lakota) and Loraine Laiwa (Pomo). Local vendors also braved the weather and over 30 booths were filled by artisan selling crafts and organizations distributing information.

A few of the organizations in attendance included Native American AIDS Project, Native American Health Center, Wells Fargo Native Peoples California, and Washoe TANF Program.

The event also included a silent auction featuring fine artwork donated by talented American Indian artists such as Michael Horse, William Sitting Bull and Barry Brenard. The silent auction raised funds to support Friendship House programs and services.

The symposium inside City Hall was also well attended. San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsom sat down with American Indian leaders to discuss issues facing the American Indian community.

A few of those in attendance included Martin Waukazoo, CEO of the Native American Health Center, Joan Benoit, Executive Director of the Native American AIDS Project and Helen Waukazoo, CEO of the Friendship House.

At the request of both the Mayor and the entire group, the city will be focusing on building a community task force in order to conduct a thorough needs assessment of the American Indian community in the city and county of San Francisco, in order to discern how the city can better meet the needs of the community.

Following the symposium, Mayor Gavin Newsom then joined about 200 elders, children and dancers on the plaza for a special hoop dance performed by Eddie Madril in the Mayor's honor.

Mayor Gavin Newsom then presented a series of three awards. One award went to the late Gary Rhine and was accepted by his wife Irene Romero-Rhine and mother Shirley Rhine.

The second award went to Peter Bratt for his contributions to the arts.
And the third award went to the Native American Health Center for their excellent health services provided to the American Indian community.

This trio of awards will become the Annual Gary Rhine Awards to honor Gary Rhine, a renowned film maker and longtime friend of the Friendship House.

Helen Waukazoo then honored Mayor Gavin Newsom with a Star Quilt on behalf of the Friendship House. Megan Afshan, Aide to Congresswoman Nancy Pelosi, then read a letter on behalf of the Congresswoman congratulating the American Community for their success in bringing together this event.

Other speakers included Assessor Recorder Phil Ting and Native American Health Center Chief Executive Officer Martin Waukazoo.

KQED Broadcasting Corp. was also a strong partner in the success of the 2nd Annual American Indian Cultural Event.

Michael Isip, Executive Director of KQED, presented the KQED Bay Area Local Heroes Awards to three outstanding American Indian community members. Those individuals awarded were Myra Smith, Elizabeth Anne Parent, and Fount Mashburn.

Friendship House was also very excited to partner with Johnny Radzik, a well known film maker, and the BAY CAT organization to capture quality video footage of the entire event. The hope is to create a video and audio Public Service Announcement (PSA) to publicize and fund raise for the 3rd Annual American Indian Cultural Event.

Friendship House was delighted to collaborate with eleven companies and organizations to sponsor the event.

The sponsors included: AAA, Bear River Casino, Bridgeport Indian Colony, Buena Vista Rancheria of Me-Wuk Indians, Friends and Family of Gary Rhine, KQED, Middletown Rancheria, Native American Health Center, The Scarlet Sage Herb Co., Viejas Band of Kumeyaay Indians, and Wells Fargo Foundation.